Software's Solved Problem: The Rise of Hardware-Centric Hackathons

As AI and no-code tools commoditize software development, hackathons are shifting their focus toward hardware innovation as the new frontier for meaningful creativity. The author's experience building an AI-powered rotary phone without writing a single line of code demonstrates how modern development tools have reduced software to a solved problem—moving the creative challenge to physical hardware interfaces and legacy device integration. Expect a resurgence of projects that reimagine retro technology through contemporary APIs and AI capabilities.