Hacker News
1uBlock Origin is no longer available on the Chrome Store
- uBlock Origin is a highly efficient content blocker extension for Chrome with over 38 million users. It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious URLs while being easy on system resources. The extension is free, open-source, and comes pre-configured with multiple filter lists while allowing users to customize blocking rules according to their needs.
Chrome alternatives
Users discuss switching from Chrome to Firefox, with many reporting successful transitions despite minor compatibility issues. Some note resistance from others due to habit, while Firefox's privacy features and extension support are highlighted.uBlock Origin Lite
Discussion of the Manifest v3-compatible uBlock Origin Lite extension, with users debating its effectiveness compared to the original. Some find it adequate for basic needs, while others criticize it as a compromised solution.Google's motivations
Users criticize Google's claims about improving privacy/security, arguing the real motivation is protecting ad revenue. Discussion includes calls for antitrust action and comparisons to other browsers' policies.
2Go European: Discover European products and services
- Go European is a platform that aims to help users explore and discover various European products and services.
European tech independence
Discussion about Europe developing its own tech ecosystem independent from US, with focus on funding challenges, cultural differences in risk-taking, and need for better investment in European startupsBrexit and UK-EU relations
Debate about UK's continued role in European market post-Brexit, with general sentiment supporting continued UK-Europe cooperation despite political challengesConsumer choices and local alternatives
Discussion about practical challenges of choosing European/local alternatives over US companies like Amazon, weighing factors like price differences, convenience, and quality of service
3Tesla created secret team to suppress driving range complaints (2023)
- Tesla created a "Diversion Team" to cancel service appointments from customers complaining about poor driving range, while the company intentionally programmed its cars to show optimistic range estimates. The vehicles often delivered less than advertised range, leading to widespread customer complaints and regulatory scrutiny.
Range estimates vs reality
Discussion focuses on discrepancies between Tesla's advertised range and real-world performance, with most owners reporting 70-85% of advertised range in normal conditions and significantly less in cold weather or uphill drivingTesla service experience
Users share negative experiences with Tesla service, including long wait times, dismissive responses, poor communication, and frequent need for repairs. Many describe difficulty getting issues addressed through app-only schedulingSoftware development practices
Debate about Tesla's software development processes, with confirmation they use GitHub Enterprise but questions about quality control, PR reviews, and deployment practices for car software updates
4Performance of the Python 3.14 tail-call interpreter
- The article discusses how CPython's new bytecode interpreter implementation initially showed impressive 10-15% performance improvements, but these gains were later found to be primarily due to working around a regression in LLVM 19. When tested against better baselines, the actual performance gain was only 1-5%. The author investigates this discrepancy through extensive benchmarking and analysis, ultimately viewing it as a case study in the challenges of performance engineering and benchmarking.
Performance benchmarking challenges
Discussion of how difficult it is to accurately benchmark performance improvements, with examples of misleading results due to code layout, compiler optimizations, and CPU cache effects. Need for rigorous testing across environments emphasized.Tail call interpreter impact
The Python core developer's acknowledgment that actual performance gains were 1-5% rather than 10-15%, but community's supportive response noting this is still significant and the implementation brings other benefits.C language abstraction
Discussion about how C is not truly "close to the machine" or "portable assembly" as modern compilers can drastically change code logic while maintaining observable behavior, making low-level optimization difficult.
5Ecosia is teaming up with Qwant to build a European search index
- Ecosia and Qwant are collaborating to create the European Search Perspective, building their own search index launching in 2025 for French and German searches. This initiative aims to promote digital sovereignty in Europe and provide a transparent, privacy-focused database for future AI technologies.
Trustworthiness of Qwant
Concerns about Qwant's ties to Axel Springer publisher and potential privacy issues. Multiple users warn about Qwant's history of failed promises and questionable management, though new ownership under OVH noted.European search independence
Discussion of Europe's efforts to reduce dependence on US tech through initiatives like GOOD search and Ecosia, with debates about whether European alternatives can be trusted with privacy vs US services.Kagi business model
Examination of Kagi's sustainable niche business approach as a paid search engine, with users praising its quality despite small size and discussing how it benefits from not being a target for SEO manipulation.
6I've been using Claude Code for a couple of days
- Claude Code proves to be a powerful coding assistant that surpasses competitors in fixing legacy bugs and handling complex tasks, despite its basic interface. Though experimental, it demonstrates Anthropic's leadership in AI development and understanding of practical coding applications.
Cost and efficiency concerns
Debate over Claude Code's costs ($0.73-$20+) vs value delivered, with users divided on whether the higher costs of autonomous operation are justified compared to cheaper but more manual alternatives like AiderAI coding reliability
Discussion of LLMs' ability to write reliable code, with many developers reporting mixed results - useful for simple tasks but struggling with complex multi-file changes and prone to introducing bugsWorkflow approaches
Developers sharing different strategies for effectively using AI coding tools, from treating them as junior devs to using them only for specific tasks like architectural discussions or single-file changes
7Apple Exclaves
- The text discusses the evolution of Apple's operating system security, focusing on the transition from traditional monolithic kernels to more secure architectures. It details how Apple has implemented various security measures, particularly the new "exclaves" feature, which isolates critical system resources to protect them even if the main kernel is compromised.
Steve Jobs' legacy and philosophy
Discussion of how Jobs viewed privacy as fundamental, with many missing his human touch and commitment to user-centric design, while debating whether Apple's privacy focus was genuine or marketing-driven.Technical implementation of exclaves
Detailed discussion of how Apple implemented exclaves using hardware virtualization, SPTM, and processor privilege levels, compared to alternatives like TrustZone, and implications for system security.Apple ecosystem debate
Contrasting views on Apple's "locked down" approach - critics see it as overly restrictive, while supporters value the security, reliability and UX benefits despite reduced customization options.
8Canon EF and RF Lenses – All Autofocus Motors
- The author announces they have created an e-book that covers the complete history of autofocus motor technologies used in Canon's EF and RF lens systems over the past four decades.
Camera autofocus evolution
Modern cameras use AI and on-sensor detection for advanced autofocus, with features like eye tracking and face recognition. Earlier DSLRs used simpler methods like closest point focus, with dedicated AF sensors having limited focus points.Motor noise and animals
Early Ring USM autofocus motors produced ultrasonic noise that could disturb animals, particularly dogs. Later USM motors became quieter and more pet-friendly.Technical documentation quality
The article's detailed technical explanations and high-quality illustrations received praise from readers, with many appreciating the depth of information about Canon lens technology.
9Bispecific antibodies potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Treatment vs vaccine distinction
Detailed explanation of how antibody treatments differ from vaccines - antibodies provide immediate but temporary protection while vaccines train immune system for longer-term defense, though both ultimately involve antibodies binding to virus proteinsScientific methodology
Discussion of transgenic mice use in COVID research and related political controversy around scientific studies, with debate about interpretation of hormone/gender research fundingPaper presentation
Conversation about the importance of high-quality figures in biology papers for publication success, with researchers noting significant time investment in creating aesthetic diagrams
10Music labels will regret coming for the Internet Archive, sound historian says
- Internet Archive's Great 78 Project serves as a vital historical archive, offering researchers access to 78 RPM recordings and their physical details. Despite music publishers' claims of wide availability, these records are rare and hold unique historical value beyond just their audio content.
Record labels' regret
Debate over whether record companies will regret destroying archived music. Most argue labels are profit-driven entities incapable of regret, while some say individual employees may feel remorse over lost cultural heritage.Data preservation challenges
Discussion of how corporate policies and staff turnover lead to loss of important data/files. Examples from entertainment industry show how short-term thinking results in permanent loss of digital assets.Internet Archive's future
Concerns about Internet Archive's survival amid lawsuits, debate over proper archival approaches, and discussion of potential lawsuit-proof alternatives for preserving digital cultural heritage.