Installer No. 107: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Best of Everything
Hello, friends! Welcome back to Installer No. 107, your go-to resource for everything intriguing, innovative, and just downright awesome in the world. If you’re new here, I extend a warm welcome and hope you’re enjoying a relaxed, leisurely weekend. For returning readers, feel free to explore previous editions via the Installer homepage. We’ve got an exciting lineup this week, spanning a diverse range of topics—from the tech realm to the latest in entertainment and lifestyle.
Recent Discoveries
This week has seen me dive into various subjects. I’ve been exploring the fascinating world of Faker, looking into the realm of Chinese electric vehicles, and even following the stories of art thieves. In the midst of this, I embarked on a quest to find some neat acoustic tiles for my new home office. It’s remarkable how the right ambiance can significantly enhance productivity, and I’m looking forward to transforming my workspace.
Additionally, I’ve stumbled upon a surprisingly effective night-light app that has made a difference in my evening routine. On the tech front, I am currently putting the Pebble 2 Duo through its paces, while also absorbing the intricacies of the Colossus series from Search Engine. Moreover, I’ve finally begun watching Pluribus, which has tantalizing insights into AI and strategy.
In terms of home automation, I’ve been grappling with the less-than-user-friendly application for my new thermostat—a reminder that not all smart devices come with an intuitive interface. On a brighter note, I’ve successfully reconnected all my smart home gear to an Echo Dot Max, a step I feel relieved about. And in between all this tech tinkering, I’m striving to disconnect from screens and spend a bit more quality time with family—even if that means just sitting close by and scrolling through my phone.
Now, let’s get into some exciting highlights: Netflix is gearing up to release one of its largest offerings of the year, we have a fresh comic series that looks incredible, and the latest iteration of Claude has just dropped. Let’s dive right in!
Netflix’s Big Release
One of the most anticipated shows returning to Netflix this year is Stranger Things Season 5. This series occupies a unique spot in my mind. While I wouldn’t say it’s my absolute favorite, I find myself eagerly consuming every season and can hardly contain my excitement for the new one. However, brace yourselves: the upcoming season comprises eight episodes that promise to deliver an experience vastly richer than its duration suggests—it’s more than just eight hours of viewing.
Alton Brown’s Kitchen Magic
In the world of culinary arts, Alton Brown is a titan. His recent venture into a new YouTube cooking series is a testament to his passion and mastery over the craft. The inaugural episode, which focuses on cooking turkey, feels like a well-structured TV show while simultaneously embodying the essence of a perfect YouTube experience. Alton has lost none of his flair, and it’s an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates cooking.
The Beatles Anthology Reimagined
For fans of timeless music, the remastered Beatles Anthology 2025 is an essential cornerstone of any collection. The original series, released three decades ago, was a masterpiece that sparked my love for The Beatles. This new version comes enriched with additional content, making it a compelling resource for anyone passionate about music history.
Knives Out: A New Whodunit
Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series has captured audiences’ hearts with its clever plots and engaging storytelling. The latest installment, titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, is headed for theaters shortly before making its way to Netflix on December 12th. This dual-release format allows fans like myself to indulge in the cinematic experience and then rewatch it from the comfort of home. I’m a sucker for a good whodunit, and I believe this film will not disappoint.
Galactic: A Comic Adventure
A fresh addition to the comic book scene is the series titled Galactic, which has been compared to beloved franchises like Star Wars and True Romance, linking it also to the stylistic flair of Tarantino films. With its combination of violence, sci-fi, and romance, it promises to be an engrossing read for genre enthusiasts.
Amazon’s New Frontier in Internet Access
The tech world is buzzing with Amazon’s latest innovation—Leo Ultra. This ambitious project aims to rival satellite internet providers like Starlink, boasting impressive download speeds of up to 1Gbps. The specifics around pricing remain unclear, but if you’re considering satellite internet in the near future, this could be the option worth keeping an eye on.
A Thought-Provoking Conversation
Have you ever wondered about the ethical implications of bad reviews? Two remarkable creators, Michael Fisher and Marques Brownlee, recently engaged in a riveting discussion about AI, politics, and the evolving landscape of the creator economy. Their insights are eye-opening and offer much food for thought for anyone vested in the tech industry or the nuances of creative expression.
Gaming Meets Fashion
If you’re into unique brand integrations, then the new Xbox-themed Crocs might catch your attention. I can’t help but appreciate the fusion of comfort and playful branding. These quirky footwear additions boast buttons designed like gaming controllers, making them my potential go-to footwear for gaming sessions. It’s the kind of innovation that could easily become a cult favorite.
Claude Opus 4.5
On the AI front, Claude Opus 4.5 has emerged as a noteworthy contender in the landscape of large language models. Often praised for its coding capabilities, this version appears to offer improved performance, particularly in coding tasks. I’m excited to explore its enhancements and see how they can aid in my ongoing journey to develop the perfect productivity app.
Gift Guide for 2025
Gift guides are a seasonal delight, and I love curating suggestions that are personal and meaningful. Here’s my non-scientific, personally curated list of items I genuinely adore—many of which I’ve purchased with my own money. These suggestions are not only practical but also relatively affordable, making them ideal for anyone looking to find unique gifts:
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The Nintendo Switch 2: By far the most enjoyable gadget I purchased this year. Even if it only played classic titles like Mario Kart or Donkey Kong, I’d still be thrilled. The extensive library is an added bonus, reigniting my gaming passion.
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The POP Phone: This quirky gadget connects via USB-C and replicates the feel of an old-school landline. While it might seem silly, it’s surprisingly comfortable and provides excellent audio quality.
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Baseus USB Cables: My reliable pair of retractable cables has proven indispensable. They’ve been the only charging cables I carry, and they’ve held up beautifully over time.
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Hoto Electric Screwdriver: A personal favorite and a fantastic Black Friday deal, this screwdriver is powerful for smaller tasks, convenient with USB-C charging, and lasts an impressive amount of time.
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The Doorman: This is the best book I’ve read this year. Its unconventional narrative structure keeps you guessing and unfolds in a compelling fashion.
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Logitech UE Wonderboom: There may be countless Bluetooth speakers, but this one stands out for its sound quality and durability. It’s a staple across various locations in my life.
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Acquire: I rediscovered this board game and was reminded of how it blends strategy and simplicity beautifully when merging hotel chains.
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Wits & Wagers: A game that blends trivia and betting, it has become a family favorite and works well in varying social situations.
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Google Pixel Buds 2a: For simple audio needs, these headphones are my consistent go-to for their comfort and quality.
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The Away Overnight Bag: Ideal for short trips, it has ample pockets and compartments to store everything I need efficiently.
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Philips Hue Essential Bulbs: Easy to set up and compatible with various systems, these bulbs take the hassle out of lighting decisions.
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The Brick: I have one in both the office and kitchen, allowing me to toggle into a minimalist phone mode easily.
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M4 Mac Mini: This is a superior upgrade for anyone seeking a desktop computer at a reasonable price point, providing immense power and satisfaction.
Shopping Season Insights
As we enter this bustling shopping season, there are a plethora of deals available for both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, I’d urge you to consider investing in streaming services at this time. Though prices consistently rise, many platforms offer substantial discounts for annual subscriptions right now. I think this is a smart move, enhancing the increasingly complex television landscape makes it all a bit more digestible—especially at half price.
Reflecting on Connectivity
It’s the perfect time to shift gears and refocus on what matters most—like the joy of connecting with others. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting Naveen Gavini, a seasoned product leader now steering the innovative ship called BuildForever. His fresh take on email with the app Extra aims to create a meaningful relationship with our often-overwhelming inboxes.
Naveen kindly shared what’s on his mobile home screen and some applications that he finds indispensable for productivity:
- Camera, Photos, Calendar, Notes, Figma, Slack, Oura, Google Maps, Retro, Tangle, Super Me, Tesla, Phone, Messages, Safari, Extra.
Among his selected apps, Tangle caught my attention for its ability to help users manage time purposefully, allowing for a more intentional approach to parenting and planning fun activities with loved ones.
Your Turn: Community Feedback
Now, let’s turn the spotlight to you! What are you currently immersed in—be it games, books, shows, or gadgets? I genuinely want to hear about your latest finds and experiences. Each week, I collect recommendations from our vibrant community; email me at [email protected] or message me on Signal at @davidpierce. Whether it’s an old favorite or a brand-new discovery, your insights enrich our shared experience.
In closing, here’s what some community members have been engaging with:
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Carter: "I’ve been enjoying daily games from Spark. They’re fun and have been instrumental in cultivating a daily learning habit."
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Manny: "I dived into Dungeon Crawler Carl recently and it’s been a blast—like reading through a video game!"
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Lee: "Exploring home automation with Home Assistant has sparked a new hobby. Local control is genuinely appealing."
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Yoinks: "Currently catching up with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. It’s heartfelt and beautifully animated."
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Jordan: "Just started In Stars And Time, and the character writing has been incredible."
Until Next Week
Before wrapping up, I’m looking forward to the breathtaking release of Stranger Things and must express gratitude for the endless resources YouTube provides—especially with recaps to prepare us for upcoming seasons. Here’s to anticipating new experiences, reconnecting with family, and immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of culture and technology.
Wishing everyone a fantastic holiday season if you’re celebrating, and I look forward to our next installment filled with even more festive recommendations. See you next week!
