The Internet, But Make It Sensory: Is This The Future of Content Consumption?

Installer No. 51: The Remarkable Paper Pro, Religious AI, and a Thousand-Year Door

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 51, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome! I hope you love spy shows as much as I do, and you can also read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.)

This week, I’ve been deep diving into a plethora of interesting topics. I’ve been reading about cobalt miners and their role in fueling our insatiable desire for lithium-ion batteries and the fascinating intersection of religion and artificial intelligence. I’ve also been immersed in the history of the Moleskine notebook, a timeless companion to creatives and note-takers alike.

My ears have been glued to pop-punk Disney songs, an unexpected but undeniably catchy combination that I can’t seem to get enough of. I finally started The Sopranos, yes, I know, I’m late to the party, but I’m hooked! My workday soundtrack is provided by the Earth.fm app, offering soothing nature sounds to combat the stress of modern life. For simple task management and calendar organization, I’ve been giving Tweek another try, and I’m debating the ever-present dilemma of whether NFL Sunday Ticket is worth its price tag (it’s not, but it also kind of is).

And let’s not forget the gadgets! This week brings us everyone’s favorite new PlayStation game, a new documentary about the evolving landscape of sports finance, two camera releases worth your attention, and a truly remarkable E Ink note-taking device. Before we dive in, a quick apology: I included the wrong link to my homescreen icon pack last week. Luckily, the one I did link to is pretty great as well. Mine are actually from Nate Wren’s Lines pack.

So many gadgets, so little time! Let’s dive into the highlights of this week’s The Drop:

The Drop:

• Reeder: This all-encompassing app transcends limitations, functioning as a podcast app, YouTube queue, RSS reader, social feed, and so much more, all within a single interface. However, it’s currently exclusive to Apple devices. The combination of its comprehensive functionality and aesthetically pleasing design makes it a truly exciting app and a testament to the potential of the fediverse and the future of web interaction.

• Slow Horses Season 4: While the source material, a complex novel, leans distinctly towards the slower side, the Apple TV Plus adaption is anything but slow. It’s a fast-paced, intelligent, and funny show that delivers the perfect amount of action alongside its captivating narrative.

• Astro Bot: This adorable platformer has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide and is the sole reason I’m seriously considering ditching my Black Friday PS5 purchase plan. I’m tempted to break my self-imposed bargain hunting rule for this one.

• The Remarkable Paper Pro: A luxurious take on the E Ink note-taking device, this powerhouse boasts an overengineered color display and an impressive array of high-end features. The setup, including a sleek keyboard, comes in at a hefty $800, but if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line note-taking experience, this device is a game-changer.

• The Money Game: An insightful miniseries diving into the world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights in college sports, this documentary explores the broader themes of social media, the internet, and the struggle to balance life and content creation.

• Circle to Search for music: Forget Gemini, Google’s AI prowess is shining brightest through Circle to Search. Google’s music recognition tool is already a leader in the field, and now, with Android 15, it’s accessible from anywhere through Circle to Search, adding a new layer of convenience to your musical journey.

• The Peak Design Outdoor Line: Peak Design continues its streak of top-tier releases with its new line of rugged outdoor gear. The backpacks and slings in this collection appear to be a winning combination of durability and style, making them ideal for both adventure seekers and everyday urban explorers.

• The GoPro Hero 13 Black: Every new GoPro iteration feels familiar: a slightly improved version of its predecessors. While the improvements are incremental, they’re significant, especially with the addition of new lenses and quicker transfer speeds.

• The DJI Neo: Perhaps the most exciting camera launch of the week, this simple selfie drone offers follow-me capabilities, cool camera moves, and can even land in your hand. It’s giving us Snap Pixy vibes, but with a more refined design and features, this might just be the next big thing in personal drone technology.

• The PlugBug with Find My: The idea of a wall plug with Find My support initially seemed redundant, but then I realized how often I’ve left chargers behind in hotels and cafes. At $70, this gizmo might actually pay for itself quickly, and considering Twelve South’s track record, I have high hopes for this ingenious invention.

Group Project:

The last few weeks have been a treasure trove of crowdsourced recommendations! I’ve asked you all to share your favorite lesser-known creators, looking to inject some fresh perspectives into my social media feeds. You delivered in spades! Hundreds of emails, messages, Threads posts, and comments flooded my inbox with great suggestions.

Here are a few highlights from the plethora of recommendations I received:

• Tech Creators:

  • Work From Hype: All things desk setups and WFH gear.
  • Macho Nacho: Retro gaming enthusiasts unite!
  • Elliotisacoolguy: A graphic designer whose work is both humorous and insightful.
  • Brandon Talbot: Fitness and health tech reviews with a focus on the cutting edge.
  • MobileTechReview: Your go-to source for gadget reviews and comparisons.
  • BJGpixel: A pixel artist sharing their creative process with captivating clarity.
  • Easy Allies: Video game news, reviews, and insightful commentary.
  • Ritvikmath: Discover the fascinating world of data science and prediction.
  • Technology Connections: Everyday tech explained in an engaging and accessible way.
  • Enrico Tartarotti: Thought-provoking essays on how we interact with and are impacted by technology.
  • Byte Review: A gadget lifestyle channel with a particular focus on Apple products.
  • Salem Techsperts: Stories and insights from a computer repair shop, offering a unique perspective on the world of tech.
  • The Serial Port: Delves into the fascinating history of technology.

• Video Essay and Explainer Channels:

  • Paul E.T.: Offers captivating video essays on the world of film.
  • Not Just Bikes: Explore urban planning through an insightful and critical lens.
  • What’s So Great About That?: A wide-ranging channel tackling topics from movies to video games and everything in between.
  • Answer in Progress: Another channel offering in-depth explorations of a variety of subjects.
  • Kaptainkristian: Movie and TV deep dives for the cinephile in all of us.
  • Golden Owl: Unveils the secrets of video game design with insightful analysis.
  • Blast Processing: Video game history comes to life in this engaging channel.
  • Middle 8: A deep dive into music culture, from iconic artists to emerging trends.
  • MinuteFood: Everything you need to know about the culinary world in short and engaging videos.
  • Calum: Explores the captivating history of transportation.
• Miscellaneous Picks:
  • Berm Peak: All things bikes, scooters, and anything else you can ride.
  • Slickerdrips: Board game lovers rejoice!
  • Vanwives: Life on the road, DIY projects, and embracing an off-grid lifestyle.
  • Boulder Creek Railroad: A model builder sharing their craft and inspiring others.
  • Escape to rural France: A captivating journey of restoration and renewal as one individual sets out to rebuild a chateau.
  • Jelle’s Marble Runs: Because marble runs are simply timeless fun.
  • Adventure Chasing: Explore the world through the eyes of a man and his faithful canine companion.

Screen Share:

This week, we welcome Erick Gomez, our new audio engineer, who has brought his expertise to the Vergecast. In his career, he has graced some of the planet’s most beloved podcasts and radio shows with his audio magic.

From the moment I met Erick, it was clear that his world was one of order and clarity. I was intrigued to see how that would translate to his homescreen, especially given my penchant for making fun of unconventional app choices.

Erick’s Homescreen:

• The Phone: iPhone 14 Pro Max

• The Wallpaper:

  • Lock Screen: A nostalgic nod to childhood with a Game Boy Advance SP, expertly blending with Apple’s widget system.
  • Home Screen: Featuring a photo of his daughter Charlie in her Elmo costume, a delightful reminder of his family’s love for Halloween.
• The Apps:
  • Eufy Security, Dot, Passwords, Delta, Journal, Parcel, Overcast, Hey Email, Arc Search

Erick’s homescreen is a testament to his preference for clear, glanceable information. He champions the power of widgets and has intentionally removed all social media apps from his phone, prioritizing mindful usage.

• Erick explains his app choices in detail:
  • Dot: A captivating AI companion that acts much like a journal, offering suggestions and stimulating conversations.
  • Delta: A highly-rated emulator app, fulfilling Erick’s nostalgic gaming cravings with classic titles like NBA Jam and Streets of Rage.
  • Hey: A privacy-focused email client that prioritizes user security and delivers a visually appealing interface.
  • Arc: A new browser that has quickly become Erick’s favorite, offering a modern take on web browsing with unique features like "Browse for Me”.

Crowdsourced:

• Zen Browser: A Firefox variant inspired by the streamlined design of Arc, offering a sleek and efficient browsing experience.
• Live Listen: A fantastic Android feature that allows users to listen into their phone’s microphone through their AirPods, offering a convenient way to eavesdrop (or listen to a baby) without having the phone in hand.
• Four Thousand Weeks: A thought-provoking book by Oliver Burkeman, challenging the conventions of productivity and encouraging readers to embrace the limitations of time.
• Diggnation: A beloved web series, reminiscent of the early days of the internet, is back with new episodes, offering a nostalgic experience for long-time fans.
• HandleStash: A shock-absorbing beverage holder for bikes, making morning commutes and weekend rides with coffee more enjoyable (and less messy).
• YouTube Music: A popular alternative to Spotify that boasts superior audio quality and a curated selection of new releases, perfect for those looking for a more immersive musical experience.
• Rice Cooker Cornbread: A delicious and easy recipe that can be conveniently crafted in a rice cooker for a delightful weekend treat.
• Kaos: A captivating Netflix series seamlessly blending Greek mythology and present-day political intrigue, a richly layered and insightful show.
• Bear, Obsidian, and Apple Notes: A reminder that the world of note-taking apps is often a labyrinthine journey, filled with personal preferences and indecision (Eitan, we sympathize!).
• A Short History of Nearly Everything: A comprehensive yet accessible exploration of the universe, a timeless read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the world around us.
• Shapez 2: An addictively creative game that consumes hours with its captivating gameplay.

Signing Off:

Apple’s annual iPhone launch event is just around the corner, promising a bounty of new gadgets, including phones, watches, headphones, and perhaps even new desktops. We’re also set to receive updates for all of Apple’s software, and while most of that is good news, there’s an element of concern for older devices. As this video shows, Apple’s software updates can inadvertently cause issues with older devices, potentially leading to performance degradation or even failure. My heart goes out to those using older iMacs or MacBooks with Intel processors, the potential for disruption looms large.

What are you into right now? Let me know! Leave comments below or email me at installer@theverge.com or send me a message on Signal (@davidpierce.11). Let’s continue this conversation and discover more incredible creators, gadgets, and experiences together. Stay tuned for more Installer goodness!

Article Reference