Hey there, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 114, your go-to source for the coolest and most Verge-worthy innovations. (If you’re joining us for the first time, welcome! Feel free to send tips about Arc Raiders and check out previous editions at the Installer homepage.)
This week, I’ve been diving into topics like wind turbines, phishing scams, and oboes. I’ve also been organizing my thoughts using the minimalist Attn app and testing the delightful Aeronaut client for Bluesky. Plus, I’ve extensively researched electric snow shovels, upgraded my podcast headphones to a Beyerdynamic pair, began rewatching Superstore, and I’m contemplating whether to trade my iPhone 16 for an iPhone 17 or a Pixel 10—leaning towards the Pixel.
I’ve also uncovered a fantastic upgrade for an Apple device, an innovative AI search tool, several engaging new shows, new gear from Sonos, and so much more.
Now, I’d love to hear from you: What’s your favorite piece of tech that isn’t from a major tech corporation? I’ve been hearing from many who want alternatives to products from Google, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft among others. If you’ve found something exceptional, share it with me! You can reach me at installer@theverge.com or through Signal at @davidpierce.11. Let’s hop to it!
(As usual, the heart of Installer is your insights and suggestions. What have you been reading, watching, listening to, or even building out of snow this week? Tell me about it: installer@theverge.com. And if you know someone who might enjoy Installer, share it with them and encourage them to subscribe here.)
- Apple AirTags. Perfect timing, as all my AirTag batteries are running low. Excited about the new model’s louder speaker along with various enhancements to this already handy gadget.
- Yahoo Scout. This has become my favorite AI search tool. It generates many links and keeps things straightforward—akin to an auto-updating Wikipedia page on the topic you choose. Just remember to click the links instead of relying entirely on the bot.
- Crushable. Another big week for Yahoo! This game combines elements from Wordle and Candy Crush. I appreciate the idea of a time-limited game that encourages brief daily play sessions. Also discovered that Yahoo Games exists and is enjoyable!
- OpenClaw. Previously known as Moltbot or Clawdbot, this tool for controlling devices with AI and messaging apps is surging in popularity. Use wisely, it’s incredibly powerful.
- Wonder Man. I just learned that Wonder Man exists! Despite my skepticism towards new Marvel projects, the reviews for this series have been favorable; it seems to hardly resemble a superhero show at all.
This version maintains the core information while changing the phrasing, ensuring a fresh presentation. Let me know if you need further adjustments!
