Welcome back to Installer No. 97, your ultimate guide to the latest and greatest in tech, gaming, and entertainment. If you’re joining us for the first time, we extend a warm welcome! We hope you’re enjoying the transition into autumn and gearing up for back-to-school season. Don’t forget, you can catch up on all our previous editions at the Installer homepage.
It feels fantastic to be back! A huge shoutout to Jay Peters for holding down the fort over the last couple of months and for his exceptional contributions. Your ideas and feedback continue to make Installer a vibrant community. Jay will still pop in occasionally, so don’t worry; your favorite gaming recommendations are here to stay!
As for me, I had plans to share an extensive recap of all the cool stuff I discovered this summer, but I recently welcomed a newborn baby into my life. This means my brain has mostly been occupied with rewatching episodes of Entourage and Veep. However, I’ve also had the chance to dive into some intriguing topics this week, including AI doctors and the rise of face-lift culture. I’ve been enjoying content about Glen Powell and the Lofi Girl, and I've recently watched The Paper, which I found quite enjoyable—once I stopped expecting it to be like The Office.
In addition to that, I’ve been playing the latest season of NFL Retro Bowl, marveling at the engineering behind AirPods, and experimenting with Notion AI. I’ve also been getting my life organized in Craft, all while preparing for a house move. So, if you could send good vibes my way, I’d appreciate it!
This week, I bring you the highlights from Apple’s latest product launches. The much-anticipated iPhone 17 has arrived. While the iPhone 17 Pro includes impressive features, I believe the base model is the best choice this year. It offers a screen upgrade, enhanced durability, improved camera capabilities, and more storage at a reasonable price. Unless you’re a fan of the zoom camera or the vibrant orange color—of which I am a fan—I’d recommend sticking with the base model.
Next up, let’s talk about the AirPods Pro 3. These new headphones are my top pick from Apple's latest offerings. Priced at $250, they boast better noise cancellation, longer battery life, and enhanced durability, making them a stellar upgrade to one of Apple’s most popular products.
Another intriguing product is the Beats iPhone 17 Pro Kickstand Case, which features a lanyard that transforms into a kickstand. I’m not quite sure how it works, but it’s a clever solution for propping your phone up on surfaces.
For fans of trivia, Jeopardy! is now streaming new episodes on platforms like Peacock and Hulu. It's become a staple in my household for background entertainment!
For photography enthusiasts, the Nikon ZR is on the horizon. This new video-centric camera promises a robust capture system and offers extensive post-production flexibility, though it won’t be available for purchase until next month. Be prepared to set aside $2,200!
Let’s discuss the latest in film and gaming. If you’re a Stephen King fan, his new movie The Long Walk is worth checking out. This film combines elements of The Hunger Games and Squid Game, and features strong performances that make it a compelling watch.
In the gaming realm, Borderlands 4 is everything I hoped it would be—pure action without the unnecessary complexities. It’s a refreshing experience for those looking for straightforward gameplay.
On the software front, I’ve also been intrigued by the new version of RabbitOS 2. While it remains mostly a phone app in a new format, the improved touch-first interface and AI features make it surprisingly engaging.
Our community continues to share fantastic recommendations. If you have something you think we should know about, please reach out via email or message me on Signal! Here’s what some of our readers are loving this week:
Michael shares, “I inherited my daughter’s Nintendo Switch and got Demon Slayer: The Hinomaki Chronicles on sale for $20. I’m hyped for the movie this weekend!”
Owen adds, “Stephen Robles on YouTube has created an amazing iOS shortcut to protect your iPhone if it’s ever stolen. It sends your device’s location along with photos from both cameras and plays an alert saying, ‘This iPhone is stolen!’ You can activate it from any phone!”
Ryan mentions, “I just started Frieren and the hype is truly warranted. I typically prefer rom-coms, but this fantasy story has captivated me.”
Hoto shares, “I’m enjoying Bill McKibben’s Here Comes the Sun. Its thesis about solar and wind energy offers a hopeful perspective on climate change.”
Before I wrap up, I want to quickly mention a Netflix show I watched this summer called Building the Band. It’s a unique blend of American Idol and Love is Blind, and despite its odd premise, it kept me engaged throughout all ten episodes. I found myself surprisingly invested in the contestants.
Thank you for joining me this week! I’m excited to hear what you all are watching, reading, and playing. Remember to share your thoughts and recommendations for next week’s edition!
