I really don't think that specific emotion is isolated to gen z.

I remember all the promise and excitement that tech had back in the late 00's and early 10's. Things were unique and fun. That's just not true anymore. Every new software update adds shit that you didn't ask for and don't want (AI, ads, removal of user freedom). New hardware releases are either an underwhelming iteration of specs from the previous version, or an unimaginative device that has the same basic look and feel as every other device it's competing with.

Tech used to be fun and exploratory, now it's just companies pushing to see how much they can be allowed to exploit you for the least cost.

Tech used to be fun and exploratory, now it’s just companies pushing to see how much they can be allowed to exploit you for the least cost.

The fun and exploratory tech still exists, its just not sitting as a single product on a store shelf in a plastic clamshell package. The maker space is where all the exciting exploration is happening. If you have an idea the technology likely exists to make it happen, and the cost of the parts won't break the bank. Lots of reuse of cast off out-of-date tech can be integrated dropping the costs even more. While there are even better solutions, if you're just getting started pick up an old Arduino or Raspberry Pi (not the new expensive high end models) for under $30. Grow from there to microcontrollers like the ESP32 where it gets even cheaper for about $5 each. Learn to solder! Learn modeling and 3D printing! Use an operating system that lets you control your system instead of one that you just have to accept what they give you.

It really is an amazing time in tech if you stop accepting a products as they are, and instead what you want them to be with your own modifications.

It's all true and cool if you stumble upon that today, but IMO that's a bit what OP talks about, esp(or the original 8266), pi and 3d printers were new and fun ages ago. Don't get me wrong, it's still a fun space but not much has happened the last ten years there (or prove me wrong 😁!)

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a fun space but not much has happened the last ten years there (or prove me wrong 😁!)

10ish years ago when R Pi and Arduino entered the scene it was a big splash, but the most benefit really only occurred for folks that could take the raw parts and had the ability to built a new solution largely without help from others. Its even better today because you can buy a ready-made Pi Hat, fully documented, with drivers, to dramatically expand the functionality of an R Pi today. 10 years ago, you'd be laying out your own PCB, etching it yourself, and soldiering those SMT components with your own hot air pencil. Now you don't, and you can access that functionality to keep building on whatever it is you're actually trying to build.

Nearly everything has a RestAPI now. This means coding solutions are much more accessible for modifications. Software Defined Radio is cheap and easy now, all with over a decade of documented solutions and parts available. This leads to things like Meshtastic and Flipper.

Its a much more accessible space to these cheap and functional technologies than it was 10ish years ago.

Yes, it might be just me but I liked tinkering (and no need for surface mounted parts, legged ones were quite ok!) and coding, writing communication stuff in c++, driving loads of servos by smart interrupt code etc. and feel not so interested in just following say how a meshstatic works or just buy one.

"Everything" also has been built which doesn't help. Or so I feel!

and feel not so interested in just following say how a meshstatic works or just buy one.

If you're at the high end of knowledge and skill, as it sounds like you are, you are even closer to being able to take advantage of technology that exists today that is cheap now that most of us. Ten years ago:

• a LiDAR system would have cost thousands of dollars. Today you can buy them for about $100.
• Inconel was only available to the state-of-the-art industrial processes and was very hard to manufacture parts with. Today you can upload your files, have your parts made via additive manufacturing with Inconel and those parts shipped right to your door for affordable prices.
• Computing power has significantly increased. TPUs are bringing down not only the cost of Tensor operations, but the energy consumption needed for equal amount of processing from 10 years ago.
• the cost per kg for delivering a payload to LEO has dropped dramatically in the last 10 years and continues to do so. More orbital inclinations are available on rideshare flights than ever before including many sun synchronous allowing for continuous solar power. Some idiot like me can actually afford to put an object in LEO. That's freakin' amazing!
• battery technology has evolved drastically in 10 years for commercially available product from cheap and plentiful LFPs to Na-ion cells that can operation without loss at - 40 °C without power loss.

“Everything” also has been built which doesn’t help. Or so I feel!

I can't even imagine having this thought. Honestly, with your skill level I am getting the feeling this has nothing to do with the state of technology right now. I'm not going to pry into your personal life, but I'm wondering if you're facing challenges that have nothing to do with technology, but are causing you distress depressing your interests in things you used to love. I could be way off, and if so forgive me for presuming.

I don't really know what to say, but thank you is a start, I might actually be a bit down.

So thank you for taking the time (and whaat is Inconel 😁 TIL) writing an uplifting post for me 🙂‍↕️.

I did tensorflow in 2016(2017?) and LEO is still in over 10-20k a cubsat no? Cool stuff though for real. I do feel like LLM is going too fast to follow in depth, but it is interesting to follow regardless.

I went for a walk, touched grass, and remembered one of my old inventions that I never had the time to build (and my homemade 3D printer wasn't up to the job, but my new store bought one is, probably).

So thanks again!

I don’t really know what to say, but thank you is a start, I might actually be a bit down.

This can happen to any of us. If you need help, seek it. There's no shame it in. We are not born with the tools to remedy everything. Many times we need to seek help outside of ourselves. Remember that life is worth living.

LEO is still in over 10-20k a cubsat no?

Nope! That same 1kg cubesat you're referring to can be put in Sun synchronous orbit (meaning always has solar power exposure) for $5k-$6k on a rideshare launch that launch every 3 to 6 months. Picosats and even Femtosats are all smaller and cheaper with some less than $1k (but you may have to wait years for a launch).

I went for a walk, touched grass, and remembered one of my old inventions that I never had the time to build (and my homemade 3D printer wasn’t up to the job, but my new store bought one is, probably).

I'm glad to hear this! You've obviously got some incredible skills and experience. I hope you're able to recapture your spark. It sounds like you're already on the path to doing so!