In the latest edition of the weekly Installer newsletter, the editor shares a significant personal tech update: after more than five years, he has found a new default browser. For the first time since embracing Arc, he has switched to Vivaldi 8.0. This decision comes after testing numerous alternatives and finding that Vivaldi finally meets his needs in both functionality and aesthetics.
Vivaldi has long been praised for its speed and extensive customization options. It is built on Chromium, ensuring compatibility with most web standards, but its unique feature set includes tab stacking, web panels, and a built-in email client. However, earlier versions were often criticized for their clunky, outdated interface. With version 8.0, the design team has streamlined the look, making it cleaner and more modern out of the box. The editor notes that while the browser remains incredibly customizable, the default layout no longer feels overwhelming or unattractive.
He advises users to set aside a generous amount of time to dive into the settings and tailor Vivaldi to their exact preferences. The browser offers granular control over every aspect, from the position of tabs to the behavior of gestures. This level of personalization is rare among mainstream browsers, which tend to enforce a one-size-fits-all approach. For power users who want to optimize their workflow, Vivaldi is a dream.
A Week of Recovering and Recommending
The Installer newsletter comes from a week spent largely sick, which prompted a full rewatch of "Parks and Recreation" while testing various gadgets and media. Among the highlights: the NextSense Smartbuds, which track sleep and brain activity; the Outerline Markdown app; and the upcoming Flipper One device. These personal anecdotes add a human touch to the tech recommendations.
The main recommendation in this issue is Vivaldi 8.0, but the editor also shares a curated list of eight other items that caught his attention. Each comes with a brief explanation of why it stands out in a crowded ecosystem of apps, movies, books, and games.
The Drop: Highlights from This Week
Vivaldi 8.0
As described, this browser has become the new default. The editor emphasizes that it is not just a fad; he has thoroughly tested it across all his devices and found it reliable, fast, and visually pleasing. The new design language moves away from the overly technical look of earlier versions. It now feels more like a professional tool that also looks good on screen. For anyone tired of the corporate monotony of Chrome or the resource hunger of Edge, Vivaldi offers a refreshing alternative.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
The latest Star Wars film returns the beloved duo to theaters. While reviews are mixed, the editor expresses genuine excitement. He has always enjoyed the space adventures of Mando and Grogu, and believes the big screen will amplify the spectacle. The film continues the story from the Disney+ series, blending Western and sci-fi tropes. Even if critics are divided, the emotional connection to the characters makes it a must-see for fans.
Steve Jobs in Exile by Geoff Cain
This book offers a fresh perspective on a well-trodden subject. Rather than rehashing Jobs' early years or his return to Apple, Cain focuses on the "wilderness years" at NeXT and Pixar. It is a story of personal growth, failure, and eventual redemption. The editor raves about the readability and the new details that even Apple historians might find surprising. The book is a deep dive into how Jobs transformed from a brash young founder into the visionary who would later save Apple.
How to Rule the World by a Stanford Student
A second tech book this week examines the symbiotic relationship between Stanford University and Silicon Valley. Written by a current student, the book pulls back the curtain on the culture of ambition, privilege, and innovation that defines the valley. It is not a celebratory account; rather, it critically assesses how the university's ecosystem affects everything from venture capital to ethical considerations in tech. The editor finds it a necessary read for anyone who wants to understand the engine behind modern tech.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Earbuds
While initially skeptical, the editor's colleague John Higgins convinced him that these earbuds are the best for phone calls at their price point. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro deliver crystal-clear voice pickup, which is often a weak point for wireless earbuds. They also feature decent sound quality and comfortable fit. At a price comparable to AirPods, they present a strong alternative for Android users or anyone who prioritizes call quality over Apple ecosystem integration.
Age of Audio: The Inside Story of Podcasting
This book from the team behind "Twenty Thousand Hertz" chronicles the history of podcasting. It features interviews with legendary podcasters and explores how the medium evolved from a niche hobby to a mainstream industry. The editor also mentions a connected documentary of the same name, which he is eager to watch. The book is described as a "terrific history lesson" that captures the passion and innovation of early podcast pioneers.
Forza Horizon 6
The latest installment in the Forza series offers gorgeous, ultra-realistic cars and vast Japanese landscapes. While it is a serious racing simulator, the editor finds it surprisingly cozy. He describes it as a "Sunday drive" experience—you can ignore the competitive aspects and just enjoy the freedom of cruising through beautiful environments. The game also includes deep customization options for car enthusiasts.
MacStories Shortcuts Playground
Federico Viticci and the MacStories team have created a tool that uses AI (Claude Code or Codex) to generate Apple Shortcuts automatically. Users describe the shortcut they want, and the system creates it instantly. This is a game-changer for those who find Shortcuts intimidating. The MacStories team also released a large set of pre-made shortcuts, many of which are extremely clever. The editor believes this is how Shortcuts should always have worked—making automation accessible to everyone.
Crowdsourced Recommendations
The newsletter also includes reader-submitted tips. Highlights include: an Oculus Go found at a thrift store for $10, still functional for YouTube; a Stickerbox toy that creates custom stickers and has no subscription; a recommendation for "A Man on the Moon" audiobook, perfect for long runs; experiments with Writer and Ellipsus as Google Docs alternatives; enthusiasm for Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones; a versatile cable from Vonmahlen with multiple adapters; and the "Red Rising" book series. These community contributions add depth and variety, showing how diverse the Installer audience is.
Other readers shared their love for Record Club (a Letterboxd for music), a rewatch of "Scavengers Reign" before it leaves Netflix, and a standing Monday night "Diablo IV" session with friends. These personal stories make the newsletter feel like a conversation among friends rather than a one-way broadcast.
Signing Off with a Familiar Podcast
The editor closes with a reflection on the end of Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" run. He notes the return of the "Strike Force Five" podcast, where five late-night hosts reunited for a final episode. This was originally created during the 2023 writers' strike and produced one of the funniest episodes the editor has ever heard. The reunion episode was a fitting tribute to Colbert's legacy, and the editor jokes about wanting to wear a suit for his own podcast—though he notes it would be odd in his basement studio.
He signs off with a promise to return next week, leaving readers with a sense of connection and anticipation for future editions.
Source: The Verge News