Welcome to Installer No. 94, your ultimate guide to the most exciting and innovative products in the tech world! If you're new here, we encourage you to hydrate and explore our past editions available on the Installer homepage. In this week's edition, we delve into a myriad of topics, from my recent obsession with Mini Sudoku on LinkedIn to intriguing insights on Apple’s marketing materials. Join me as I explore fascinating microchip doodles, listen to Taylor Swift’s New Heights podcast, and dive into model railroad power debates. We’ll also discuss the implications of the death of expertise, catch up on HGTV’s home renovation magic, and enjoy an exhilarating drumline performance. Plus, I’ve curated a selection of durable cables, a captivating new Alien show, a unique RPG, and much more!
Stay Connected! As always, the heart of Installer lies in your ideas and recommendations. What topics are you curious about? Do you have any incredible tips or must-have apps that everyone should know? I would love to hear from you! Please send your thoughts to email protected. And if you know someone who might enjoy Installer, feel free to forward this to them and encourage them to subscribe.
Teenage Engineering’s Computer-2 PC Case: This compact PC case features a distinctive Teenage Engineering flair with its hazy, semi-transparent design. The best part? The company plans to give it away for free once it's back in stock, so make sure to sign up for the waitlist!
Fairphone’s New Cables and Chargers: Fairphone has introduced a new line of accessories designed to be more durable and sustainable than their previous offerings. These cables and chargers are solid options for those who support Fairphone’s eco-friendly mission.
Alien: Earth: FX’s latest series set in the Alien universe has garnered rave reviews. Although my knowledge of the franchise only extends to the original films, I’m eager to watch this terrifying series that promises to deliver thrills and chills.
GuliKit’s ES and ES Pro Controllers: For gamers looking for high-quality Switch 2 controllers without breaking the bank, GuliKit’s new offerings at $24.99 and $29.99 provide affordable alternatives. These controllers feature anti-drift joysticks and compatibility across multiple platforms, including PC, Android, iOS, and macOS.
OFF: This surreal RPG follows a baseball player on a mission to cleanse the world of ghosts. Now available in a modernized version on Steam and Nintendo Switch, OFF is delightfully strange—a true gem for those seeking unique gaming experiences.
Enter the Gungeon and Exit the Gungeon on Mobile: The acclaimed roguelike, Enter the Gungeon, is now accessible on iOS and Android for the first time, with Exit the Gungeon returning to iOS and making its debut on Google Play. Prepare for bullet-dodging action!
Nobody 2: Sequel to the 2021 hit film starring Bob Odenkirk, Nobody 2 has hit theaters. While I missed the first installment, Odenkirk’s performances never fail to entertain, making this a must-watch for fans.
This week, I’m excited to feature Soren Iverson, known for his quirky design concepts shared on social media, such as the iOS app icon that fills up with notifications. Surprisingly, Soren’s homescreen is incredibly minimalistic, inspiring me to declutter my own phone. Here’s a peek into his digital world:
Phone: iPhone 15 Pro
Wallpaper: A simple black screen, promoting intentional use of his phone. His primary activities include calling, texting, and note-taking, with other apps tucked away for focused usage.
Apps: Phone, Messages, Notes
Curious about what else Soren is currently enjoying? Here’s what he shared:
Civilization III: Soren has revisited this classic game from 2001, appreciating its interface design.The Decline of Western Civilization II: A fascinating three-part documentary series on punk and metal music.Instagram Account @furb_exotic: Featuring bizarre yet captivating anthropomorphic Furbys.Snack Wraps: A delightful surprise from McDonald's that has won him over.Here’s what the Installer community is loving this week! I’d love to hear your favorites too—please share your recommendations by emailing email protected and you might be featured in the next edition.
SorryAboutYourCat: "I’m buying a bunch of Ubiquiti gear for the new house that totally isn’t overkill."RoboticsRob: "Model railroading has been my passion. I’m waiting for a well-designed modern alternative to convert from DC to DCC."Dominick: "I’ve been hooked on Merge Maestro, a fun match game with charming emoji artwork. It’s free-to-start on mobile!"Omega86: "Currently reading The Next Conversation by Jefferson Fisher, playing Dishonored for the first time, and watching Mr. Robot and Murderbot."verge_user_m573tv18: "The Penguin is a fantastic gangster series set in Gotham. Cristin Milioti shines in her role!"Wolf3d.exe: "UFO 50 just launched on Nintendo Switch. I’m following the Eggplant podcast as they discuss each game!"Cameron: "I recently watched Barbarian on Netflix—highly recommend it for its unexpected twists and humor!"As we gear up for the upcoming 2025 gadget season, Google is set to unveil new products during its Pixel launch event on August 20th. I’d love to know your plans for upgrades this year. Are you looking forward to announcements from Apple, Google, or other tech giants? Or are you content holding onto your current gear? Let’s discuss in the comments, and see you next week!
