The best Hacker News stories from Show from the past week
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Show HN: I made an app that consolidated 18 apps (doc, sheet, form, site, chat…)
Nino is a radical approach to solve the app chaos problem for today's knowledge worker. I believe there are still too many tools; even using them becomes work in itself. I'm building all these apps from scratch in one place, using the same database and UI, with the flexibility to eventually support the majority of work from one "superapp."<p>Currently there are 18 apps (called "modules") on Nino:<p>- Database types: Sheet, Form, Calendar, Gallery, Board, Todo, List<p>- Composition types: Doc, Slide, Drive, Notebook, Canvas, Grid, Blog, Site<p>- Communication types: Channel, Chat, Meet<p>I want to improve these modules and build more. Your feedback is important!<p>FAQ: How is it different from Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or startups like Notion and Clickup?<p>A: I <i>think</i> Nino has a better foundation to (1) consolidate a lot more apps than they currently do, (2) drastically improve speed with offline architecture, and (3) offer unmatched privacy and security with end-to-end encryption (coming soon)<p>Let me expand on these points:<p>1. Consolidation<p>In Nino, pages and blocks are interoperable with each other. Google and Microsoft still have mostly isolated apps. Nino is one (super)app that supports 18 modules, saving you time from switching and integrating between different providers.<p>2. Offline mode<p>This is actually more complex than it seems, but I ultimately decided it's worth it, not only for people who need to work without internet, but also for everyone else who want instant page load. Everything is saved locally by default.<p>3. End-to-end encryption (E2EE)<p>This is just a preview and not open to public yet, but is something I have been building alongside since day 1. In fact, it's likely not architecturally possible for existing products to add later on. Nino is built to offer both E2EE and cloud features (backup, search, collaboration).<p>One more thing: pages on Nino are also publishable! There are blog and site modules, but you can also publish other modules (i.e. sheet, board, canvas, etc.) on your custom domain or on a free nino.page subdomain.<p>Give it a try and let me know how it can improve. I want to hear from you.
Show HN: I made a tool to compare time zones
Show HN: I made a tool to compare time zones
Sit.
Happy New Year everyone. Now, please share with a friend who needs to sit the fuck down or enjoy the experience yourself.<p>Why I built it: <a href="https://sonnet.io/posts/sit/" rel="nofollow">https://sonnet.io/posts/sit/</a> and <a href="https://untested.sonnet.io/Projects+and+apps+I+built+for+my+own+well-being" rel="nofollow">https://untested.sonnet.io/Projects+and+apps+I+built+for+my+...</a>
Show HN: Ambiphone, no-nonsense ambient music and white noise
I built this free, no-nonsense white noise app. I know there are plenty of them out there already, but I wanted to make something beautiful and easy-to-use, without logins or ads or in-app purchases or any of the other stuff a lot of them have.<p>I appeared on The Economist's The Intelligence podcast [0] this week talking about Ambiphone and another ambient music project, Ambient ScotRail Beats [1] - I'm on at about 17:30<p>There's a big selection of music and sounds already but I'm always adding more - if there's anything you'd like to see added, let me know!<p>[0] <a href="https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2024/01/01/why-2024-could-be-the-biggest-year-for-democracy-yet" rel="nofollow">https://www.economist.com/podcasts/2024/01/01/why-2024-could...</a><p>[1] <a href="https://matteason.co.uk/scotbeats" rel="nofollow">https://matteason.co.uk/scotbeats</a>
Show HN: FrameOS – operating system for single function smart frames
Show HN: I built an open source web calendar inspired by the Google calendar
I love the looks and UX of the Google calendar. But I wanted to have a version I could use more freely in my own projects, still looking similar to the one from Google.
How to do OCR on a Mac using the CLI or just Python
Show HN: Resurrecting the Dillo browser
Hi, in mid 2022 the host dillo.org expired [0], taking down the website, mercurial repo, the mailing list and the email server used to reach the core developers of Dillo. Someone bought it and now serves a weird clone of the original page with missing content.<p>[0]: <a href="https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32448104">https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32448104</a><p>I felt sad as I didn't want it to die, so I got a copy of the repo from my hard disk, uploaded it to GitHub and decided to do some maintenance on the code to at least keep the build working. After some time, the folks at Atari Forum decided to use my repo to port it to the Atari platform and they managed to do it [1].<p>[1]: <a href="https://github.com/dillo-browser/dillo/issues/34">https://github.com/dillo-browser/dillo/issues/34</a><p>That gave me some motivation to work a bit more on the project to prevent it from dying. So I created an organization under the name of "dillo-browser" and made a new webpage [2] with a backup of the old one.<p>[2]: <a href="https://dillo-browser.github.io/" rel="nofollow">https://dillo-browser.github.io/</a><p>With the help of Andreas Kemnade which had access to the original server, we managed to backup most of the stuff from the original website (including non-reachable pages) which I uploaded to the Archive.<p>In the meanwhile, I combined the support for both OpenSSL (1.1 and 3) and mbedTLS (2 and 3) as well as proper CI with rendering tests. We now build Dillo for Ubuntu, FreeBSD and macOS!<p>I also became familiar with the plugin mechanism in Dillo, which allows any program that uses the standard input and output to become a plugin registered to a given protocol (like file://...). I did a simple one (which is just a bash script) to read local manual pages which is handy to follow links to other pages [3], but check also the ones Charles E. Lehner did which are more advanced [4].<p>[3]: <a href="https://github.com/dillo-browser/dillo-plugin-man">https://github.com/dillo-browser/dillo-plugin-man</a>
[4]: <a href="https://groups.google.com/g/dillo/c/WGEMg7AXN4o/" rel="nofollow">https://groups.google.com/g/dillo/c/WGEMg7AXN4o/</a><p>As of today, I'm unable to contact the main developer, Jorge Arellano Cid, which has not interacted with the mailing list for some years now. Jorge, if you read this, please contact with me (you can find my email in the git commits).<p>Regarding the future of Dillo, I'm planning to (finally) do the 3.1 release after some testing, and for that it would be convenient to have the help of some users to get some feedback ;-)<p>If you want to contribute, feel free to open a PR or send a patch (via GitHub or by email, I don't care). Check also the current issues and pull requests to see what is pending or already being working on. I will probably setup a mailing list at some point too.<p>Thanks!
Rodrigo.
Show HN: Cassette, a Personal Programming Language
I made this simple language over the past year, and it's time for me to say it's "done" (for now) and focus on other projects.<p>I've struggled to answer the question "what is this language for?" other than "it's just for me" — and that's probably good enough. But I also wanted to make something "complete" that others could use if they wanted to. Writing my own language was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I'd recommend everyone trying it.<p>Let me know if you have any questions or feedback, and please share your own experience if you've also made a language.
LinuxDAW – Quality audio software for Linux
I made/released this exactly one year ago today.<p>It's a simple webpage giving an overview over quality software that runs on Linux. It has search and filter to narrow down what you're looking for. Default sorting is latest additions so it can be used as a "news site". There is also a RSS feed available.<p>I needed this myself, so I used it as a pet project to upgrade my knownledge from Vue2 to Vue3.<p>Source code is ofc open and contributions/feedback is always welcome. <a href="https://codeberg.org/fractalf/linuxdaw.org" rel="nofollow">https://codeberg.org/fractalf/linuxdaw.org</a><p>Cheers!
Show HN: Inbox Zero – open-source email assistant
Clean Up Your Inbox In Minutes
Newsletter management, AI automation, and email analytics.
Inbox Zero is the open-source email app that puts you back in control of your inbox.
Show HN: Anytype – local-first, P2P knowledge management
Anytype is built on the open-source AnySync protocol: a local-first protocol based on CRDTs. Users of Anytype can create spaces - graph-based databases with modular UI. Each space has unique access rights. Today, Anytype's beta is in single-player mode. Multiplayer mode, which will support local-first collaboration between multiple users, will be launched in the first half of 2024.<p>Anytype fulfils the seven ideals of local first software from here - <a href="https://www.inkandswitch.com/local-first/" rel="nofollow">https://www.inkandswitch.com/local-first/</a> , our team felt these things are important to all of us:<p>• No spinners: your work at your fingertips. Anytype keeps the primary copy of each space on the local device. Data synchronization with other devices happens quietly in the background - allowing you to operate with your data at your fingertips.<p>• Your work is not trapped on one device. Users can easily work on different devices. Each device keeps data in local storage, synchronisation between devices happens in the background using CRDTs to resolve conflicts.<p>• The network is optional. Everything works offline. Data synchronization need not necessarily go via the Internet: AnySync allows users to sync data via local WiFi networks. Still, there is a role for the network - it works as additional backup, helps with peer discovery and especially solves the closed-laptop problem (you made changes on laptop, when your phone was offline, the changes can either sync when both devices are online or via backup node).<p>• Seamless collaboration with your colleagues. Achieving this goal is one of the biggest challenges in realizing local-first software, but we believe with CRDTs it's possible. AnySync supports it & we will release multiplayer version soon.<p>• The Long Now. Because you have a local-first application, you can use it on your computer even if the software author disappears. This is also strengthened by open data standards and open code.<p>• Security and privacy by default. AnySync uses end-to-end encryption so that backup nodes store encrypted data that they cannot read. Conflict resolution happens on-device. The keys are controlled by users.<p>• You retain ultimate ownership and control. Users control encryption keys; there is no central registry of users (we don’t ask even your email). We added an option to self-host your backup to support full autonomy of users from the network.
Show HN: Scan QR codes to check in guests registered via Google Forms
Hi HN!<p>I made a no-code platform for creating physical data collection apps, using QR codes [1].
It does not yet have a self-service config UI though, which limits adoption.<p>That's why I recently released a Google Forms™ add-on for QR code check-in, based on the platform. This focused use-case makes it easy to provide a fully self-service config UI.<p>How it works:<p>1. Create your Google Form as you normally would [2]<p>2. Activate the add-on if you hadn't already [3]<p>3. Craft a confirmation email to be sent to each form responder<p>Upon each form submission, the add-on will send a PDF with a unique QR code (a V4 UUID) to the responder.<p>Have guests present this code at the event, and record check-ins in bulk using the included QR scanner.<p>See here [4] for more information, or try the Google Sheets™ version [5] (which doesn't send email).<p>[1] <a href="https://admin.trak.codes/" rel="nofollow">https://admin.trak.codes/</a><p>[2] <a href="https://forms.google.com/" rel="nofollow">https://forms.google.com/</a><p>[3] <a href="https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/qr_code_ticket_for_attendance/9398047938" rel="nofollow">https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/qr_code_ticket_...</a><p>[4] <a href="https://blog.darkaa.com/qr-code-pass-per-response-google-forms-addon/" rel="nofollow">https://blog.darkaa.com/qr-code-pass-per-response-google-for...</a><p>[5] <a href="https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/qr_code_pass_for_attendance/1028329904752" rel="nofollow">https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/qr_code_pass_fo...</a>
Show HN: Rem: Remember Everything (open source)
An open source approach to locally record everything you view on your Apple Silicon computer.<p>Note: Relies on Apple Silicon, and configured to only produce Apple Silicon builds.<p>I think the idea of recording everything you see has the potential to change how we interact with our computers, and believe it should be open source.<p>Also, from a privacy / security perspective, this is like... pretty scary stuff, and I want the code open so we know for certain that nothing is leaving your laptop. Even logging to Sentry has the potential to leak private info.
Show HN: Whataaabout.com – unique activity ideas for the holiday break
Hi HN, I’ve been working on whataaabout.com with a friend, while learning to code. It's a fun little website for those short on time but seeking new experiences.
It started from a question, "when was the last time you did an experience you had never done before?". As human beings we need some degree of novelty, to expose ourselves to the unfamiliar and keep learning throughout our lives. So to add a spark to my daily routine and keep novelty coming my way, I started collecting ideas of interesting and unusual activities I’d like to try out sooner or later.
The main selection criteria is things that take a short amount of time and are not too demanding, nor location-specific. I organized them based on categories like uniqueness, humans involved, location, price, time required, and others.<p>I hope you like it, and I’d be happy to hear your thoughts, as well as any cool activity ideas you might have. Cheers!
Show HN: Weeks of Your Life
Hi! I made an interactive visualization of your life in weeks. Inspired by Tim Urban's Your Life in Weeks (Wait But Why) and Buster Benson's Life in Weeks.<p>Hopefully it's a fun thing to do together with family over the holidays.<p>I wrote about it on my digital garden: <a href="https://www.petemillspaugh.com/weeks-of-your-life" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.petemillspaugh.com/weeks-of-your-life</a><p>Any feedback is welcome. Top on my todo list is improving performance (reduce interaction lag).
Show HN: Weeks of Your Life
Hi! I made an interactive visualization of your life in weeks. Inspired by Tim Urban's Your Life in Weeks (Wait But Why) and Buster Benson's Life in Weeks.<p>Hopefully it's a fun thing to do together with family over the holidays.<p>I wrote about it on my digital garden: <a href="https://www.petemillspaugh.com/weeks-of-your-life" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.petemillspaugh.com/weeks-of-your-life</a><p>Any feedback is welcome. Top on my todo list is improving performance (reduce interaction lag).
Show HN: An open-source, self-hostable synced narration platform for ebooks
Hi, I made a thing! This is by far the most work I've ever sunk into a side project; I've been working on this thing for over two years, and I'm super proud of it, even though there's still a lot more to do!<p>Storyteller is a self-hosted platform for ebooks with synced narration. This is basically self-hosted WhisperSync, for anyone familiar with that Amazon product.<p>It's currently made up of two self-hostable backend systems and a mobile app for reading and listening to the books it produces. Technically it uses an open spec, EPUB 3's "Media Overlay", for syncing the narration, but very few ebook apps actually support Media Overlays, and even fewer work well and have nice interfaces.<p>The mobile app is available on the Apple App Store as "Storyteller Reader", and I plan to release it for Android as well early next year.<p>Anyway, I hope someone finds this interesting or useful!
Show HN: An open-source, self-hostable synced narration platform for ebooks
Hi, I made a thing! This is by far the most work I've ever sunk into a side project; I've been working on this thing for over two years, and I'm super proud of it, even though there's still a lot more to do!<p>Storyteller is a self-hosted platform for ebooks with synced narration. This is basically self-hosted WhisperSync, for anyone familiar with that Amazon product.<p>It's currently made up of two self-hostable backend systems and a mobile app for reading and listening to the books it produces. Technically it uses an open spec, EPUB 3's "Media Overlay", for syncing the narration, but very few ebook apps actually support Media Overlays, and even fewer work well and have nice interfaces.<p>The mobile app is available on the Apple App Store as "Storyteller Reader", and I plan to release it for Android as well early next year.<p>Anyway, I hope someone finds this interesting or useful!