HackerNoon Technology Polls

Meta and Microsoft want federal approval to start buying and reselling electricity—arguing it will speed up the construction of new power plants needed for their AI-hungry data centers. Apple already has similar approval. Supporters say tech giants can help build the extra capacity the grid needs. Critics worry it's less about public good and more about securing cheaper, more reliable power for themselves as their energy demands explode.

A $599 “smart toilet” from Kohler Health now scans your waste to assess hydration and wellness, sending results to an app for $7/month. With similar products from Toto and Withings on the way, are we entering a new era of personalized health—or just overcomplicating the bathroom?

Hey fellow technical writers, what's the hardest part of writing right now? Whether you're writing about code, startups, AI, or something else entirely… what's the thing you keep getting stuck on?

AI has been a major force in seemingly every career field. Now, it seems to have set its eyes somewhere else: Hollywood.

iPhone 17 Pro just dropped and it’s wild. The screen hits 3000 nits — you can actually use it outside. Every rear camera is 48MP now, even the zoom one, so 8x optical shots look insane. Front camera? 18MP with AI that follows your face like it’s in love with you. Battery lasts 33 hours of video. No more “low battery” panic at 9 PM. A19 Pro chip stays cool under pressure, and it starts at 256GB. Oh, and it comes in Cosmic Orange — yeah, it’s loud on purpose.

While OpenAI is already integrating apps directly into the ChatGPT interface and redefining how users interact with AI, Apple's recent moves suggests the company is finally taking the tech seriously. The company’s strength still lies in its vast ecosystem and ability to blend hardware, software, and privacy into one experience. But with competitors constantly breaking new ground, has Apple missed its window — or is its timing just right?

The battle for the AI-powered smart home has intensified with recent announcements from Google and Amazon. Both companies are rolling out next-generation, conversational AI assistants to create a more intelligent and proactive home environment. Which of these new smart home ecosystems are you more excited about?

AI is now the axis of the tech industry. The question is: which force will shape its future the most?

Silicon Valley is increasingly investing in RL environments —simulated “training grounds” where AI agents can perform multi-step tasks rather than just learning from static datasets. These environments allow agents to use tools, interact with software, and adapt to unexpected behaviors. But there are trade-offs: cost, complexity, risk of “reward hacking,” and questions about whether scaling will be feasible.