In this edition of Installer, you can look forward to insights on Jon Stewart, John Oliver, intricate Lego constructions, compact homescreens, and much more.
Authored by David Pierce, a seasoned director and co-host of Vergecast, boasting a wealth of experience spanning over a century in the realm of consumer software. His work has been featured in Protocol, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired.
Greetings, friends! Welcome to Installer No. Your gateway to top-tier, authentic products worldwide, curated by 33. (If you’re new here, a warm welcome to you! We’re thrilled you discovered us. Feel free to explore past editions on the Installer homepage.)
This month, my focus has been on the closure of Google Podcasts, the emergence of AI devices, indulging in Girls5eva and revisiting Middleditch and Schwartz, exploring the allure of AllTrails, delving into Danny McBride’s comedic genius, tuning into Ezra Klein’s AI-centric podcasts, testing the effectiveness of 5K Runner in cultivating my love for running, and immersing myself in the world of Retro Goal.
Additionally, I bring you a plethora of insightful perspectives on AI, a myriad of new AI tools integrated into web browsers, an engaging newsletter highlighting internet gems, a compelling critique on delivery applications, and much more. Let’s dive in.
But wait, there’s more! Next weekend, catch me live on stage at the Chicago Humanities Festival alongside Wonder Dynamics’ co-founders, Nikola Todorovic and Tye Sheridan, engaging in a discussion on creativity and AI. (You might recognize Tye Sheridan from his role as Wade Watts in Ready Player One.) Join us for an enlightening session next Saturday if you’re in the vicinity! Now, onwards to the content.
(As always, the heart of Installer lies in your contributions and recommendations. What’s currently sparking your enthusiasm? What should everyone else be exploring? Share your insights with me at [email protected]. And if you know someone who would appreciate Installer, pass it along to them and let them know you enjoy it.)
- Opera’s Ingenious Local AI: Opera introduces a novel approach to AI by enabling users to download diverse open-source AI models directly to their computers. This unique feature empowers users to leverage AI capabilities within the browser while maintaining full local control—a commendable initiative.
- “I Made a Graph of Wikipedia… This Is What I Found”: A mind-bending video that offers a deep dive into the inner workings of Wikipedia through compelling visualizations. Unveiling the platform’s most linked articles, central themes, and intriguing dead ends, this video showcases the evolving landscape of Wikipedia.
- Brave’s Leo: Embracing AI in a privacy-centric manner, Brave’s Mixtral-based chatbot, Leo, now accessible on iOS, complements the browser experience seamlessly. With a focus on user privacy and convenience, Leo integrates effectively within the browser, offering valuable assistance.
- Jon Stewart’s Insight on AI: Jon Stewart delivers a concise yet impactful perspective on the exaggerated promises surrounding AI. Shedding light on the disparity between AI’s portrayal and practical applications, Stewart’s take on antitrust and AI in his interview with Lina Khan adds a compelling layer of depth.
- Last Week Tonight’s Take on Food Delivery Apps: John Oliver’s critique on food delivery apps, featuring The Verge prominently, offers a candid assessment of the challenges inherent in these platforms. Oliver’s incisive commentary highlights the systemic issues plaguing the food delivery ecosystem.
- Retro: Rediscovering Authentic Connections: Amidst the sea of social media platforms, Retro stands out by emphasizing genuine interactions with real friends. The introduction of Journals enriches the user experience, fostering collaborative album creation—a thoughtful addition catering to authentic social engagement.
- Gotham City Lego Set: A marvel comprising 4,210 pieces, the Lego set inspired by Gotham City exudes sophistication and charm. While the price tag positions it as a luxury item, its allure has undoubtedly secured a top spot on many wish lists.
- We’re Here Newsletter: A shoutout to Hank and John Green’s newsletter, a delightful compilation of peculiar and fascinating internet finds. A must-subscribe for those seeking a dose of internet eccentricity.
Stay tuned for a showcase of captivating homescreens sourced during my newsletter research. While I contemplate sharing these designs, one particular homescreen by Daniyal Ansari left a lasting impression.
Let’s delve into Daniyal’s homescreen setup and the rationale behind his choices:
Device: iPhone 13 128GB in starlight.
Wallpaper: Solid backgrounds in hues that complement the dock (#F3F3F3 for light mode and #242424 for dark mode) create a seamless look by concealing the dock entirely.
Apps: Prioritizing a clutter-free Home screen, Daniyal’s essential app is YouTube Music, seamlessly integrating YouTube Premium and YouTube Music. Organized folders within the Notes app facilitate efficient information management.
Leveraging the Widgy app, Daniyal crafts custom widgets sourced from the App Store, offering a personalized touch to his device. Supplementary apps like MD Blank and Transparent App Icons enable the creation of blank spaces on the homescreen, enhancing customization options.
Daniyal also shares his current interests:
- Drive to Survive: Engrossed in the series for its captivating portrayal of the intersection between engineering and sports within Formula One.
- Productivity Apps: Embracing the functionality of Notion Calendar, particularly appreciating the three-day view feature.
- Favorite Podcasts: Regularly tuning into MKBHD and StarTalk with Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, highlighting David Imel’s insightful content for its exceptional clarity and depth.
Curious about the Installer community’s latest discoveries? Here are some noteworthy recommendations:
- Bulletin by Yahoo: Transitioning from Artifact, Justin finds Bulletin for iOS and Mac a delightful alternative.
- Flavour Trip vs. Tiny Desk: Daniel draws parallels between the delightful essence of Flavour Trip and Tiny Desk’s immersive musical experiences.
- Personal Mastodon Instance: Mike shares his experience running a personal Mastodon instance through Masto.host.
- Musical Gems: John highlights the flourishing landscape of screamy music, recommending recent releases from various bands.
- Task Manager Recommendation: Matt advocates for Gideon, an opinionated, keyboard-centric task manager.
- Innovative Gaming: Voltaire explores the unique fusion of Peggle and roguelike elements in Peglin, offering a captivating gaming experience.
- Listy App: Péter lauds Listy for its simplicity and efficiency in managing lists across various categories.
- Picotron: Tom delves into the realm of Picotron, a pioneering ‘fantasy workstation’ with immense potential for creative exploration.
- Book Recommendation: Tyler raves about “Gideon the Ninth,” a riveting read filled with engaging plotlines and vivid descriptions.
As an enthusiast of setup videos, I find immense value in exploring individuals’ workspaces and setups, deriving inspiration and insights from their creative environments. Currently fixated on acquiring table saws, I foresee a deep dive into this realm in the near future.
Until next time!
