Greetings! Welcome to the latest edition of Installer, your go-to source for the latest and most exciting topics around. New readers, you’re warmly invited to explore our previous editions on the Installer homepage.
In this week’s edition, I delved into a variety of intriguing topics including cryptocurrency-related crimes, egg-related thefts, and a piece on Gap. I’ve also engaged in watching films like Last Breath, exploring shows such as Tires, and The Four Seasons. Recently, I started testing the minimalist Min browser, absorbing insights from The Magic of Code, indulging in the game Ridiculous Fishing, and celebrated a triumph in Mario Kart World.
This will be my final edition of Installer this summer! It’s time for baby duties. Starting next week, Jay Peters will take over and has some exciting content planned. He’ll handle the Installer inbox, so feel free to reach out, share your interests, and ask him any questions. You’re in for some enjoyable exchanges.
In the spirit of prepping Jay for a full inbox, I have a question for you: What’s your favorite lesser-known app? Many users may overlook some fantastic software while familiar with mainstream platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. Let’s share those hidden gems! My current favorites include Raycast, Mimestream, Unread, Raindrop.io, and Deck.Blue. I’m eager to hear about yours!
Let’s cut to the chase. I have a range of new recommendations for you to binge while the heat persists, showcasing a fantastic VR headset, a new installment in the Death Stranding game series, and more!
(As is customary, the best aspect of Installer lies in your contributions and suggestions. What topics pique your curiosity? What hacks should everyone know? Which apps deserve spotlight? Feel free to share your insights at installer@technologynewso.com. If you know someone who would enjoy Installer, encourage them to subscribe here. It’s complimentary and arrives a day early!)
The Drop
- F1 The Movie. Initially, my expectations for this film were low, but it has garnered praise! Its theatrical experience likely enhances the appeal, as the sound and visuals play a significant role; I’m uncertain how it will translate to smaller screens. However, I’ve always appreciated a good racing film, and this one adds to the collection.
- The Fairphone 6. Fairphone is pushing boundaries with ambitious and innovative projects in the smartphone industry. The latest model appears promising, offering a simplified version of Android, upgradeable components, and a growing list of advantages. I sincerely hope it gains popularity.
- The Titan 2. This week brings another intriguing smartphone! Produced by Unihertz, this Android 15 device boasts a substantial physical keyboard. It’s filled with interesting features but primarily targets users nostalgic for BlackBerry. Are there still fans of that brand?
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The original Death Stranding, known for its walking mechanics, appealed to many players. The sequel promises to expand on this formula in a grander scale with added activities and exploration opportunities. The soundtrack has also received glowing reviews.
- 11.ai. ElevenLabs continues to innovate in AI voice technology, and this product represents a highly customizable voice assistant that integrates with various applications and services. I recommend experimenting with different voices; minor changes can dramatically alter the overall experience.
- Squid Game season three. I’m conflicted about whether the show has exhausted its premise, yet it shows potential for longevity. Season two succeeded in breathing new life into the narrative, and season three, anticipated to be the final installment, promises a thrilling climax. It might be worth watching simply for the discussions it will spark.
- The Quest 3S Xbox Edition. This version enhances aesthetics dramatically, with a much more appealing color palette compared to the standard white. The addition of an Xbox controller greatly improves gameplay within the VR headset, emphasizing that VR is fundamentally about gaming.
- Long Shadow: Breaking the Internet. Every season of the Long Shadow podcast has offered valuable insights, but this latest run of episodes discussing technology’s profound effects on society is particularly captivating. While some content can be overly grim, the well-researched discussions merit attention.
- Ironheart. The technologically advanced aspects featured in the Black Panther films have not received sufficient recognition. This series should shine a light on this; it presents an engaging story alongside fascinating discussions about advanced suits and gadgets that I would love to possess.
A few months back, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with Travis Larchuk. We are currently working on a project that I cannot disclose just yet, but I’m excited to share more in due course. Starting next week, Travis will serve as the supervising producer of The Vergecast, indicating we will be producing a great deal of content together. While The Vergecast may not match the quality of Travis’s podcast about jams and seltzer, we will give it our best effort.
Travis is not only an adept podcaster, but he is also imparting knowledge about Dungeons & Dragons to me, possesses an endless supply of unique game show ideas, and has an impressive grasp of the Guitar Hero franchise. I asked him to share his homescreen with us, along with insights on the apps he utilizes:
Device: A blue iPhone 13 Pro.
Wallpaper: A blurred image serving as my lock screen, cycling through vacation images, arcade cabinets, and random snapshots, enhanced with a purple+blue Duotone filter.
Apps: Messages, Clock, Wallet, Google Maps, Settings, Passwords, NY Times, NYT Games, Life Time, Apple Podcasts, Apple Music, Slack, Phone, Gmail, Outlook, Safari.
I keep a single page of apps, primarily using the search function to locate them. For my aphantasiac brain, utilizing the English language offers a more effective organizational system than randomly positioning icons.
While I won’t justify my app choices (they’re beyond rational defense), I can provide some context:
- NYT Games receives prime placement as my mom, sister, and I share our Connections results daily as a check-in. The NYTimes app complements it.
- I utilize both Gmail and Outlook to avoid the mix-up of professional and personal emails. This separation ensures that Gmail handles personal correspondences while Outlook manages work-related messages, making it unlikely I’ll confuse them. (If anyone can advise me on fixing the Gmail app’s notification issue, I would appreciate it!)
- Regarding my weather app usage, if David wonders why it occupies considerable space, I’d urge him to consider the significance of Mother Nature and its substantial influence.
I also asked Travis to share some of his current interests. Here’s what he reported:
- The ongoing seasons of Taskmaster, Game Changer, Dimension 20, and Jet Lag: The Game.
- He is currently advocating for the Toadette + Tune Thumper combination in Mario Kart World.
- Currently, he’s GMing his fourth online TTRPG with a longstanding group, incorporating a unique “High Fantasy + Pokémon” twist.
- Curious about how Masquerade, an immersive Phantom of the Opera experience, will unfold.
Crowdsourced
Here’s what the Installer community is currently enjoying. I’m eager to hear about your current favorites as well! Reach out at installer@technologynewso.com or contact me on Signal — @davidpierce.11 — with your recommendations for all things interesting, and we’ll showcase some of our top picks here each week. For even more recommendations, check out the responses to this Threads post and this Bluesky post.
“Cool Tools has been around for 25 years; they offer a podcast and even published a book with the same name. This site suggests the best and most affordable tools, ranging from hand tools and machines to books, software, gadgets, websites, maps, and innovative ideas.” — Sinan
“The red-tailed hawks’ nest at Cornell features live feeds showcasing various bird species that can serve as a calming distraction.” — Hayden
“List, adorably hosted at llllllll.io, offers a delightful way to compile and organize the information you care about. It facilitates creative list-making, great for collectors or completionists.” — Cosmin
“I’m currently reading Playing at the World by Jon Peterson. It is the definitive source on D&D’s origins, illustrating the creation of role-playing games and the foundational mechanics prevalent in today’s video games.” — Jonathan
“Currently enjoying King of the Road, a Vice series on YouTube. Alongside that, I’m playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 and revisiting the original THPS3 on my Steam Deck. This immersion in skateboarding culture has even encouraged me to pick up a longboard, which has been quite enjoyable!” — Alex
“Check out the relatively new podcast Post Games, hosted by Chris Plante, who co-founded Polygon. This podcast delves into under-reported gaming news each week.” — Nick
“I’m currently working on Every 5×5 Nonogram, an initiative involving a community of enthusiasts worldwide. We have completed about half of the 25 million solutions, and I’ve contributed around 650 so far.” — Sam
“I overcame my phone addiction with the help of the AppBlock Android app. It includes a strict mode that greatly limits access to blocked apps or websites. Additionally, I found a daily routine app called RoutineFlow that organizes tasks similarly to playlists, featuring estimated time for completion. It’s particularly beneficial for those with ADHD.” — Jakub
“The Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman is a must-read! It’s a witty and captivating series that I quickly devoured, completing all seven books in just two weeks.” — Kyle
“I’m also trying to learn cardistry with my newly acquired USPCC decks, which are much better than the cheap cards I previously used. I got some beautifully designed unicorn-themed cards and another set featuring Memento Mori Genesis.” — Julia
Signing Off
Some time ago, I had the chance to discuss phone usage with Casey Johnston, author of She’s A Beast and A Physical Education, on The Vergecast. She provided valuable advice for reducing phone time, including a particularly transformative suggestion: acquiring a second device dedicated to feeds and social media, along with apps that tend to be distracting.
I followed her advice, and it has made a significant difference. I repurposed an old Android device, but a new one can be acquired for a reasonable price. Now, my primary phone is more streamlined and less distracting. Should I wish to engage with my social apps or games, I have my secondary device that fits conveniently in my pocket. This arrangement feels more comfortable than using a tablet, as it appears I’m simply using my phone in public settings.
For those seeking a reset this summer, consider trying this approach. Get a second phone or utilize an old one, limiting it to just the most used apps. Use it flexibly, making sure it remains a secondary device. In my experience, this setup strikes a perfect balance—everything is accessible, but not overwhelming.
Wishing you an enjoyable summer with Jay, and I’ll return in a couple of months!
