Hello there! Welcome to the latest edition of Installer, where we bring you the coolest and most Verge-y stuff around. If you’re new here, we’re glad to have you join us. Whether it’s iPhone news, back-to-school vibes, or just enjoying the cooler weather, we’ve got you covered. And don’t forget, you can catch up on all our past editions on the Installer homepage.
It’s great to be back! A big shoutout to Jay Peters for holding down the fort while I was away. Thanks to all of you for your awesome contributions and ideas. Jay will still be popping in every now and then, so keep those gaming recommendations coming!
I had big plans to catch up on all the cool stuff this summer, but life had other ideas – I welcomed a newborn baby instead! Now, I’m diving into articles on AI doctors, face-lift culture, Glen Powell, Lofi Girl, enjoying shows like The Paper, and playing NFL Retro Bowl. Plus, I’m marveling at the technology inside AirPods, exploring Notion AI, organizing my life with Craft, and gearing up for a house move. Sanity prayers are appreciated!
In this edition, I’ll be sharing the latest from Apple, a new way to watch Jeopardy!, a Stephen King movie recommendation, and more. We’re back in action, so let’s dive in!
- The iPhone 17. The new lineup offers some great options, but the base iPhone 17 stands out with its screen upgrades, durability, camera improvements, more storage, and attractive price point. Unless you need the zoom camera, the base model is the way to go.
- The AirPods Pro 3. These $250 headphones bring better noise cancellation, improved battery life, enhanced durability, and some handy health features. A solid upgrade to Apple’s top-notch product.
- Beats iPhone 17 Pro Kickstand Case with MagSafe and Camera Control. This innovative case doubles as a kickstand and lanyard for your iPhone. It’s a clever accessory for propping up your device.
- Jeopardy! Now streaming new episodes on Peacock and Hulu, this classic game show is perfect for background entertainment. The always-on channel is a must-watch in my household.
- The Nikon ZR. This video-centric camera offers great post-production flexibility and advanced capture capabilities. Keep an eye out for its release next month.
- The Long Walk. Another compelling Stephen King adaptation that promises a thrilling cinematic experience. With elements of Hunger Games and Squid Game, it’s definitely worth a watch.
- Spotify Lossless. After years of anticipation, Spotify now offers a higher-quality streaming option at no extra cost. While the difference may not be noticeable on all devices, it’s a welcome addition for audiophiles.
- Borderlands 4. A no-nonsense action-packed game that delivers on plot and excitement. If you’re looking for pure gaming fun, this is the title for you.
- RabbitOS 2. Despite initial skepticism, the latest software update for this device brings improved touch interface, enhanced AI capabilities, and a renewed user experience. A pleasant surprise for Rabbit users.
My persona owes a lot to a certain era of Lifehacker. The blog epitomized curiosity, tech-savviness, and self-awareness, all thanks to the brilliant mind behind it, Gina Trapani.
After a hiatus, Gina is back to blogging with Note to Self. Her site instantly captivated me, and if you enjoy Installer, you’re sure to love it too. I caught up with Gina to explore her homescreen setup for 2025.
Here’s a glimpse of Gina’s homescreen and the apps she relies on:
The phone: Currently rocking a trusty iPhone 13 Pro, but eyeing an upgrade this year. After a few years, a new phone feels like a breath of fresh air, and I’m excited for the switch.
The wallpaper: Sporting
