Greetings, friends, and welcome to the ninety-eighth edition of *Installer*, a curated guide designed to showcase some of the most intriguing, entertaining, and distinctively Verge-inspired discoveries across technology, culture, and media. For those who are encountering this newsletter for the very first time—welcome aboard! As a playful initiation, let me know if you happen to have purchased an orange iPhone, and be aware that every previous installment remains readily available for you to browse at the official *Installer* homepage.
This past week has led me down a particularly eclectic path: I’ve been engrossed in reading about the curious phenomenon of competitive massage, exploring the futuristic concept of carbonated beverages brewed specifically for outer space travel, and discovering deeper insights into the myriad ways in which real people interact with and rely upon artificial intelligence. I also delved into *Adolescence*, the television series that recently secured multiple Emmy Awards, and spent some leisure time experimenting with *The New York Times’* newly launched digital domino game. On the audio front, I finally began listening to *The Lazarus Heist*, a riveting podcast that has long been on my radar, while simultaneously working on various writing projects inside Ulysses, my go-to tool for structured, distraction-free composition. For task organization, I found myself repeatedly turning to *Remind Me Faster*, an app that streamlines note-taking and to-do creation. Meanwhile, I took meticulous notes on Federico Viticci’s extensive review of Apple’s iOS 26—a deep dive into the operating system’s latest iteration.
This week, I am eager to share an updated catalogue of recommendations that include an intriguing new model of smart glasses, an alternative browser worthy of exploration, a recently unveiled AI tool developed by Google, and several pieces of thought-provoking media concerning the internet and its profound influence on modern life. Before getting to those, however, I have a question for you: What kinds of lists do you maintain, and through which systems or methods do you keep them organized? Personally, I am deeply invested in the art of list-making: from detailed grocery lists to ambitious bucket lists, from watchlists of movies and shows to carefully compiled catalogs of my favorite pasta restaurants. Lists function as both practical tools for order and delightful repositories of personal memory. So, I am inviting you to share yours with me. Tell me about the lists you sustain, the reasons you keep them, and the strategies you use to ensure they remain useful. In exchange, I’ll happily share my own.
As always, the lifeblood of *Installer* comes from your feedback, ideas, and suggestions. What are you currently reading, watching, listening to, playing, or even crafting—whether out of toothpicks, digital pixels, or clay? Drop me a note at [email protected]. And if you know someone who might delight in this newsletter, please consider inviting them to subscribe.
Among the highlights this week:
– **Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2.** Meta’s updated smart glasses represent an impressive feat of design and engineering, though the value proposition depends on one’s needs. The basic model remains a reasonable compromise, but the upgraded $379 version boasts significantly enhanced battery life—nearly double that of the previous generation—along with other refinements. While the glasses may not yet be an essential piece of everyday technology, I can attest to enjoying mine greatly.
– **Skate.** Long awaited, the new *Skate* game largely delivers on its promise. It offers a vast, open environment designed for exploration and playful experimentation. Players can simply wander, dash, and leap over obstacles, finding fun in the act itself. Although still an early access title with a limited set of activities, the enjoyment factor is undeniable.
– **American Sweatshop.** A thriller centered on the life of a content moderator feels at once innovative and timely—perfectly emblematic of the world in 2025. The narrative explores the consequences of online behavior, the content we consume, and how digital platforms continuously reshape our collective identities. Reviews suggest a gripping, intense experience, and I am eager to engage with it myself.
– **Vivaldi 7.6.** The latest release of the Vivaldi browser reaffirms its place among my favorite tools, nearly convincing me to switch entirely from Arc. The marquee update introduces sweeping customization options; however, customizing to one’s satisfaction can devour hours of tinkering. That said, the process is quite enjoyable.
– **Google for Windows.** Years ago, Google once offered an indispensable desktop tool capable of searching both local files and the broader web. Surprisingly, it has returned, now reimagined as a local AI-powered utility. Although experimental in nature, early reports laud its utility and efficiency.
– **Swiped.** Hulu’s latest drama—echoing the semi-fictionalized storytelling style of *Dropout* and *WeCrashed*—focuses on Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble and one of the most influential figures in modern online dating. Mixing fact and dramatization, the story explores her entrepreneurial journey while contextualizing the rise of digital romance platforms. I’m fascinated and cannot resist watching.
– **The Kuxiu X40 Turbo Charger.** I have long advocated for multi-device charging stations, which streamline the daily chaos of managing gadgets by serving as centralized docking hubs. Thomas Ricker, my colleague, swears by his Kuxiu charger; this new Turbo version provides even greater power and collapses neatly for travel.
– **Notion 3.0.** Notion’s latest release envisions AI as a partner capable of automating repetitive workflows within the platform, and potentially expanding into external tasks. This bold new strategy is ambitious—bordering on intrusive for those wary of AI integration—but its attempt at simplifying an already complex app is fascinating to witness.
– **How Social Media Exacerbates Disaster & Disinformation.** A standout episode of Jon Stewart’s *The Weekly Show* podcast featuring Charlie Warzel of *The Atlantic*, this discussion ponders how constant connection to online platforms has reshaped individuals and communities alike. Though the outlook is sobering, the conversation feels essential.
– **Lego Voyagers.** A cooperative, two-player puzzle game in which solving challenges necessitates collaborative construction. The idea brilliantly merges playfulness with invention. Now, if only I could persuade my wife to devote countless hours joining me.
– **CalebRated on YouTube.** For television expertise, I typically trust Caleb Denison—formerly of *Digital Trends* and now host of his own YouTube channel, *CalebRated*. His knowledge has long informed my opinions, and I highly recommend subscribing to his content.
Speaking of Caleb, he was kind enough to share his iPhone homescreen setup. He uses an iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a minimalist stock wallpaper reflecting his preference for practicality. His go-to apps include Google Calendar, the Camera app, and—much to his own irritation—The Weather Channel, despite his disdain for its interface. A stray Peacock app continues to haunt him, though he does not subscribe. Additionally, Caleb divulged his interests outside of technology: binge-watching classics like *Lost*, *Prison Break*, and *The Blacklist*; traveling extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest while performing trumpet at weddings; immersing himself in podcasts like *Ear Hustle*, *Radiolab*, and *Snap Judgment*; and indulging in his passion for vintage audio equipment, from tube amplifiers to reel-to-reel tape decks.
The broader *Installer* community also shared its current obsessions: Sean dove into *Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE* after *KPop Demon Hunters*; Laszlo migrated from *Fortnite* to *Overwatch 2* to avoid cheaters; Jack praised the new Spotlight enhancements in MacOS Tahoe; John raved about DC Comics’ new *Batman 1* run; Amaro found solace in *Taskmaster NZ*; Jonny extolled the DJI Mini Pro 5; tobysaurus99 became absorbed in the eclectic, ad-free programming of NTS Radio; Sencion recommended Patrick McGee’s book *Apple in China*; and Kyle adopted *Hindsight* as his go-to low-stress RSS reader.
Finally, the show that has consistently brightened my week is *Smartypants*, Dropout’s glorious spectacle where intelligent individuals deliver wildly absurd presentations. From Hank Green’s unconventional grocery store redesign to Zach Reino’s spirited denunciation of the ocean, the show remains both ridiculous and brilliant. It has left me with absurd catchphrases that continue to amuse me endlessly.
With that, it’s been quite a week—news is overwhelming, life is packed, and yet, it remains worth exploring these little gems. Until next time, keep sharing your discoveries!
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/782118/meta-smart-glasses-notion-3-skate-installer
