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Welcome to Installer No. 73, your weekly update on the most intriguing and trendiest topics around. This edition embraces a variety of interests, ranging from technology to entertainment, making sure to keep you well-informed and engaged. If you haven’t yet explored our previous editions, make sure to check them out at the Installer homepage.
This week, my explorations have led me to delve into the Zizians, explore intricate fashion choices, and tune into Heavyweight. Additionally, I’ve enjoyed the drama of Suits LA and the captivating storytelling in The White Lotus. I’ve been following Formula 1 testing and have experienced some viewer remorse after recommending The Gorge. I’ve also been curating an eight-hour mix of music from Severance, stretching my body with Bend, and endlessly watching Encanto with my child who seems to have mastered the art of resisting sleep.
This edition also features a range of innovations, such as a new repairable laptop, a sleek mobile version of Photoshop, an intriguing camera design, insightful content about app development and moderation, and a continuation of our discussion on music gear. I’m genuinely excited to dive into each topic!
Your input is a crucial component of Installer; I’m eager to hear your ideas and recommendations. What are you curious about? Do you have any hacks to share that could benefit others? Are there apps that you think everyone should have? Don’t hesitate to reach out at installer@theverge.com. If you know someone who might appreciate Installer, feel free to share it with them!
The Framework Laptop 12. While many of my gaming peers are buzzing about the Framework Desktop, I believe this new laptop, being budget-friendly and stylish, will capture a lot of attention. We still await more details, but I anticipate recommending it widely this year. Photoshop for iPhone is now available, bringing a robust editing experience to mobile like never before. While it is a significant step forward, Adobe has joined the mobile editing trend rather late, presenting a complicated interface but offering much-needed editing power on the go.
Flashes for Bluesky caters to those who prefer visually-driven content, transforming Bluesky into a more image-centric platform where users can share photos with engaging filters. This platform aligns with my interest in open social networking. Claude 3.7 is stirring conversations due to its favorable comparisons to ChatGPT and Gemini, providing users with the flexibility to manage the depth of their queries. The Sigma BF may not rank as the top $2,000 camera in features, yet it certainly stands out in design and aesthetic appeal, making it a noteworthy contender. Monster Hunter Wilds has already begun to garner Game of the Year accolades, delivering innovative gameplay that seems worth the six-year wait. Beeper Beta has made a resurgence, with its revamped Mac app resembling its predecessor, while the iOS application appears entirely refreshed, though the Android app remains its strongest offering. John Oliver’s latest segment on Facebook and content moderation highlights pressing issues surrounding Section 230 and the complexities involved in managing online content. Additionally, don’t miss his Last Week Tonight guide to reducing your value to Meta.
Last week, we discussed our preferred music apps, revealing a collective appreciation for Plexamp, moderate enjoyment of Spotify, and the desire for improved music collection organization. This week, we shift focus to gear. Many of you reached out to share your favorite speakers, headphones, and other audio equipment, so I’ve compiled the most frequently mentioned suggestions.
It’s clear that Sonos gear remains a top choice. Most feedback indicated that a quality pair of stereo speakers is essential for any music setup, with many starting their journey with Sonos due to its unbeatable sound quality and connectivity despite some app-related frustration. However, I also received several noteworthy alternative suggestions:
A diverse range of Edifier speakers were praised, spanning from budget-friendly Bluetooth models to high-end professional equipment. Surprisingly, many reported loving HomePods and HomePod Minis after purchasing them on sale. The sophisticated KEF LSX speakers, which offer both wired and wireless options with Chromecast and AirPlay compatibility, also received enthusiastic reviews.
Longevity in audio experience is highlighted by the recommendation for soundbars, with the Vizio soundbar garnering positive feedback, though general consensus suggests that nearly any soundbar upgrade significantly enhances living room audio.
When it comes to headphones, there wasn’t a singular standout. Still, several models received repeated mentions, including the Sony MDR-7506, Sennheiser HD 600, Sony WF-C510, Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2E, and Bose QuietComfort. Several mentioned a fondness for AirPods Pro as well.
On the topic of receivers and amplifiers, several recommendations came in, with a notable preference for WiiM Ultras for music integration and the WiiM Mini being essential for older set-ups. Many of you utilize the WiiM Amp Pro as a pivotal component of your audio experience.
Other notable trends from my recent inbox highlights include:
Turntables are making a comeback. Audio Technica remains a popular choice, alongside the U-Turn Audio Orbit and products from Pro-Ject received positive mentions.
A surprising number of responses came in from enthusiastic Sony Walkman fans, showcasing how beloved this classic has remained. Furthermore, several detailed the process of restoring iPods and even shared a link to the most aesthetically pleasing CD player they’ve encountered.
Preference for audio streaming through Chromecast over other methods like AirPlay or Bluetooth was expressed, with many users citing superior quality and reliability. A few even talked about DIY home audio systems using Raspberry Pis and HiFiBerry converters, suggesting this to be an enjoyable and accessible project.
Thank you to everyone who contributed ideas and feedback for our recent collaborative project. I’ve appreciated every message and gained valuable insights from your experiences. We will continue to explore music-related topics in the future!
As part of my ongoing quest for optimal tech setups, I recently discovered a popular Threads post featuring an innovative iPhone configuration that utilized Shortcuts and Focus modes effectively. Anxious to understand these features better, I contacted the creator, Colin, known as Tinyblocks, to gain insight into their setup.
Colin’s phone: An iPhone 15.
Colin’s wallpaper: Features a minimalistic design that integrates seamlessly with the dock, created by a fellow Notion enthusiast known as the Digital Minimalist.
Colin’s apps: A comprehensive list includes Gmail, Slack, Figma, Google Drive, Google Sheets, WhatsApp, Telegram, LinkedIn, Messenger, Discord, Instagram, X, Threads, Circle, Skool, Gumroad, YouTube, Google Maps, Naver, KorailTalk, Kakao T, Booking, Airbnb, Naver Papago, Translate, HappyCow, Revolut, Salad, KH Online, Wallet, Indy, AutoEntrepreneur, Binance, Finary, Bankin’.
Colin responded to interest in their dock setup by crafting a detailed guide available on Gumroad.
The crux of their setup revolves around Focus modes and Shortcuts. Colin utilizes tailored Focus modes that showcase only pertinent apps. For example, their Travel mode includes maps, translation tools, Airbnb, and other travel-related applications, while Finance mode contains banking and expense apps, all with customized notifications to minimize distractions.
The default dock apps were substituted with shortcuts to main Focus modes, enabling one-tap transformations of their phone’s interface. For apps that span all modes, Colin employs the Today View (left swipe) featuring widgets for Messages, Photos, Gmail, Notion, Claude, Arc, and SyncTask.
Furthermore, I inquired about Colin’s current interests:
They value productivity tools, especially Notion, as Colin aspires to be an active creator within that space. Currently learning Korean while residing in South Korea is both challenging and fulfilling, with private lessons complementing their self-study. As a fan of audiobooks, Colin is captivated by works from Brandon Sanderson and is currently absorbed in his Secret Project books. They also enjoy the Wax & Wayne series.
Lastly, they’ve initiated a consistent gym routine, beginning with personal training sessions that have now evolved into following their trainer’s recommended plan. Colin anticipates creating a gym planner in Notion to enhance their fitness journey.
As we conclude this week’s edition, I invite you to share your current interests! Please reach out via email at installer@theverge.com or message me on Signal – @davidpierce.11 – to include your favorite recommendations, which we will feature in future editions.
One community member shared: “We started using Huckleberry immediately to track our baby’s feeding, sleep patterns, and other vital information. It’s been incredibly beneficial, ensuring our baby’s needs are met effectively.” — Spencer
Another said: “I’ve recently paired my Keys-To-Go 2 with my Boox Poke 3 for distraction-free writing in coffee shops.” — Jeroen
A third member noted their interest: “I’ve started watching the newest season of Industry, the series following ambitious graduates vying for positions at a prestigious London bank.” — Rob
One individual shared, “I’ve been exploring e-readers and just transitioned from a Kindle to a Kobo Clara BW. Its compact size, clear text, and adjustable warm light make nighttime reading a pleasure.” — Ian
Thomas added his thoughts on ChessUp 2: “This board enhances the chess-playing experience by providing assistance and has a premium feel, giving an immersive vibe similar to 3D chess seen in Star Wars.”
Colin commented, “I’m exploring how to prove you’re not an AI, diving into content verification’s future with C2PA.”
Ryan shared, “I discovered Anybox for capturing links and notes, but it’s also a fantastic tool to collect images on any Apple device, helping organize visuals for work collaborations.”
Gigg mentioned, “I watched a thought-provoking documentary on NHK about the creator of the manga Detective Conan, showcasing the depths of passion people have for their art.”
Luke found interest in Deta Surf, describing it as an intriguing and personality-filled web browser that feels more like an experiment than a traditional browser.
Lastly, many have taken to social media to highlight the humorous and insightful content of comedian Josh Johnson, whose entertaining commentary spans pop culture and current events, showcasing his immense talent.
Source
www.theverge.com