The Best Smart Glasses Just Got Even Better
▼ Summary
– The author introduces Installer No. 98, a guide to tech and media recommendations, and asks readers about their list-making habits.
– New tech products highlighted include the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 smart glasses and the Vivaldi 7.6 browser update with extensive customization features.
– Media recommendations feature the game “Skate,” the thriller “American Sweatshop,” and the Hulu movie “Swiped” about Bumble’s founder.
– Caleb Denison shares his iPhone homescreen setup and current interests, including rewatching shows and podcasts like “Ear Hustle” and “Radiolab.”
– The Installer community shares diverse recommendations, from K-pop competitions and Overwatch 2 to comics and the DJI Mini Pro 5 drone.
The latest generation of smart eyewear has arrived, and it’s making waves for all the right reasons. Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 continues to set the standard with significant upgrades, including extended battery performance and enhanced functionality. While not yet an essential gadget for everyone, these glasses deliver a polished, user-friendly experience that stands out in a growing market. For those invested in wearable tech, this iteration offers meaningful improvements that justify the investment.
Beyond wearables, there’s plenty capturing attention this week. The early access game Skate offers a sprawling playground for exploration and tricks, providing a refreshing escape even in its unfinished state. Over in entertainment, American Sweatshop presents a gripping thriller centered on content moderation, a topic that feels both timely and unsettling. Reviews suggest it’s intense, thought-provoking, and well worth the watch.
Browser enthusiasts have reason to celebrate with Vivaldi 7.6, a substantial update emphasizing deep customization. Be prepared to lose a few hours fine-tuning every detail, but the payoff is a highly personalized browsing experience. On the AI front, Google for Windows has resurfaced as a local search tool powered by artificial intelligence. Still in experimental stages, it’s already generating positive buzz for its utility.
Streaming services aren’t sitting idle. Swiped on Hulu dramatizes the rise of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, blending fact and fiction into a compelling narrative. For those who prefer podcasts, Jon Stewart’s discussion with Charlie Warzel on how social media fuels disaster and disinformation is both sobering and essential listening.
Gadget lovers might appreciate the Kuxiu X40 Turbo charger, a compact yet powerful multi-device stand that’s ideal for travel. Notion users, meanwhile, can explore Notion 3.0, which introduces ambitious AI tools designed to automate routine tasks, though some may find the approach more invasive than helpful.
In gaming, Lego Voyagers offers a charming two-player cooperative experience centered on creative problem-solving. It’s the kind of game that makes you wish you had a dedicated puzzle partner.
Shifting focus to user setups, Caleb Denison, a respected voice in tech and media, shared his current home screen and habits. Using an iPhone 16 Pro Max for its superior video capabilities, he keeps his interface simple with a stock wallpaper for minimal distraction. His most-used apps include The Weather Channel for reliability, Google Calendar for organization, and native tools like Camera and Settings.
Caleb’s current interests include revisiting classic TV series like Lost and Prison Break for comfort viewing. As a traveling musician, he spends considerable time on the road listening to podcasts such as Ear Hustle and Radiolab, and has a growing fascination with vintage audio equipment.
The Installer community continues to share diverse recommendations. From diving into K-pop competitions and exploring Overwatch 2 to discovering ad-free radio stations like NTS Radio, there’s no shortage of inspiration. Books like Apple In China and apps like Hindsight, an RSS reader that delays news by a day, are also earning praise for offering thoughtful, low-stress engagement.
As the week wraps, many are turning to lighter fare for relief. The Dropout series Smartypants has been a particular favorite, featuring absurd and brilliant presentations on oddly specific topics. It’s the perfect antidote to a hectic news cycle, a reminder that sometimes, laughter really is the best response.
Until next time, keep exploring, sharing, and making those lists. There’s always something new just around the corner.
(Source: The Verge)
