For most papers, the main idea can be described in 1-2 sentences, sort of "we did X using Y".

That doesn't work for HOPE - a short summary can't explain what it actually does besides "self-modifying" and "continuum memory".

So it seems to be an innovation of Transformers calibre, really big (if true). It's definitely not "transformer but with such-and-such modification".

Gemini came up with a following visual metaphor for the difference:

> Transformer is a series of frozen glass panes (the weights) and a scratchpad (the attention) where it writes notes about the current text.

> The HOPE architecture involves no scratchpad. Instead, the glass panes themselves are made of smart liquid. As the data flows through, the first pane reshapes itself instantly. The second pane reshapes itself slowly. And the mechanism deciding how to reshape them is itself a tiny, intelligent machine, not just a basic math rule.

+1 Insightful.

This comment was illuminating -- and IMHO an excellent example of why it's important to avoid rigid rules against posting any AI-generated content in HN comments. You gained insights by asking Gemini, and shared them, noting the source. Thank you!