AI search engines have arrived and are continuously improving.
Apple has introduced a variety of new Macs, explored the life of a renowned composer in detail, launched Nintendo's new streaming application, and much more.
Greetings, esteemed readers. Welcome to Installer No. 59, your comprehensive resource for the finest and most innovative content available. If you are joining us for the first time, we extend a warm welcome and encourage you to explore previous editions on the Installer homepage.
In this edition, I have been delving into topics such as HotWired, DRAM, and the insights of Mike Solana. Additionally, I have been enjoying the series The Diplomat, listening to Dua Lipa’s Tiny Desk concert, utilizing Smashing for news consumption and discovering intriguing content, testing my bandwidth limits with the download of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and immersing myself in the six-hour Acquired Meta episode.
Furthermore, I have gathered some intriguing new AI search tools, the latest Apple products, a selection of documentaries for your weekend viewing, a calendar application for Windows, and much more.
I would also like to express my gratitude to those who reached out regarding the Omnivore acquisition, which is indeed unfortunate. Many have inquired about alternative options, and as I feel a sense of responsibility for introducing some of you to an application that is now facing challenges, I am committed to assisting you in finding suitable alternatives. I would appreciate your input: what features or functionalities do you absolutely require from Omnivore or any other reading application? Please share your preferences, and I will do my utmost to guide us all toward a viable solution.
Now, there is much to accomplish this week. Let us proceed.
ChatGPT Search: ChatGPT has introduced a search feature. Although it is not named SearchGPT, which may seem unoriginal, it aligns with our expectations: a live web search integrated into OpenAI's chatbot. At this point, it bears a strong resemblance to Perplexity, Bing, and similar platforms; however, I anticipate that many users will opt for this functionality simply due to its accessibility within ChatGPT.
Ask Maps: This represents the type of AI search that I find most promising: Google directing Gemini towards the Maps application, facilitating a more efficient way to discover activities and locations. If AI can alleviate the need for me to sift through countless reviews in search of the term “kid-friendly,” then all this complexity may indeed prove worthwhile.
Fantastical for Windows: My scheduling primarily occurs in one of two applications: Fantastical or Notion Calendar. While Notion Calendar is free and operates more swiftly, Fantastical boasts a more aesthetically pleasing interface and greater functionality. The newly released Windows application encompasses all the features and design elements, making it a strong contender.
The new Mac Mini: Although there are valid reasons to be enthusiastic about the newly launched MacBook Pros and even the vibrantly colored iMac, I find the compact and faster Mini to be the most thrilling computer that Apple has introduced this year. This device will serve as my primary computer from the moment it becomes available.
The new Magic Keyboard: Two statements hold true: $149 is excessively high for this keyboard (and $199 for the black version with the numeric keypad is even more so), yet once one experiences a Mac keyboard equipped with built-in Touch ID, returning to a standard keyboard becomes nearly impossible. Additionally, it no longer necessitates a Lightning cable! What a remarkable advancement!
Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Our colleagues at Polygon have characterized this game as essentially revolving around a protagonist “and their traveling Deep Roadshow of trauma-drenched oddities (in a complimentary sense),” which I find immensely appealing. It appears that the game may take some time to gain momentum, but it promises significant rewards once it does.
Uncanny Valley: A new podcast from Wired, hosted by several individuals we admire (including a few former staff members from The Verge), discussing the latest news and turmoil in Silicon Valley. The first episode features an unexpectedly high amount of discussion about hoodies! I am eager to see how this develops.
Endurance: If you have not yet explored the book that inspired this new series, which chronicles the ill-fated expedition of British explorer Ernest Shackleton to the South Pole, I highly recommend doing so this weekend. It is a remarkable read. Additionally, I have only received positive feedback regarding the documentary.
Nintendo Music: For many years, I found that writing while listening to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack added an epic quality to my work. However, I have now fully embraced the Boss Battles playlist available on this charming new streaming application.
Music by John Williams: It appears to be a significant week for soundtracks! John Williams is an iconic figure, and Disney has assembled an impressive lineup of other esteemed individuals to discuss his profound impact on the film industry. I have been eagerly anticipating this ever since the Jaws segment featured in the trailer.
Pokémon TCG Pocket: To be honest, I have never been particularly interested in Pokémon trading card games. However, a mobile app designed for such a game seems quite fitting, allowing for play sessions that can last just a few minutes, or extend to hours or even days, depending on one’s preference.