Greetings, readers! You’re tuned in to Installer No. 87, your ultimate source for the latest and most exciting developments. If this is your first time here, welcome aboard! We’re currently in the midst of “Officially Too Hot Now Week,” and you can always catch up on past editions by visiting the Installer homepage.
This week’s reading list includes fascinating insights into Sabrina Carpenter, Khaby Lame, and the role of intimacy coordinators. I’ve also been making progress on Barbarians at the Gate, watching various episodes of Ben Schwartz and Friends on YouTube, planning with the new Finalist beta, and fearlessly trying out all the Apple developer betas after WWDC. In addition, I’m thoroughly enjoying Dakota Johnson’s ongoing press tour, while making an effort to clear my inboxes prior to my parental leave. It’s a busy time!
In this edition, you’ll find a highly anticipated new browser, an unexpected update for a well-loved photo editor, an intriguing trailer for a movie that doesn’t seem too compelling, a classic speech by Steve Jobs, and much more. This issue is slightly shorter, but rest assured, we aim to keep you informed even in the midst of summer craziness. Just a reminder: we’ll be taking a break next week for Juneteenth, vacations, and general summer chaos, but we will return in full swing afterward! Let’s dive in.
(As always, your input enhances Installer. What topics or trends are on your radar? Do you have any useful tips to share? What apps do you believe everyone should be using? Feel free to reach out at installer@technologynewso.com. If you know someone else who might appreciate Installer, share this with them and encourage them to subscribe.)
The Drop
- Dia. For those fond of Arc, you might find this company’s new AI-centric browser both intriguing and divisive. Personally, I plan to stick with Arc for now, but Dia offers some compelling concepts and appealing design elements.
- Snapseed 3.0. I had completely forgotten about Snapseed until this recent update, which introduces a range of fresh editing tools and a sleek redesign! Among straightforward photo editing apps, this one stands out. Currently, the new version is available only on iOS, but Android users should expect it soon.
- “I Tried To Make Something In America.” This story about the Smarter Scrubber was first highlighted in a captivating Search Engine episode and serves as an insightful companion piece on the complexities of restoring manufacturing in the United States.
- The F1 haptic trailer. This link, along with the trailer, is only effective for those with newer iPhones. Yet, even if racing isn’t your theme, the trailer features an impressive effect that vibrates along with the car’s movements and sounds, making it a delightful experience.
- Android 16. While the vibrant new aesthetic and desktop features aren’t available yet, Android 16 brings several improvements, most of which will arrive later. Nonetheless, Live Updates look promising, and there are useful accessibility enhancements as well.
- The Infinite Machine Olto. This sleek, futuristic electric scooter strikes a perfect balance between style and utility. Blending features of a moped and an e-bike, it channels strong vibes reminiscent of Blade Runner. However, at $3,500, it’s a bit out of my immediate reach.
- The Fujifilm X-E5. I often ponder why Fujifilm doesn’t release an array of aesthetically appealing cameras at various price points, considering the demand. Thankfully, here is an iteration of the X100VI featuring interchangeable lenses and advanced options that will attract photography enthusiasts.
- Call Her Alex. While I wouldn’t call myself a diehard fan of Call Her Daddy, I found this two-part documentary about Alex Cooper quite captivating. It’s a compelling exploration of human connection, internet culture, and the modern sense of belonging, offering both depth and lighthearted moments. Worth a watch!
- “Steve Jobs – 2005 Stanford Commencement Address.” To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Jobs’ iconic and unforgettable speech, the Steve Jobs Archive has compiled a comprehensive collection of stories, notes, and multimedia surrounding the address, including a newly remastered video. This timeless speech deserves 15 minutes of your attention.
- Dune: Awakening. Any release from the Dune franchise piques my interest, and this game does not disappoint, showcasing open-world survival elements alongside ornithopters. The difficulty level promises to be challenging in some areas.
Crowdsourced
Here’s a glimpse of what the Installer community is enjoying this week. I’d love to hear about your favorites as well! Send your recommendations—big or small—through email at installer@technologynewso.com or reach out to me on Signal — @davidpierce.11 — and I may highlight some of the top picks here weekly. For additional recommendations, check out the comments on this Threads post and this Bluesky post.
“I’ve transitioned from using a paper planner within my leather Paper Republic journal to the Remarkable Paper Pro color e-ink device, which retains all the benefits of traditional paper while allowing for editing and color coding. Pairing it with a Remarkable planner in PDF from Etsy has been a game-changer.” — Jason
“I recently began reading a manga series titled Monsters We Make by Cory Kenshin. It’s been a delightful experience thus far, and I’ve already placed a preorder for Volume 2.” — Rob
“After my adapted Xbox One controller finally broke down, I explored the realm of third-party controllers to find a versatile option for my PC, phone, handheld consoles, and Switch. I’ve been using the GameSir Cyclone 2 for several weeks; it feels luxurious, smooth, and accurate thanks to its TMR joysticks. Although the face buttons took some adjusting to, I grew to appreciate the satisfying mechanical click after adapting to the shorter travel distance.” — Sam
“I recommend the Apple TV Plus miniseries Long Way Home. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman embark on an adventure across several European nations on vintage motorcycles they restored, presenting a light-hearted exploration of connections with diverse cultures.” — Esmael
“For a podcast, check out Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Christianity Today. It provides an in-depth look at the Satanic Panic of the 80s and 90s.” — Drew
“I’m really enjoying Splatoon 3 (with the free Switch 2 update) and the latest adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.” — Aaron
“I’m addicted to Mario Kart World. When I’m not engaged in the intense Knockout Tour mode, I switch to Free Roam to tackle various P-Switch challenges, some of which are quite difficult! I can’t get enough.” — Dave
“I’ve discovered Fable, an excellent app for finding books and engaging with virtual book clubs. It resembles a cozy online bookstore with more genuine reviews. However, it would be even better if users could easily click on an author’s name to view their other works.” — Astrid
“This week marks the Summer Games Fest (formerly E3, resting in peace), where numerous game demos are available to explore on Steam. One standout for me is Wildgate, a team-based spaceship shooter where crews battle to escape with a powerful artifact.” — Sean
“The classic Battlefront 2 has made a return for some mysterious reason. Still holds up visually.” — Ian
Signing Off
My interest in weather forecasting has been longstanding. I frequently recommend Andrew Blum’s book, The Weather Machine, to help people grasp the evolution of weather prediction and its cultural significance. Conversely, for those who want to feel frustrated, Michael Lewis’s book, The Fifth Risk, recounts how numerous firms essentially privatized forecasts sourced from government data. The significance of weather in terms of business, politics, and daily life is profound, and our forecasting capabilities have grown remarkably.
I’ve been intrigued by the potential of AI in weather forecasting for years; it thrives on extensive historical data, minute variation analysis, and the identification of elusive patterns. Thus, upon encountering my colleague Justine Calma’s article about Google’s new project, Weather Lab, I spent considerable time examining how well DeepMind performed in predicting and tracking recent storms. It’s an engrossing field, showcasing the intersection of technology and nature—even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.
Catch you next week!
