Report updated May 5, 2026
Hacker Smacker
For frequent users of news.ycombinator.com looking to optimize their time spent reading comment threads.
Overview · Full Intel report in progress
Hacker Smacker is an established news app that is completely free.
What makes this app unique?
What Does It Look Like?
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What Are The Key Features?
Users can categorize authors as friends or foes using a three-orb interface next to each name.
The app aggregates tagging data from friends who also use the tool to highlight their preferred and blocked commenters.
Visual indicators allow users to scan long comment threads and focus on content from trusted authors.
How much does it cost?
Who Built It?
NewsBlur
Aggregating news and web feeds for power users who require granular control over their information consumption. Enabling personalized content curation through intelligent filtering and social integration.
Portfolio
2
Apps
What other apps does NewsBlur make?
Explore the full NewsBlur report
Portfolio breakdown, audience, momentum, and every app published by NewsBlur.
Analysis in progress, available soon
What do users think recently?
Analysis in progress, available soon
Analysis in progress, available soon
What is the competitive landscape for Hacker Smacker?
How's The News Market?
Market outlook for this category
Available very soon
Strategic analysis coming soon
SWOT, key takeaways & outlook
The outtake for Hacker Smacker
Key Takeaways
Hacker Smacker improves the signal-to-noise ratio on Hacker News by crowdsourcing comment moderation through a personal friend-and-foe tagging system.
Where Is It Heading?
Trend analysis
Available very soon