Time to Gather Them All Again

Hello, everyone! You're reading Installer No. 102, your roadmap to discovering the finest and most quintessential Verge topics globally. If this is your first time here, a warm welcome to you, enjoy the eerie season—and if interested, you can look at previous issues on the Installer homepage.

This week, I've taken a dive into a sea of personal chefs, social media algorithms, specifically TikTok’s, and the fascinating world of deep-sea diving. I'm rapidly absorbing Cory Doctorow's intriguing book and lending a hand with curating the enriching Sunday Long Read newsletter. Meanwhile, experiencing an unexpected wave of emotions during the final episode of WTF, trying to persuade my child to give 'The Twits' a chance, finally grasping the NATO phonetic alphabet, and indulging in a fair amount of dried mangoes.

Additionally, I've got a captivating game in store that you might want to abandon your weekend engagements for, information on Apple’s high-powered new laptop, a documentary that's a must-see for film enthusiasts, among a plethora of other intriguing subjects.

Furthermore, I have an inquiry for you: think about the show, movie, YouTube upload, or TikTok segment that you could view countless times without weariness. These are the bits you turn to when you crave effortless engagement. For instance, my top favorites are the show and certain movies. I'd love to gather a comprehensive list of timeless viewing options. Share your top picks with me!

Screen Spotlight

I always find it intriguing to have the new members of our team reveal the layout of their homescreens. It allows us a glimpse into their personal tastes while providing a subtle nudge to evaluate their choices. We’ve recently welcomed some new faces, so let's catch up! First in line is our weekend editor who’s been with us for a little while now. Following his writings has been a passion of mine for years, and I’ve always relished his insights, yet his homescreen was an enigma. Could it be that he bypasses having a phone in favor of toting around some cool Teenage Engineering gadgets?

Well, it turns out my assumptions weren’t entirely misplaced. Here's a peek at his homescreen appearances, along with details on his app usage rationale:

Operating on a Pixel 7.

The color choice is minimalistic black.

Frequently used apps include Calendar, Obsidian, Apple Music, Pocket Casts, Kobo Books, Readwise Reader, Libby, Headspace, Phone, Camera.

The homescreen is aptly titled ‘Focus Mode’. The aim is to diminish screen time generally, but predominantly focused on the phone. Emulating the feel of a Light Phone or similar alternatives, while retaining access to essentials like messaging or ticketing applications (as attending concerts means apps like Dice, AXS, or Ticketmaster are necessities). The focus remains on keeping it populated with “productive” apps to avoid endless scrolling.

Community Highlights

“I wrapped up Dan Charnas’ biography of J Dilla – an outstanding read, not only narrating the artist's life, but providing an in-depth look at the cultural and technological shifts that redefined hip-hop production.” — Jake

“A miniseries on HBO has caught my attention, eagerly awaiting its concluding episode this coming week.” — Ibuqun

“The sequel to a five-year-old favorite of mine has taken up as much delightful gaming hours as its predecessor. It’s remarkable how it elevated an almost flawless game to new heights.” — Nick

“This particular platform provides affordable management and hosting for open-source software. Transitioning from Google Photos has been seamless with only a modest investment, ensuring diligent backups and easy access.” — Luke

“Playing retro games on my new console has been a source of comfort in the early weeks with my newborn, bringing a nostalgic charm that’s both cozy and enjoyable.” — Dylan

“I’ve recently landed on the ideal wallet, crafted in Hawaii, it’s customizable and exudes a unique charm. I specifically chose a vibrant color combination and it’s become a treasured accessory.” — Felipe

Signing Off

My oldest child is on the cusp of turning three, and we're considering getting him an innovative audio player as a birthday surprise. It uses engaging tools to help children curate what they listen to – although it’s pricey, the reviews are consistently positive. It makes one ponder if we’re on the brink of a new wave of inventive gadgets. While we could technically replicate what this device does with multiple other tools available to us, its unique construction alters its entire appeal.

I’m suddenly inspired to experiment with an old iPod to see if it alters my music habits similarly. Perhaps it’s just the gadget collector in me speaking. However, I’m curious about your insights — and if you’ve stumbled upon any exceptional gift options for a three-year-old fan of Cookie Monster and Buzz Lightyear, I’m all ears.

Until next week, take care!