In a world filled with content and technological advancements, navigating the vast sea of options can be overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, knowledge, or entertainment, the abundance of choices often leaves us wondering where to start. Amidst this plethora of options, I’ve curated a list of my top recommendations across various mediums—technologies, podcast shows, podcast episodes, YouTube channels, books, music artists, and TV shows — that have left a lasting impact on me.
Each recommendation holds a special place in my heart, resonating deeply due to its unique ability to captivate, educate, or simply entertain. Through these selections, I aim to glimpse the diverse and dynamic world of content and innovation. These suggestions have enriched my life, broadened my perspectives, and brought immense joy, and I hope they do the same for you.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into my top picks, carefully curated to cater to various tastes and interests.
Top 3 Technology Breakthroughs in 2023
🔘 Generative AI
Picture was generated by Generative AI. Prompt: Image representing the concept of Generative AI, depicted by a digital, particle-based silhouette of a human head in bright blue against a dark background. The main element is a particle or dot-based silhouette of a human head, profile view, composed of bright blue dots. The head is facing towards the right side of the image and appears to be disintegrating or forming from particles.
Generative AI has been a breakthrough in 2023, with many organizations adopting it for various business functions. According to a survey¹ conducted by McKinsey Global, one-third of the respondents are using generative AI regularly in at least one business function, and 40% say their organizations will increase their investment in AI overall because of advances in generative AI.
The report also states that generative AI could add $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion annually, boosting the impact of all AI by 15 to 40 percent.²
Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies also identified generative AI as the top emerging technology in 2023³. Generative AI is a type of AI that can generate new data, images, and text based on the patterns it has learned from existing data.
It has been used in various fields, such as art, music, and literature, to create new and innovative content⁴. For example, OpenAI’s DALL-E can generate images from textual descriptions.
I personally have been using ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot for a year.
IT engineers should consider using ChatGPT due to its versatile applications in aiding problem-solving, code debugging, and brainstorming sessions. With its natural language understanding and vast knowledge base, ChatGPT assists in generating ideas, providing code snippets, and offering insights into complex technical challenges.
GitHub Copilot enhances coding productivity by suggesting relevant code completions and automating repetitive tasks. Its AI-powered assistance streamlines the coding process, allowing engineers to focus more on higher-level problem-solving and creative aspects of software development.
ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot can significantly expedite development workflows, empower engineers to tackle coding challenges efficiently, and foster innovation by augmenting their capabilities with AI-driven tools.
In summary, generative AI has been a breakthrough in 2023 due to its potential to transform industries and create new and innovative content.
1). The state of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s breakout year
2). Dell Technologies BrandVoice: Is 2023 the Year of AI Transformation?
3). Generative AI tops Gartner’s top 25 emerging technologies for 2023
🔘 Apple Vision Pro
Source: www.apple.com.
Apple Vision Pro is a spatial computer that was introduced by Apple in 2023. It is a revolutionary device that blends digital content with the physical world, allowing users to interact with digital content in a way that feels like it is physically present in their space.
The device features an ultra-high-resolution display system that packs 23 million pixels across two displays, and custom Apple silicon in a unique dual-chip design to ensure every experience feels like it’s taking place in front of the user’s eyes in real time. It also features visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system, which blends digital content with the physical world.
Apple Vision Pro is a breakthrough technology because it introduces the era of spatial computing. It creates an infinite canvas for apps that scales beyond the boundaries of a traditional display and introduces a fully three-dimensional user interface controlled by the most natural and intuitive inputs possible — a user’s eyes, hands, and voice. It has been designed to change the way users interact with their favorite apps, capture and relive memories, enjoy stunning TV shows and movies, and connect with others in FaceTime.
Apple Vision Pro has been recognized as one of the best inventions of 2023 by TIME magazine.
🔘 Digital Twins
Picture was generated by Generative AI. Prompt: Picture depicting the Digital Twins technology. Place on the left side the real building and on the right side it’s digital copy.
Digital-twin technologies can help companies create better products faster. They could transform the work of product development too.
Digital Twins technologies have been a breakthrough in 2023, with many organizations adopting them for various business functions. According to a survey conducted by IEEE Global, 98% of the technology leaders surveyed said that using digital twin technology and virtual simulations to more efficiently design, develop, and safely test product prototypes and manufacturing processes will be important for 2023, including 68% who say it will be crucial. The report also states that digital twins will help fuel advances in data exchange, generative AI, medical testing, communication and more in 2023.
Digital Twins are virtual replicas of physical objects, systems, or processes that can be used to simulate, predict, and optimize their performance. They have been used in various fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, and construction to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize risks. For example, digital twins can be used to simulate the performance of a product before it is built, allowing engineers to identify and fix potential problems before they occur.
In summary, Digital Twins technologies have been a breakthrough in 2023 due to their potential to transform industries and create new and innovative solutions.
10 digital twin trends for 2023
Top 3 Podcasts (Eng) I Recommend
Picture was generated by Generative AI. Prompt: Generate please a realistic photo of a podcast episode where 3 or more people sit in a room, smiling and talking. Room is equipped with a modern equipment for podcast making.
A Bit of Optimism — a podcast with Simon Sinek.
“A Bit of Optimism” is a podcast hosted by Simon Sinek, a well-known author, motivational speaker, and organizational consultant. The podcast focuses on exploring ideas and stories that inspire positivity, resilience, and personal growth. Simon Sinek invites various guests from diverse backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts, to share their experiences, insights, and strategies for navigating challenges, fostering leadership, and finding optimism in various aspects of life.
The discussions often revolve around topics such as leadership, innovation, motivation, personal development, and overcoming adversity. This podcast always offers a dose of inspiration and practical advice and helps to develop a more optimistic outlook and approach to life’s challenges.
Azure Friday — a podcast with Scott Hanselman.
“Azure Friday” is a Microsoft podcast that focuses on discussing various aspects of Microsoft Azure, the cloud computing platform provided by Microsoft. Hosted by Scott Hanselman, the podcast covers a wide range of topics related to Azure, including new features, updates, best practices, tips, and interviews with experts from Microsoft and the tech community.
The podcast serves as a platform to explore different services within Azure, such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure DevOps, Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure Functions, Azure AI, databases, security features, and more. It provides valuable insights for developers, IT professionals, and anyone interested in learning about cloud technologies, Azure services, and how to effectively leverage them for various purposes, from application development to infrastructure management.
Episodes often feature demonstrations, discussions on real-world use cases, and insights into the latest advancements and tools available within the Azure ecosystem, aiming to help users better understand and utilize the capabilities of Microsoft’s cloud platform.
Happy English Podcast — a podcast with Michael DiGiacomo.
The “Happy English Podcast” is an educational podcast hosted by Michael DiGiacomo, an English teacher and language coach. The podcast is designed to help English language learners improve their English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, idiomatic expressions, and overall fluency.
Michael DiGiacomo covers various topics and aspects of the English language in an engaging and accessible manner. He provides explanations, examples, and practical tips to assist learners in comprehending and using English more effectively in real-life situations. The podcast episodes often include explanations of grammar rules, discussions on common mistakes, word usage, phrasal verbs, idioms, and language learning strategies.
The Happy English Podcast aims to support learners at different proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, by offering clear and concise explanations, exercises, and insights to help them feel more confident and comfortable using English in both everyday conversations and professional settings.
Top 3 Podcasts (non ENG) I Recommend
Без Оголошення Війни
Олександр Аврамчук та Ілля Кабачинський у подкасті “Без оголошення війни” розповідають про події минулого, щоб краще зрозуміти майбутнє.
24.02: Реконструкція
“24.02: Реконструкція” – це подкаст, у якому Українська Правда (Ukrainska Pravda) відтворює події дня, коли почалося повномасштабне вторгнення Росії в Україну.
Ukrainska Pravda is a Ukrainian online newspaper founded by Georgiy Gongadze on 16 April 2000. Published mainly in Ukrainian with selected articles published in or translated to Russian and English, the newspaper is tailored for a general readership with an emphasis on the politics of Ukraine.
Радио-Т
Радио-Т – це щотижневий HiTech подкаст російською мовою. Слухаю щотижня. Тут цікаво та весело розказують про ІТ новини. Автори подкасту живуть в Україні, Великобританії та США.
Top 3 Podcast Episodes I Recommend
Lex Fridman Podcast: #405 - Jeff Bezos: Amazon and Blue Origin
- (08:53) – Texas ranch and childhood
- (12:31) – Space exploration and rocket engineering
- (25:05) – Physics
- (34:39) – New Glenn rocket
- (1:17:28) – Lunar program
- (1:27:24) – Amazon
- (1:44:45) – Principles
- (2:03:25) – Productivity
- (2:14:03) – Future of humanity
Lex Fridman Podcast: #405 – Jeff Bezos: Amazon and Blue Origin on Apple Podcasts
Lex Fridman Podcast: #398 - Mark Zuckerberg: First Interview in the Metaverse
- (08:38) – Metaverse
- (23:01) – Quest 3
- (37:50) – Nature of reality
- (42:28) – AI in the Metaverse
- (59:26) – Large language models
- (1:05:23) – Future of humanity
Lex Fridman Podcast: #398 – Mark Zuckerberg: First Interview in the Metaverse on Apple Podcasts
The Zane Lowe Interview Series: Jennifer Lopez
Zane sits down with Jennifer Lopez to discuss the anniversary of her iconic album “This Is Me… Then” and the full circle moment it’s brought her to now, twenty years later.
The Zane Lowe Interview Series: Jennifer Lopez on Apple Podcasts
Top 10 Applications I Recommend
Picture was generated by Generative AI.
🔘 Setapp
Setapp
Setapp is a subscription-based service providing access to a collection of curated Mac applications across different categories for a flat monthly fee. Users can use various software tools without individual purchases, simplifying the software experience for Mac users.
It saves me a lot of money I spend on application subscriptions.
Spark Mail App
Mail client I use on Mac, iPhone and iPad. I allows me perfectly organize my emails with all mailboxes. I love it for an amazing UI and user experience.
🔘 Notion
Notion
Notion.so is an all-in-one workspace tool that integrates notes, databases, wikis, project management, and more, into a single platform for personal and collaborative use.
🔘 YNAB
YNAB
YNAB (You Need A Budget) is a budgeting software that helps me gain control of my finances by providing tools for budget creation, tracking expenses, and managing money effectively.
1Password
1Password is a password manager that securely stores and manages sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and other credentials, simplifying online security across various devices and platforms.
Tailscale
Tailscale is a service that creates a secure and private mesh network, allowing easy and encrypted access to my devices or servers across different networks, making remote access and connectivity simpler and more secure.
For instance, I can access my home NAS from anywhere in the world without the need to expose it to the internet.
🔘 Headway: Daily book summaries
Headway
The best book summary service. Built-in gamification.
🔘 Plex
Plex
Plex is a media server software that allows me to organize, stream, and access their personal collection of movies, TV shows, music, photos, and other media content from various devices. It enables to create my own media server at home, facilitating easy access to my media library across different platforms and devices like smart TVs, computers, mobile devices, and streaming boxes.
For example, I use Synology NAS as a storage for the majority of my media content.
iA Writer
iA Writer is a writing application designed to provide a distraction-free environment for writing. It offers a clean and minimalist interface with features such as a focus mode, Markdown support, document organization, and seamless synchronization across multiple devices, aiming to enhance the writing experience across various platforms.
Working Copy - Git client
Working Copy is a Git client primarily designed for iOS devices, allowing to manage and interact with Git repositories directly from the iPhones or iPads. It enables tasks such as cloning repositories, making commits, merging changes, branching, and more, facilitating version control and collaboration for developers on the go.
Top 3 Youtube Channels I Recommend
Picture was generated by Generative AI.
John Savill’s Technical Training.
John Savill’s Technical Training YouTube channel focuses on providing tutorials and guidance for Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, PowerShell scripting, and other IT-related topics. It aims to educate IT professionals and enthusiasts on effectively utilizing Microsoft’s cloud services and infrastructure technologies.
English Anti-School by Mari Bu.
The YouTube channel “English Anti-School” was created and hosted by Mari Bu. Mari Bu, a homeschooling advocate from Ukraine, used her channel to share information and resources about alternative education, homeschooling, and unschooling methods. She aimed to provide insights, tips, and inspiration for parents and students exploring non-traditional educational paths.
On her channel, Mari Bu discussed various educational philosophies, shared personal experiences, and offered practical advice for individuals interested in unconventional learning approaches. She covered topics such as self-directed learning, independent education, and ways to tailor education to suit individual needs and interests.
💡 The channel’s author says: «Я викладаю англійську. Але не так, як твій нудний вчитель»
English Anti-School by Mari Bu.
Mark Richards is a well-known software architect, author, and speaker recognized for his expertise in software architecture and design. He has extensive experience in the field of enterprise-level software development, particularly focusing on architecture, microservices, and software design principles.
Top 3 Books I Recommend
Picture was generated by Generative AI.
📚 The Software Architect Elevator: Redefining the Architect’s Role in the Digital Enterprise
The Software Architect Elevator.
“The Software Architect Elevator” redefines the role of architects in the digital enterprise, emphasizing their strategic importance in navigating technological shifts. Through insightful perspectives, it guides architects on adapting to evolving landscapes, enabling them to become pivotal drivers of innovation and success within their organizations.
The Software Architect Elevator: Redefining the Architect’s Role in the Digital Enterprise
📚 Inside Ukraine: A Portrait of a Country and its People
Inside Ukraine: A Portrait of a Country and its People.
Inside Ukraine is a compelling visual portrait of the real Ukraine, lovingly put together by Ukrainians in the years leading up to the current war.
The result of a five-year journey covering 100,000 kilometers across Ukraine by Ukraïner’s volunteers, dedicated to revealing Ukraine to its citizens and showcasing it to the world, this exceptional book serves as a captivating tribute to the country and its people. It vividly portrays Ukraine’s immense diversity, encompassing everything from quaint forest hamlets to bustling urban developments, awe-inspiring mountain landscapes to industrial sites and ancient fortresses.
This book introduces Ukraine’s inhabitants and their narratives, featuring a diverse array of individuals such as traditional carol singers, beekeepers, artisans, railway workers, artists, sheepherders, and craftsmen like broom-makers. Furthermore, it showcases the country’s natural wonders, spotlighting wildlife like pelicans, wandering buffalo herds, and the endearing residents of a bear sanctuary.
Enriched with QR codes linking to extensive articles on the Ukraïner website, along with additional images and videos, this book expands its dimensions, offering an immersive experience. Boasting more than 350 captivating images complemented by insightful narratives, the book serves as an educational, surprising, and enchanting gateway into the lesser-known aspects of Ukraine.
Inside Ukraine: A Portrait of a Country and its People
📚 Azure for Architects: Create secure, scalable, high-availability applications on the cloud
Azure for Architects.
“Azure for Architects: Create secure, scalable, high-availability applications on the cloud, 3rd Edition” provides comprehensive guidance for architects to leverage Azure’s capabilities, ensuring the development of robust, secure, and scalable cloud-based applications. It equips architects with the knowledge to design and implement solutions that prioritize security, scalability, and high availability, optimizing the potential of Microsoft Azure for modern application development.
Top 3 Music Artists I Recommend
Picture was generated by Generative AI.
Go_A.
A Ukrainian electro-folk band that combines astonishing authentic Ukrainian vocals, modern electronic dance beats, African drums, and a powerful guitar drive into a bright, fierce, and unforgettable sound.
Kazka.
Kazka is a Ukrainian band that performs pop with elements of electro-folk.
TV Show I Recommend
🎥 Billions
Billions.
“Billions” is a gripping TV drama centered around the high-stakes power play between Bobby Axelrod, a shrewd and ambitious hedge fund billionaire, and Chuck Rhoades, a tenacious U.S. Attorney. The show delves into the complex world of finance, politics, and power as these two formidable figures engage in a relentless battle of wits, manipulation, and moral ambiguity, blurring the lines between right and wrong in their pursuit of success and dominance.
Billions (TV Series 2016–2023) ⭐ 8.3 | Drama
Conclusion
In this whirlwind of technological advancements and an endless stream of content, finding the gems that resonate can feel like a treasure hunt. However, amid this vast landscape, these recommendations stand out as beacons of excellence, each offering a unique experience.
From groundbreaking technologies that shape our future to podcasts and books that broaden our horizons, and from music that touches the soul to TV shows that bring joy and entertainment, these selections span diverse genres and interests. They have the power to enlighten, inspire, and entertain, catering to different tastes and preferences.
I hope these recommendations spark your curiosity, lead you to new discoveries, and perhaps, leave a lasting impact, just as they have for me. Remember, the beauty of exploration lies not just in the destination but in the journey itself. So, continue to explore, discover, and embrace the wealth of incredible content and innovations that our world has to offer.
Thank you!
