Greetings, companions! A warm welcome to Installer No. 118, your compendium for the globe’s finest and most Verge-centric content. (Should you be new, a special welcome; kindly confiscate my Switch so I might focus on tasks. All previous issues are also accessible on the Installer homepage.)
During the current week, my attention has been drawn to discussions concerning lunar manufacturing facilities, train transport conglomerates, and reverse parking maneuvers. I’ve at last delved into the Acquired podcast archives, meticulously documented insights from Michael Pollan’s recent publication on awareness, viewed the entire output of Look Mum No Computer, caused my computer to malfunction whilst endeavoring to activate the Obsidian CLI, re-evaluated the Zen Browser for use as my primary application, and assembled numerous pieces of Ikea furnishings for my sleeping quarters. I derive immense pleasure from constructing Ikea furnishings.
Additionally, I present to you Apple’s more affordable, recently introduced portable computer, an updated iteration from OpenAI, an enjoyable, novel capability for your Pixel device, along with an abundance of exceptional games awaiting your engagement this weekend. Let us commence.
(Consistently, the most rewarding aspect of Installer originates from your concepts and suggestions. What content are you currently observing / perusing / engaging with / hearing / contemplating with longing? Disclose all details to me at: installer@theverge.com. Furthermore, should you know another individual who might derive pleasure from Installer, kindly transmit this to them and encourage their subscription via this link.)
- The Apple MacBook Neo. During a Vergecast broadcast, I characterized this as a “Fisher Price My First MacBook,” a description I believe to be quite apt. However, I anticipate this device will offer the ideal combination of vibrant hues, sufficient processing capability, and an exceptional cost ($599!) to render it the initial MacBook for a significant number of individuals. Nevertheless, I must confess: the yellow shade does not appeal to me. Indigo is my unequivocal preference.
- OpenAI’s GPT-5.4. OpenAI is making a strenuous effort to bridge the gap with Claude Code, and persistent reports suggest this latest model represents a substantial advance towards that objective. Furthermore, it incorporates integrated computer utilization, a feature one should engage with UTMOST caution, yet it positions large language models to be considerably more advantageous. Undoubtedly, an item to experiment with this forthcoming weekend.
- Formula 1 on Apple TV. Firstly, I believe that if you are perusing this, there is a significant probability you would find F1 appealing, given its dual nature as both a technological and sporting spectacle. Secondly, the competitive events will now be accessible via Apple TV, and thus far, Apple seems to possess excellent concepts for their presentation. You are afforded until Sunday to become current with Drive to Survive!
- Slay the Spire 2. My inbox was inundated with messages from numerous individuals concerning this particular item throughout the week. The highly awaited follow-up to a cherished roguelike has been released (currently in an early access phase, though it appears eminently playable already), and, I am aware, has already severely curtailed the efficiency of many within the Installerverse. Ensure you do not overlook this title.
- Pokémon Pokopia. What an exceptional week for perpetually engaging games! Picture Pokémon, yet rather than dedicating your entire duration to combat and acquisition, your primary activities involve socializing, forming bonds, and constructing entities. It does not precisely replicate Animal Crossing or Minecraft, but it certainly exhibits characteristics akin to them. And I intend that as an accolade.
- Android Desktop Mode. Should you possess a contemporary Pixel device, it is requisite to upgrade to the newest Android operating system and subsequently connect your handset to a display, input device, and pointing device. Admittedly, we have not yet attained the “it simply transforms into a Chromebook!” echelon of excellence. Nonetheless, Desktop Mode truly, factually, authentically functions. I am tremendously enthusiastic regarding it.
- Marathon. This exemplifies the massive live-service game genre that rarely succeeds in the current climate. (To date, the successor to Fortnite remains merely… Fortnite.) Nonetheless, Marathon is, at a minimum, a highly commendable, visually polished, and intensely engaging game, precisely the caliber one anticipates and hopes Bungie will execute. Do not overlook this title — its longevity is uncertain.
- Glaze by Raycast. Although ‘vibe coding’ might not constitute traditional programming, it nonetheless involves a significant degree of technical intricacy. I am highly fond of this methodology from Raycast, which endeavors to streamline extensive design tasks and product deployment, thereby requiring you to merely articulate the desired functionalities. I have been experimenting with it over the past few days, crafting countless minor utilities I both require and do not, and it provides an immense amount of enjoyment.
- The Nothing Headphone A. My opinion has evolved regarding Nothing’s retro-futuristic headphone aesthetic, and I find the entire ensemble quite appealing, especially considering its mere $199 price point. While I desire improved microphone audio quality, it nonetheless offers all the requisite controls, connection options, and power longevity one could desire.
For the past several evenings, a sense reminiscent of 2018 has permeated. A notification arrives moments before 9 o’clock, and abruptly Scott Rogowsky appears on my display, hosting a live interactive program. It is no longer HQ Trivia, however, nor is it even a quiz-based competition. The application bears the name Savvy, the game is known as TextSavvy, and its gameplay emulates a real-time Wordle challenge. It is notably distinct and highly enjoyable, and I find it astonishing how rapidly this game has re-integrated into my nightly regimen.
The game had undergone a period of preliminary trials, but this week heralded its formal introduction. Commemorating this event, I requested Scott to exhibit his homescreen to us, with the intent of discerning whether he genuinely engages in dishonest practices during the contests. (He vehemently denies any such actions.) Furthermore, I pondered if he retained HQ on his mobile device, as I had for several years.
Presented below is Scott’s homescreen, accompanied by supplementary details.
on the applications he utilizes and his rationale:
His mobile device: an iPhone 16 operating on iOS 18.5.
The background image: My five-year-old mixed-breed dog, Buscemi, pictured inside a barrel.
His applications: Messages, WhatsApp, Savvy, Notes, Camera, Settings, Slack, Substack, Google Calendar, Phone, Mail, Safari, Google Maps.
One might consider it unusual, yet my primary use for my mobile device is communication: Messages (notifications are always disabled), WhatsApp (given my sister resides in Scotland and many friends are overseas), Phone (the unanswered calls are universally from telemarketers… I intend to return them eventually), Gmail…
The Calendar application is perhaps my most frequently accessed; there’s perpetually a multitude of tasks, and I frequently overlook their scheduled timings. When I commenced my comedy career, I invariably carried a physical notebook; I still habitually jot down ideas, but currently, this occurs within the Notes application.
On my 40th birthday, I launched a Substack, which has proven to be among the most creatively fulfilling endeavors of my existence. I compose articles on any topic I desire and produce podcasts concerning whatever captivates my attention. Recently, I commenced “The Savvy Diaries,” chronicling the pleasures and difficulties of operating a nascent mobile application at the intersection of technology and entertainment (a “techertainment” blend?).
I also requested Scott to disclose some current interests of his. This is what he provided:
- Foremost in my thoughts are these monochrome, Paranormal Activity-esque TikTok videos that appear whenever I launch the application, featuring felines unexpectedly entering sleeping quarters and rousing their French-speaking proprietors by strumming guitars or commanding pirate vessels. I’m uncertain; it could be artificial intelligence.
- The Ben and Emil Show. I admit a bias since Ben is a personal friend (and a fellow softball player), but he and his companion Emil consistently produce excellent material, including a recent magnum opus titled “We took Acid at the Train Festival.” Dedicate the next 20 minutes to viewing it immediately. It’s humorous, touching, and utterly magnificent.
- I’m quietly fixated on Clavicular… The day I discovered he was overshadowed by an ASU fraternity leader is etched in my memory (I was engaged in “jestergooning” with a group of “Foids”). I initiated a drive to have him co-host with me on TextSavvy — I even made a personal plea. Regrettably, the hashtags #TextClavvy and #Savvicular have not achieved the traction I envisioned. [EDITOR’S NOTE FROM SCOTT: Mr. Rogowsky desires to clarify that his fascination with Clavicular is solely in the young man’s role as a cultural phenomenon — and the implications it holds for the societal structure that generates such renown.]
- Furthermore, may I promote my own work? I co-established and co-financed Savvy, thus the game could appropriately be named “Win Scott Rogowsky’s Money.” Some might contend that I am a more amusing, somewhat more Jewish version of Ben Stein — possessing superior political views.
Presented below are the current interests of the Installer community this week. I am eager to learn what captures your attention at present too! Forward your suggestions for absolutely anything to installer@theverge.com or contact me via Signal — @davidpierce.11 — and we will showcase some of our top picks here weekly. For additional excellent suggestions, review the responses to this Threads publication and this Bluesky entry.
“As another father of young children, I would recommend attempting a sling bag. I have employed the Fyro Citta Sling 3L daily, and it has proven transformative. Keeping my wallet, keys, headphones, and phone readily available and consolidated in a single location has been highly advantageous. Particularly beneficial when also carrying a diaper bag backpack.” — kborer
“I have reverted to the era of MP3s, digitizing all my compact discs. Should anyone have suggestions for applications capable of automatically tagging an extensive library of MP3s, I would appreciate them.” — B
“Pok Pok and PBS Kids perform remarkably well for children’s games, exceeding typical expectations. A significant, unexplored demand exists for high-quality, non-inferior toddler games.” — Rahul
“I am re-auditioning the audiobook rendition of Dan Simmons’ Hyperion Cantos following his recent demise last week, concurrently with an eager anticipation for the arrival of my special-edition hardcovers.” — Marcos
“I am ardently engrossed in listening to the podcasts: Well There’s Your Problem, Tran Girlismo, and Remap Radio.” — Oliveoiltrain
“Reverse: 1999 unveiled the newest iteration of Critter Crash, an exceptionally charming automated combat style (akin to Riot’s TFT). While I’ve cherished the entire game from its inception, I hold a deeper affection for this specific mode, which they roll out biannually or triannually, above all else.” — Kiro
“Discover Everything Weather, available on iOS and Android. This application draws its data from the National Weather Service and features excellent presentation. Furthermore, the majority of its features come at no cost. It even incorporates celestial weather information.” — Kurt
“Hulu’s Paradise, with its initial and second seasons (as of now). Witness the trials faced by the human spirit and its triumph during unparalleled eras.” — Sam
“A recently released video or short documentary about HyperCard, an overlooked treasure from the Macintosh’s prime era that empowered everyday users to develop software. Essentially, a precursor to the internet.” — Gregory
“Pentaton: its sole purpose is music playback. It remained unnoticed by me for an extended period, yet, at last, a remarkably uncluttered, highly concentrated, and adequately audiophile-grade FLAC player has emerged. Its primary function is impeccable file playback, and it additionally boasts DAC and headphone compatibility. Its most commendable feature is the straightforward process of directing it to a file directory, and nothing more: no duplicates are made, no files are renamed, no unusual supplementary directories with strange UUID aliases are created… it simply interprets files and their embedded metadata. And reproduces them with *flawless* accuracy.” — Noah
Permit a concise moment of self-endorsement: The latest installment of Version History will premiere this weekend! Our proficiency in producing this series continues to grow exponentially, and I genuinely adore the half-dozen episodes featured this season. The inaugural offering features Furby, a genuinely extraordinary installment. Its release is scheduled for this Sunday.
In light of this, I’m requesting a small kindness. Fresh profiles for Version History have been established on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and I would be *immensely* appreciative if you would subscribe to or follow any or all of these platforms. Developing novel ventures presents considerable challenges, and I truly cherish this program, and ambitious strategies are in place for its future. Therefore, please explore the fresh episodes, give a like, subscribe, inform your acquaintances, ensure they pay close attention when exploring it themselves, and understand that my appreciation is everlasting. The Installerverse continues its unbroken streak.
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