Greetings, friends and fellow enthusiasts! Welcome to the 107th edition of *Installer* — your dedicated and ever-evolving companion to the most innovative, intriguing, and quintessentially Verge-inspired discoveries from across the digital and creative spectrum. If this is your very first time joining us, I extend the warmest of welcomes and a sincere hope that you are enjoying not only a relaxing but also a pleasantly extended weekend. Should curiosity prompt you to explore past editions, the complete archive awaits you on the *Installer* homepage, where every previous issue holds a treasure trove of thoughtful recommendations and insights.
Over the past week, my attention has been captured by a fascinating mix of stories and pursuits: from exploring the world of *Faker*, to delving into the ongoing surge of Chinese electric vehicle innovations, and even venturing into the captivating universe of art thefts and the shadowy figures behind them. On the home front, I’ve begun my search for stylish acoustic tiles to complement my new office space — because ambiance matters — while discovering the unexpectedly practical joy of a simple night-light app that’s proven far more useful than anticipated. I’ve also been putting the new *Pebble 2 Duo* through its paces, immersing myself in the gripping *Colossus* series via *Search Engine*, and at long last, beginning *Pluribus*. Between these activities, I’ve been wrestling with an obstinate thermostat app, gradually migrating some of my browsing habits over to *Kagi’s Orion* browser, and painstakingly reconnecting my smart home devices to an *Echo Dot Max*. Despite all this technological tinkering, I’ve still tried, wherever possible, to step away from screens and spend more quality time with my family — or, at the very least, to maintain proximity while scrolling on my phone, which I’m convinced firmly counts.
In this edition, I also bring you highlights of monumental proportions: the biggest Netflix release of the year, a visually striking new comic series, the latest and most sophisticated incarnation of Claude’s language model, and much more. Though it’s been a short week, the lineup of remarkable topics more than makes up for it, so let’s dive right in.
As always, *Installer* thrives on your contributions — the tips, discoveries, and creative finds from our extraordinary community. What’s been capturing your attention this week? Are you playing something new, reading an engrossing novel, streaming a fresh series, or even perfecting a new recipe at 400 degrees? Share your recommendations with me at **installer@theverge.com**. And if you know someone who would enjoy *Installer* as much as you do, please pass it along and invite them to subscribe.
Let’s start with *Stranger Things* season 5. This series occupies a curious space in my brain: not quite an all-time favorite, yet one I absolutely devour with every release. Though I may not hold it above all else on television, I can’t deny my anticipation — particularly knowing this new installment spans eight episodes that pack far more than eight hours of storytelling intensity.
Next, culinary icon *Alton Brown* makes his triumphant return with *Alton Brown Cooks Food* on YouTube. The premiere episode on turkey preparation manages to feel simultaneously like a high-production television show and an effortlessly authentic YouTube upload, proof that his charm and mastery haven’t faded in the slightest.
Then, we have *The Beatles Anthology 2025*. The original multimedia project from three decades ago — encompassing songs, documentary footage, and a companion book — ignited my lifelong admiration for The Beatles. This updated edition has been meticulously remastered and enriched with additional material, making it essential viewing and listening for any true music lover.
*Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery* reunites *Rian Johnson*, *Daniel Craig*, and the rest of the beloved cast from the franchise that continually redefines the modern whodunit. With a brief theatrical release preceding its Netflix debut on December 12th, it promises another masterclass in mystery and style — one I fully intend to watch both on the big screen and at home.
*Galactic*, a freshly launched comic series, blends the aesthetic of *Star Wars* with the intensity of *True Romance* and the cinematic flair of Tarantino’s films. Its fusion of science fiction, violence, and romance suggests a bold, strikingly original narrative.
For those seeking next-generation connectivity, *Amazon Leo Ultra* marks significant progress in Amazon’s ambitions to rival Starlink. Though its pricing remains under wraps, the promise of download speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps positions it as a compelling contender in the satellite internet realm.
Meanwhile, the thought-provoking conversation *Do You Feel Guilty About Bad Reviews?* brings together *Michael Fisher* and *Marques Brownlee* as they dissect the intersection of AI, politics, and the creator economy. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating the evolving dynamics of online creation and influence.
On a lighter but no less delightful note: *Xbox Crocs*. Imagine merging ergonomic, comfortable footwear with the iconic elements of gaming controllers — complete with functional buttons and joysticks. Absurd? Completely. Marvelous? Absolutely. If I can secure a pair, they might just become my official gaming shoes.
Then there’s *Claude Opus 4.5*, the latest iteration of one of the most capable large language models around. Already renowned for its exceptional performance in coding, this update looks to push boundaries further, perhaps offering the perfect excuse to finally finish tinkering with my “vibe-coded” productivity app.
Gift guides are one of my favorite traditions, regardless of season. The best ones, in my opinion, often come not from institutions but from individuals — people like *Robin Sloan*, *Helen Rosner*, and *Max Read*, whose personal tastes have led me to countless delightful discoveries. In their spirit, I present my own entirely unscientific yet wholeheartedly genuine list of 2025 gift recommendations — every item personally purchased, tested, and adored, with an eye toward quality and affordability.
Among them, *The Nintendo Switch 2* stands proudly as the year’s ultimate gadget. Even if its library consisted solely of *Mario Kart World*, *Donkey Kong Bananza*, and *Kirby Air Riders*, I would still be thrilled — but its expanding catalog makes it an irresistible daily companion.
On the slightly quirkier side, *The POP Phone* wins the title of silliest yet most joyful gadget in my collection. Connecting via USB-C, it replicates the tactile familiarity of an old-school landline receiver, offering superior comfort and unexpectedly clear sound.
For practicality, I cannot recommend *Baseus USB cables* enough — compact, retractable, and relentlessly reliable. I still carry two everywhere I go, though I admit I’m eyeing the variant with an integrated power brick.
*The Hoto Electric Screwdriver* remains a perennial favorite, consistently topping my list of Black Friday bargains. Charging via USB-C and holding its charge impressively, it handles nearly every household task with ease.
In the realm of literature, *The Doorman* was my most engrossing read this year — an astonishingly well-constructed narrative that rewards patience with a truly satisfying finale.
When it comes to sound, the *Logitech UE Wonderboom* remains unbeatable for its size, boasting rich audio, remarkable durability, and waterproof design. I have several scattered throughout my home and travel gear, though one has mysteriously vanished into the void.
For game-night enthusiasts, *Acquire* rekindled my affection for strategic board gaming through its elegantly simple yet deeply tactical gameplay. And *Wits & Wagers*, discovered serendipitously at a winery, captivated my entire family — a rare feat blending trivia, betting, and party-game charm.
Tech accessories like *Google’s Pixel Buds 2a* strike a perfect balance between comfort, audio quality, and style — the subtle purple hue doesn’t hurt either. Travel-wise, *The Away Overnight Bag* remains my go-to for short trips, offering perfect organization without excess bulk.
Essential smart lighting comes courtesy of *Philips Hue Essential Bulbs*, on recommendation from colleague *Jen Tuohy*. They’re budget-friendly, universal in compatibility, and blissfully maintenance-free.
And then there’s *The Brick*, an understated yet effective productivity tool. With just a tap of my phone, it helps me transition into focused, minimalist mode — a small object that somehow wields impressive influence.
For heavier computing needs, the *M4 Mac Mini* continues to impress as the most cost-effective powerhouse available, and my personal recommendation for nearly anyone seeking desktop excellence.
A final shopping note: amidst the season’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, consider investing in discounted annual subscriptions for streaming platforms. Prices across the field are steadily climbing, and now is a rare chance to lock in significant savings — making the fragmented future of television just a bit easier to swallow.
Next, I had the opportunity to reconnect with *Naveen Gavini*, formerly Pinterest’s chief product officer and now CEO of his new venture *BuildForever*. His team’s inaugural creation, *Extra*, reimagines the way we interact with our inboxes — and after seeing an early demo, I can confirm it’s unlike any email app I’ve encountered. I invited Naveen to share his homescreen philosophy and app favorites, and his insights did not disappoint.
He currently uses an *iPhone 17 Pro* with a rotating wallpaper collection that changes daily — the present one featuring a stunning rainforest enhanced by iOS 26’s depth effect. His app lineup includes Camera, Photos, Calendar, Notes, Figma, Slack, Oura, Google Maps, Retro, Tangle, Super Me, Tesla, Phone, Messages, Safari, and of course, Extra.
Among his favorites, Naveen highlights the *Pinterest* widget for daily motivational quotes; *Retro*, which he uses weekly as a visual journal; *Tangle*, a creation by Pinterest cofounder Evan Sharp that helps him schedule time intentionally, especially with his children; *SuperMe*, a platform connecting him to human experts for advice; and *Extra* itself, which helps him rapidly identify top priorities while maintaining an uncluttered inbox.
Beyond apps, Naveen mentioned content that’s recently inspired him — from *Marcusveltri’s* remarkable artistic videos to the cheerful, street-roaming antics of *Doloresaurous*, a performer joyfully engaging communities while dressed as a dinosaur.
As always, the *Installer* community continues to share an astonishing range of enthusiasms: from Carter’s daily learning habit through the *Spark* games, to Manny’s deep dive into *Dungeon Crawler Carl* and *Kingdom Come Deliverance*, to Naught’s excitement for the *Eyes Wide Shut* 4K Criterion release. Scott is eyeing a *Viwoods AIPaper Reader*, Jack remains committed to *The Division 2*, Bill praised *The Great Work* by Sheldon Costa, Lee’s immersing himself in *Home Assistant*, Yoinks is catching up on *Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End*, and Jordan’s fallen for *In Stars And Time*, citing some of the best character writing in years.
And yes, *Stranger Things* returns this week after what feels like several centuries. To prepare, I’ve been indulging in a genre of YouTube content I didn’t realize existed — entire-series recaps condensed into 20–30-minute videos. Channels like *Man of Recaps* expertly summarize everything from *Breaking Bad* to *The Witcher* with astonishing efficiency. Why binge dozens of episodes when you can be fully refreshed in half an hour?
So here we are — another week filled with discoveries, gadgets, creativity, and community connection. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying the weekend ahead, I wish you joy, rest, and maybe a little inspiration. See you next week for an even more gift-filled edition of *Installer*.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/830153/the-2025-installer-gift-guide
