Welcome to Installer No. 89! I’m Jay Peters, stepping in to guide you through the best offerings while David is on parental leave. We at Technology News are thrilled for David and his family, and he will be back later this year.
It’s a privilege to write this column. I eagerly anticipate Installer each week to discover the intriguing gadgets and applications David shares, as well as what piques your interest. (A big shoutout to those who shared your favorite lesser-known apps to help kickstart my edition! For newcomers, you can check out previous editions at the Installer homepage.)
Around this time each year, I find myself engrossed in the Summer Games Done Quick marathon. If you’re unfamiliar, this week-long event features a continuous livestream of gamers showcasing their skills to raise funds for charity. I often catch snippets throughout the week, marveling at players speed-running through beloved classics and obscure titles alike.
You can watch the event for free on Twitch, wrapping up early Sunday mornings, with replays available on the Games Done Quick YouTube channel. So far, my highlights include a thrilling Beat Saber demonstration and a nail-biting Cuphead race. If there are any runs you recommend, feel free to share — I might feature them in an upcoming edition of Installer!
Now, let’s jump into this week’s exciting features, including new Samsung foldable smartphones, an update from a prominent Reddit app developer, and more.
(And remember, the most valuable aspect of Installer is your suggestions. What topics do you want me to cover? What hidden tricks or apps do you think everyone should know about? Share your insights at installer@technologynewso.com. Don’t forget to tell friends who might enjoy Installer to subscribe; it’s free, and you’ll receive it a day in advance!)
The Drop
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: While foldable phones weren’t initially my thing, the sleek design of the Z Fold 7 is quite impressive. However, the price tag of $1,999, which marks a $100 increase from its predecessor, is quite steep. The Z Flip 7, featuring an edge-to-edge cover display, also appears to be a notable improvement.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 8: In the words of Victoria Song, “the squircle has taken over.” The new Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic boast circle faces within rounded square cases, allowing for a flatter, more streamlined look on the wrist – a welcome change for those who prefer thinner wearables.
- Nothing Phone 3: Although technically revealed last week, its announcement was overlooked due to Installer taking a break for the July 4th holiday in the United States. Touted as Nothing’s “first true flagship,” its eye-catching camera arrangement is its most notable feature.
- Nothing Headphone 1: In addition to the phone, Nothing has also introduced its first pair of over-ear headphones, featuring a unique translucent design that may appeal to adventurous users.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: This compilation of remakes has been a nostalgic hit. I’ve been enjoying it on my Switch 2, where it performs admirably! Although I’m a bit out of practice, the game includes some helpful settings to assist those seeking to improve their skills.
- HBO Max: The streaming service has reverted back to the name Max, which seems to have always suited it better.
- Perplexity’s Comet browser: This new AI-powered browser uses Perplexity as its default search tool, equipped with an integrated AI assistant. While it marks an interesting development in the browser wars, access is currently limited to subscribers of Perplexity’s $200 monthly plan.
- Anker’s Nano Wireless Car Charger: This innovative car charger, featuring an adaptable arm, presents a flexible solution for mounting your phone in the car — even if you don’t drive, it could be quite appealing.
- Superman: Although I’m not typically invested in DC Comics or Superman, it appears James Gunn’s new film is receiving positive feedback. Additionally, The Fantastic Four: First Steps promises to add excitement to the superhero landscape in 2025.
For those who followed the recent Reddit protests, the name Christian Selig may sound familiar. He was the developer behind the popular Apollo for Reddit iOS app, which became a focal point during the protests against Reddit’s costly API changes that ultimately led to its shutdown.
Selig’s current project is an app called Pixel Pals. He also serves as an advisor to the revamped Digg, and he recently posted an engaging PC build video that has garnered over 2.5 million views. I caught up with him to discuss what his homescreen looks like and the apps that catch his attention.
The phone: iPhone 15 Pro Blue Titanium 128 GB
The wallpaper: It’s likely just a random image I saved from Twitter ages ago. However, its simplicity and how it integrates with the default iOS blur effect makes it appealing on my home screen.
The apps: I strive to maintain a simple layout with easily accessible applications. My phone is mostly void of social media apps to promote healthier habits; I prefer handy tools like vehicle apps (especially useful for preheating my car during cold Canadian winters), Overcast for podcasts, Microsoft To Do for tasks, ChatGPT for cutting-edge AI interactions, YouTube for entertainment, Pixel Pals because it’s my project, and the Chess.com app for strategic downtime. Additionally, I enjoy testing the alpha version of Digg, which has been a fun experience.
I also asked Christian to share some of his current interests:
- Lately, I’ve been enjoying chess, diving into the game as a beginner.
- I’ve undertaken the project of digitizing old VHS and Hi8 tapes from my childhood, which has proven to be a fascinating and rewarding journey.
- I am deeply intrigued by solar and battery technology. My partner and I recently purchased land and are excited to explore sustainable energy solutions together.
Regarding his role at Digg:
- As an advisor, I provide candid feedback to the team about their mobile app—what works well, what doesn’t, and potential improvements—along with guiding their developer strategy moving forward. Their receptiveness to my input has been impressive.
- I joined the team because I feel saddened by the current state of online communities. Platforms like Reddit have become less lively and more corporate. I resonated with Kevin Rose’s vision for nurturing community in a meaningful way, which inspired my decision to contribute.
- I have heard various propositions for “Reddit but better” over the years, but Kevin presented a clear vision for a community-centric platform, backed by a strong team that made me excited to get involved.
Crowdsourced
This section highlights suggestions from the Installer community! I encourage you to send your favorite picks to installer@technologynewso.com and we’ll showcase some each week. For more recommendations, check the comments on this post on Technology News, this Threads post, and this Bluesky post.
This section features a mix of under-the-radar apps and some popular recommendations from our community.
“Shoutout to my favorite mobile game designer from Germany: Arnold Rauers, whose studio Tiny Touchtales creates captivating and addictive light strategy games. My favorites include Card Thief, Geo Gods, and Miracle Merchant.” — Nick
“I create websites using Panic’s Nova and absolutely adore it; it’s probably my all-time favorite app. I’m also a fan of Mimestream, eagerly awaiting its iPhone version.” — Jeanne
“If you’re looking for a great soccer app, Live Soccer TV provides a comprehensive worldwide soccer schedule and broadcast details. It serves a purpose without unnecessary features — I’ve kept it on my home screen for a long time and can’t recommend it enough!” — Dustin
“I’m really into Obsidian and Anybox.” — Peter
“I’m amazed that Crouton often doesn’t come up in discussions of recipe apps. If Apple were to design a recipe app, this would be it. It’s affordable at $14.99 per year and features cool options like ‘hands-free’ mode for easy navigation while cooking.” — Justin
“All of Claire North’s novels are extraordinary! She writes original, thought-provoking stories focused on themes like time and identity. Her characters resonate deeply, and her works are a blend of smart and emotional storytelling. I recommend starting with The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August or Touch.” — Dave
“Despite being around for a while, Marvel Snap has my whole family hooked! The recent season featuring The Fantastic Four has been exciting and offers engaging, strategic challenges for my kids.” — WALL-E
“I’ve switched from Pocket to Folio and have been quite pleased with it.” — Carter
“All four The Trip films are currently available to stream on Criterion Channel — they’re hilarious and delightfully mean-spirited comedies. Be sure to check out the longer BBC versions as well for an extended experience.” — Kevin
“Although I have a backlog, I’m trying out A Solitaire Mystery because I’m keen on games developed by the team behind Baba Is You.” — Tristan
“I just made the switch to the Pixel line from iOS, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the new operating system. I’m also taking a tech break to focus on traditional painting, reading physical books, and being more present in my life.” — EmpireStrikesBacktotheFuture
Signing Off
This week, I’ve been reflecting on the conclusion of the latest season of Taskmaster, a British comedy series that pits five comedians against absurd challenges judged by a whimsical host. This year’s episodes, particularly series 19, featured an incredible cast and unforgettable tasks.
If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, humorous show, I can’t recommend series 19 highly enough. Best of all, you can catch all series for free on YouTube! Your time starts now.
See you next week!