The Roundup
Everything you missed this past week on Product Hunt: Top products, spicy community discourse, key trends on the site, and long-form pieces we’ve recently published.
Super-fast backend development is here
Two new product launches have arrived to speed up backend development.
Sourcery debuted its tool that essentially works as a Grammarly for code tool. In other words, it analyzes your code, finds problems, and suggests changes for making it easier to read.
One commenter seeking information on how Sourcery makes accurate code edits got this reply from maker Nick Thapen.
If you’re starting a new project, you might first look at the beta launch of Napkin, a production-ready, browser-based, backend development tool.
Developers spend countless hours setting up their backend infrastructure. Napkin works to remove all of that tedious and repetitive work. Napkin’s maker, Thomas Wang, explained his and his cofounders’ vision is to make the power of computing available for everyone, without having to become a professional software developer.
Online IDEs (integrated development environments) like Repl.it do provide some conveniences to devs, but Wang explained Napkin’s next-generation approach.
Sourcery debuted its tool that essentially works as a Grammarly for code tool. In other words, it analyzes your code, finds problems, and suggests changes for making it easier to read.
One commenter seeking information on how Sourcery makes accurate code edits got this reply from maker Nick Thapen.
“Firstly bucketloads of internal testing around each suggestion, secondly lots of detailed static analysis of the code, and as a backstop we run all of our suggestions over lots of open-source libraries then check that their tests are still green...”
Sourcery can be installed into PyCharm, VS Code, or your GitHub repos, and it works fully locally so your code is always private.If you’re starting a new project, you might first look at the beta launch of Napkin, a production-ready, browser-based, backend development tool.
Developers spend countless hours setting up their backend infrastructure. Napkin works to remove all of that tedious and repetitive work. Napkin’s maker, Thomas Wang, explained his and his cofounders’ vision is to make the power of computing available for everyone, without having to become a professional software developer.
Online IDEs (integrated development environments) like Repl.it do provide some conveniences to devs, but Wang explained Napkin’s next-generation approach.
“Our goal was to differentiate early, to fit in neatly with all the modern API's, libraries, and frontend frameworks/clients. We don't want to replace, we want to complement.”
And early adopters are taking note.“This would've made the learning process for a younger me so much less intimidating… I think we'll see an explosion of ideas manifest on Napkin… 🥳: - Jonathan Xu
“I have 0 backend experience but I've already managed to make a discord bot, slack app… and it was super simple!!” - Isamu Naets
We recently covered Paragon Connect, a low-code Zapier-like tool for speeding up integrations. We’re thinking of Napkin as a relative to the blossoming low and no-code space — another wave of making development less cumbersome and more accessible.
RIP Craigslist
Millennials to boomers have something to bond over — a Craigslist memory? While Craigslist's retro simplicity may appeal to diehard fans, secondhand sellers have been flocking to newer tech.
Yesterday a new reseller product launched called Backflip with a model driven by simplicity. Maker Adam Foosaner explained:
“My co-founder and I stumbled on the idea behind Backflip when moving between apartments… We should be able to sell [our electronics] in a matter of minutes by just taking a picture on our phones.”
Users go to the Blackflip website, select their device, and get a quote. The physical transaction is done for free with The UPS Store – no box or shipping label required. Drop it off or schedule a pickup and your payment is guaranteed by Backflip.
“I finally have a chance to clean out my electronics drawer. Love it!” - Hunter Hodnett noted.
Backflip’s approach might appeal to sellers who just want to get rid of some stuff quickly. Other players in this space have stretched across channels. Poshmark, which went public in January, created a whole fashionista social community around reselling. StockX and Alt are working to ride trends in alternative investments as part of their resale model.
StockX is a shining example of the growth in the reseller space. It had a record year of revenue and just closed a funding round resulting in a $3.8 billion valuation. Beyond bidding and selling, StockX delivers users a host of data like historical sales and authenticates the sneakers too. Ebay announced their own authentication program to play catch up in October.
Besides the pandemic and eCommerce growth, another reason for the resale boom is interest in sustainability. The demand is so strong that brands like Gucci are playing with their own resale models.
If you’re in the market for sustainable threads but are looking for something new, you can check out recently launched Good Garms instead. Otherwise, it might be time to…
Yesterday a new reseller product launched called Backflip with a model driven by simplicity. Maker Adam Foosaner explained:
“My co-founder and I stumbled on the idea behind Backflip when moving between apartments… We should be able to sell [our electronics] in a matter of minutes by just taking a picture on our phones.”
Users go to the Blackflip website, select their device, and get a quote. The physical transaction is done for free with The UPS Store – no box or shipping label required. Drop it off or schedule a pickup and your payment is guaranteed by Backflip.
“I finally have a chance to clean out my electronics drawer. Love it!” - Hunter Hodnett noted.
Backflip’s approach might appeal to sellers who just want to get rid of some stuff quickly. Other players in this space have stretched across channels. Poshmark, which went public in January, created a whole fashionista social community around reselling. StockX and Alt are working to ride trends in alternative investments as part of their resale model.
StockX is a shining example of the growth in the reseller space. It had a record year of revenue and just closed a funding round resulting in a $3.8 billion valuation. Beyond bidding and selling, StockX delivers users a host of data like historical sales and authenticates the sneakers too. Ebay announced their own authentication program to play catch up in October.
Besides the pandemic and eCommerce growth, another reason for the resale boom is interest in sustainability. The demand is so strong that brands like Gucci are playing with their own resale models.
If you’re in the market for sustainable threads but are looking for something new, you can check out recently launched Good Garms instead. Otherwise, it might be time to…
Black hole or rocket ship?
Recently, a new launch was the talk of tech-Twitter: Bitclout.
Bitclout is a decentralized social network built on a blockchain. The concept seems noble: an open-sourced platform that rewards creators, not a company, for contributions through creator coins. Initial excitement was matched with early skepticism:
“I was waiting for something like this! This is amazing 🤩” - Asad Ali
“Is this a black hole for bitcoin?” - Derrick Guanzon
Many online were put off by Bitclout scraping Twitter profiles of prominent members, baiting them with pre-created accounts (@elonmusk’s coin is over $86K but he has yet to officially join). Others are frustrated that the project is absent from Github and the like. The unknown makers, who go by the pseudonym Diamondhands, have said the code will be open-sourced after an audit is concluded within the next few weeks.
Investors are also cautioning others to be careful with their investments. Right now you can put Bitcoin in to buy more $Bitclout, but you can’t withdraw it.
However, early adopters point to Bitclout’s list of backers, like Sequoia and a16z, to support the whole concept. They also point out that letting people withdraw too early could cause users to invest and bail too quickly.
Are you getting into Bitclout early or in the wait-and-see camp? Share what you think on the launch page.
Bitclout is a decentralized social network built on a blockchain. The concept seems noble: an open-sourced platform that rewards creators, not a company, for contributions through creator coins. Initial excitement was matched with early skepticism:
“I was waiting for something like this! This is amazing 🤩” - Asad Ali
“Is this a black hole for bitcoin?” - Derrick Guanzon
Many online were put off by Bitclout scraping Twitter profiles of prominent members, baiting them with pre-created accounts (@elonmusk’s coin is over $86K but he has yet to officially join). Others are frustrated that the project is absent from Github and the like. The unknown makers, who go by the pseudonym Diamondhands, have said the code will be open-sourced after an audit is concluded within the next few weeks.
Investors are also cautioning others to be careful with their investments. Right now you can put Bitcoin in to buy more $Bitclout, but you can’t withdraw it.
However, early adopters point to Bitclout’s list of backers, like Sequoia and a16z, to support the whole concept. They also point out that letting people withdraw too early could cause users to invest and bail too quickly.
Are you getting into Bitclout early or in the wait-and-see camp? Share what you think on the launch page.
10 design tools to make life easy
Some people have such a great blend of right and left brain that they made themselves a career in graphic design. The rest of us have Canva.
Even so, our mockups and landing pages often need a touch more to tell a story — illustrations with diverse characters, 3D images, and even just blobs.
We’ve seen a huge number of resources recently to help with quick design solutions, whether you’re a marketer, a designer saving time, or a bootstrapping maker crafting a pitch.
This list is about to save you some design time.
Blobs 2.0 - Simple blob generator
Presentations by Pitch - 50+ templates for your Pitch
Float - Tool to transform your static artwork into moving creations
Amigos - Hand-drawn illustrations of characters that are remixable
Haikei - Tool to generate unique SVG shapes, backgrounds, and patterns
MagicPattern Toolbox - Toolkit of patterns, gradients, and, yup, more blobs
Studyum 3D Icons - 28 customizable 3D icons
THINGS - 3D customizable device mockups
Removal.ai - AI-powered background removal
Sensa Emoji - Free, vector, and open-source emoji set
And once you’ve made it through the list, take a break with this game to identify fonts.
Even so, our mockups and landing pages often need a touch more to tell a story — illustrations with diverse characters, 3D images, and even just blobs.
We’ve seen a huge number of resources recently to help with quick design solutions, whether you’re a marketer, a designer saving time, or a bootstrapping maker crafting a pitch.
This list is about to save you some design time.
Blobs 2.0 - Simple blob generator
Presentations by Pitch - 50+ templates for your Pitch
Float - Tool to transform your static artwork into moving creations
Amigos - Hand-drawn illustrations of characters that are remixable
Haikei - Tool to generate unique SVG shapes, backgrounds, and patterns
MagicPattern Toolbox - Toolkit of patterns, gradients, and, yup, more blobs
Studyum 3D Icons - 28 customizable 3D icons
THINGS - 3D customizable device mockups
Removal.ai - AI-powered background removal
Sensa Emoji - Free, vector, and open-source emoji set
And once you’ve made it through the list, take a break with this game to identify fonts.
7 productivity tools you've never heard of
This Monday has us thinking about the things that take more time or brainpower than they should.
You know the feeling: “Why is this SO hard?!”
We put together seven new products that make getting through the most standard parts of your day easier.
Logging In: Idenati keeps all of your online services (banking, developer tools, streaming, etc.) in one place.
Reading: TLDR This summarizes any piece of text into concise, digestible content.
Finding: Clipboard Pro gives you a place to put your most-used content, like your CV, for easy access.
Journaling: Ponder makes daily journaling quick through a browser extension — click it open and free-write or use the prompts.
Pasting: Text Blaze lets you save snippets of copy, formulas, etc. and insert them anywhere with keyboard shortcuts.
Tracking: Lunatask is an all-in-one to-do list, habit tracker, and pomodoro timer with Zapier integrations.
Zooming: Zapp Pad is a Zoom keyboard created by a maker and dad who noticed his kid’s teacher would benefit from hotkeys while managing two dozen kindergarteners.
Start your day by getting all your apps and logins together.
You know the feeling: “Why is this SO hard?!”
We put together seven new products that make getting through the most standard parts of your day easier.
Logging In: Idenati keeps all of your online services (banking, developer tools, streaming, etc.) in one place.
Reading: TLDR This summarizes any piece of text into concise, digestible content.
Finding: Clipboard Pro gives you a place to put your most-used content, like your CV, for easy access.
Journaling: Ponder makes daily journaling quick through a browser extension — click it open and free-write or use the prompts.
Pasting: Text Blaze lets you save snippets of copy, formulas, etc. and insert them anywhere with keyboard shortcuts.
Tracking: Lunatask is an all-in-one to-do list, habit tracker, and pomodoro timer with Zapier integrations.
Zooming: Zapp Pad is a Zoom keyboard created by a maker and dad who noticed his kid’s teacher would benefit from hotkeys while managing two dozen kindergarteners.
Start your day by getting all your apps and logins together.
Around is back
It was a year ago that Around launched, right when WFH was just becoming the norm for office-goers.
Since the start, this nex-gen video call tool grabbed attention with a better video UI. Its slick, AI-based framing feature keeps video minimal and floats to free up your screen — like smart profile photos versus Brady Bunch boxes.
Now the company has raised a $10M Series A and launched Around 2.0 with its newest feature: The EchoTerminator.
The EchoTerminator eliminates echo and also the wince we all make when multiple devices in one space start to screech. Combined with previously released features like background noise filtering and voice proximity detection, Around is working to replace traditional conference room hardware. That would be a big benefit to the "new normal" post-pandemic, where many of us will continue working remotely.
For the audio experts, maker Dominik Zane explains: “Around’s EchoTerminator engine completely solves the hybrid-remote challenge: sophisticated ultrasonic signaling, complex DSP algorithms, and real-time audio synchronization ensures that all microphones and speakers are enabled concurrently, meaning everyone is heard perfectly.”
The stack of WFH tools is still growing, with recent pro-collaboration additions including Sims-esque virtual offices, asynchronous recording tools and slack standups, video call networking, and automated team building.
Let us know what products have become your WFH essentials.
Now, come with me if you want to get rid of that mic echo.
Since the start, this nex-gen video call tool grabbed attention with a better video UI. Its slick, AI-based framing feature keeps video minimal and floats to free up your screen — like smart profile photos versus Brady Bunch boxes.
Now the company has raised a $10M Series A and launched Around 2.0 with its newest feature: The EchoTerminator.
The EchoTerminator eliminates echo and also the wince we all make when multiple devices in one space start to screech. Combined with previously released features like background noise filtering and voice proximity detection, Around is working to replace traditional conference room hardware. That would be a big benefit to the "new normal" post-pandemic, where many of us will continue working remotely.
For the audio experts, maker Dominik Zane explains: “Around’s EchoTerminator engine completely solves the hybrid-remote challenge: sophisticated ultrasonic signaling, complex DSP algorithms, and real-time audio synchronization ensures that all microphones and speakers are enabled concurrently, meaning everyone is heard perfectly.”
The stack of WFH tools is still growing, with recent pro-collaboration additions including Sims-esque virtual offices, asynchronous recording tools and slack standups, video call networking, and automated team building.
Let us know what products have become your WFH essentials.
Now, come with me if you want to get rid of that mic echo.
Deepfake Grandma
Deepfakes are no longer just for Gen Z and millennials perfecting their Tom Cruise impressions. They’re for your great-nana, too!
Your family’s old black and white photos are the latest to undergo deepfake transformation thanks to a partnership by MyHeritage, a family ancestry service, and D-ID, a company specializing in video reenactment with deep learning. Deep Nostalgia™ uses several drivers that consist of a fixed sequence of movements and gestures. When you upload your photo (for free), it applies those drivers to a face (one per photo) in your still to create a short video that you can share with your friends and family. In the words of MyHeritage, you can “experience your family history like never before.” You got that right.
As always, deepfake tech isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The word “creepy” got its fair share of use from a handful of Product Hunt commenters. But for other audiences, Deep Nostalgia hit that sweet spot, which we expect is exactly what MyHeritage and D-ID were looking for:
Your family’s old black and white photos are the latest to undergo deepfake transformation thanks to a partnership by MyHeritage, a family ancestry service, and D-ID, a company specializing in video reenactment with deep learning. Deep Nostalgia™ uses several drivers that consist of a fixed sequence of movements and gestures. When you upload your photo (for free), it applies those drivers to a face (one per photo) in your still to create a short video that you can share with your friends and family. In the words of MyHeritage, you can “experience your family history like never before.” You got that right.
As always, deepfake tech isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The word “creepy” got its fair share of use from a handful of Product Hunt commenters. But for other audiences, Deep Nostalgia hit that sweet spot, which we expect is exactly what MyHeritage and D-ID were looking for:
“Great feature! It also helps to "connect" with late relatives, that we never had the chance to meet. Great thumb up!” – Anna Costalonga
“AWESOME - was able to reanimate my dead mom and grandma :)” – Bibi Lauri Raven
“Wow, talk about hitting an emotional chord with this one. Off to search for some photos now!” – Harry Duran
If you’re thinking “It’s just like Hogwarts!” there are plenty of those comments too, and if you really want to go full in on this fantasy (“You’re a wizard, Harry!”), consider pairing your new animated bw photo with a Meural Canvas. 👻Once you’ve brought your ancestors into 2021 with Deep Nostalgia you can have more fun with deepfakes with these (use responsibly):
Impressions – An app that lets you create your own celebrity deepfakes in minutes.
Parodist – Send your loved ones a funny and unique video congratulations.
Deepfakes web – Deepfakes as a service.
And for those of you anti deepfake warriors (the world needs you):
Sensity – A deepfake detection platform.
Amber Video – Video authentication to combat deepfakes.
Impressions – An app that lets you create your own celebrity deepfakes in minutes.
Parodist – Send your loved ones a funny and unique video congratulations.
Deepfakes web – Deepfakes as a service.
And for those of you anti deepfake warriors (the world needs you):
Sensity – A deepfake detection platform.
Amber Video – Video authentication to combat deepfakes.
The Clubhouse Collection
Last month we reviewed 10 new tools that can help level-up your Clubhouse experience.
This a trend that looks set to continue as more Makers are innovating on top of the latest audio social network.
Here are 6 new tools to add to your Clubhouse collection.
Direcon for Clubhouse launched today and serves as a moderation platform and audience insight tool.
Clubhouse App Invites will help anyone still waiting for an invite to get immediate access.
Clubhouse Bio Builder helps your bio standout with access to 70 fonts and easy to use text-editor.
Clubhouse Avatar Maker allows you to quickly add colorful rings to your avatar.
Clubhouse Bio Generator lets you create an influencer worthy bio with this satirical product.
Clubpad brings sound reactions to your show including applause, laughter, crickets and more.
This a trend that looks set to continue as more Makers are innovating on top of the latest audio social network.
Here are 6 new tools to add to your Clubhouse collection.
Direcon for Clubhouse launched today and serves as a moderation platform and audience insight tool.
Clubhouse App Invites will help anyone still waiting for an invite to get immediate access.
Clubhouse Bio Builder helps your bio standout with access to 70 fonts and easy to use text-editor.
Clubhouse Avatar Maker allows you to quickly add colorful rings to your avatar.
Clubhouse Bio Generator lets you create an influencer worthy bio with this satirical product.
Clubpad brings sound reactions to your show including applause, laughter, crickets and more.
The next Instagram?
Tech-Twitter was all about the new version of Dispo last week, David Dobrik's camera app that elicits nostalgic feelings associated with using a disposable camera.
The app launched on Product Hunt last year, originally called Disposable, with the latest version being released this weekend in beta and requiring an invite to access on Testflight.
So what is it? Dispo is a camera app for iPhone with a pretty bold design that's meant to mimic the delayed gratification of getting photos developed, while not actually needing to get anything printed out.
After taking your snaps, you have to wait for the rolls to develop before you can see them in the app. For anyone that remembers the thrill of getting your vacation photos developed IRL, you'll get the anticipation that builds here. Unlike getting your negatives back from the drugstore, however, on Dispo, the photos look great even if you’ve taken a crappy shot - meaning you don't need to be a photography student to share a cool-looking snap.
The biggest new addition to the latest drop is shared rolls. Think of it like a collaborative photo album that develops new pics every morning at 9 am. Nobody, even the photographer, can see the photos until then. This social element is interesting and draws comparisons to IG and other image-based social networks.
Could Dispo become the next Instagram? The jury's out for now but we're excited to test it out and join some of your rolls.
The app launched on Product Hunt last year, originally called Disposable, with the latest version being released this weekend in beta and requiring an invite to access on Testflight.
So what is it? Dispo is a camera app for iPhone with a pretty bold design that's meant to mimic the delayed gratification of getting photos developed, while not actually needing to get anything printed out.
After taking your snaps, you have to wait for the rolls to develop before you can see them in the app. For anyone that remembers the thrill of getting your vacation photos developed IRL, you'll get the anticipation that builds here. Unlike getting your negatives back from the drugstore, however, on Dispo, the photos look great even if you’ve taken a crappy shot - meaning you don't need to be a photography student to share a cool-looking snap.
The biggest new addition to the latest drop is shared rolls. Think of it like a collaborative photo album that develops new pics every morning at 9 am. Nobody, even the photographer, can see the photos until then. This social element is interesting and draws comparisons to IG and other image-based social networks.
Could Dispo become the next Instagram? The jury's out for now but we're excited to test it out and join some of your rolls.
10 tools for Clubhouse
We're seeing a wave of products emerge as makers build tools and products to elevate their Clubhouse experience, including these 10 recent launches:
ClubLink offers a free link shortener that creates social sharing images for Clubhouse events.
Clubhype is similar to ClubLink, creating short links with social image previews for events.
Host Notes for Clubhouse allows you to find upcoming Clubhouse events, RSVP, view the meeting agenda, review past events, see referenced articles, and get summaries.
Shorten.Club lets you keep all of your links and notes in one place to easily share them with your Clubhouse community.
Chpic lets you create a colorful ring for your profile picture on Clubhouse.
Comet Events for Clubhouse offers similar functionality to Host Notes. Create an event landing page and calendar for your Clubhouse community to RSVP and share notes.
Clubhouse Bio Editor lets you edit your Clubhouse bio comfortably from your browser.
YoYo helps moderators take their audience from 1 room to the next with scheduling features.
AskClubhouse allows your Clubhouse audience to ask written questions for those who don't want to get up on stage.
Rooms of Clubhouse lets you search all open rooms on Clubhouse.
As the Clubhouse community continues to grow, it will be interesting to see if the functionality from any of these independent tools gets added natively into the product.
We'll be watching along with curiosity. 👀
ClubLink offers a free link shortener that creates social sharing images for Clubhouse events.
Clubhype is similar to ClubLink, creating short links with social image previews for events.
Host Notes for Clubhouse allows you to find upcoming Clubhouse events, RSVP, view the meeting agenda, review past events, see referenced articles, and get summaries.
Shorten.Club lets you keep all of your links and notes in one place to easily share them with your Clubhouse community.
Chpic lets you create a colorful ring for your profile picture on Clubhouse.
Comet Events for Clubhouse offers similar functionality to Host Notes. Create an event landing page and calendar for your Clubhouse community to RSVP and share notes.
Clubhouse Bio Editor lets you edit your Clubhouse bio comfortably from your browser.
YoYo helps moderators take their audience from 1 room to the next with scheduling features.
AskClubhouse allows your Clubhouse audience to ask written questions for those who don't want to get up on stage.
Rooms of Clubhouse lets you search all open rooms on Clubhouse.
As the Clubhouse community continues to grow, it will be interesting to see if the functionality from any of these independent tools gets added natively into the product.
We'll be watching along with curiosity. 👀
