ENSEMBLE STUDIOS, the creators of the Age of Empires series, were hesitant to make a console RTS game when they were first approached by Microsoft. However, after being given an ultimatum by Microsoft, they agreed to develop a Halo-themed RTS game for the Xbox. Halo Wars was a commercial success, selling 1 million copies in under a month.
In recent years, console strategy gaming has become increasingly popular. This is due to a number of factors, including the homogenization of the medium, the improved performance of consoles, and the changing interests of developers.
The line between consoles and PC gaming is becoming increasingly blurred. Publishers are increasingly porting their games to multiple platforms, and the launch of the Steam Deck has allowed players to access the world’s biggest PC storefront through a console-style device.
Consoles are now better equipped to handle strategy games. The improved hardware of modern consoles allows developers to bring their games across platforms without sacrificing performance or trimming down the experience.
Developers are now more willing to embrace gamepads for strategy games. This is due to a number of factors, including the maturity of the language of controller use and the changing interests of developers. Strategy developers of the past often saw complexity as a badge of honor, but today’s developers are more focused on creating games that are accessible to a wider range of players.
Overall, the console strategy gaming genre is thriving now because of a number of factors, including the homogenization of the medium, the improved performance of consoles, and the changing interests of developers.
Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Welcome to Installer No. 80—your ultimate guide to the coolest, most Verge-approved tech finds, apps, and entertainment picks. (New here? Welcome aboard! If you missed previous editions, catch up on the Installer homepage.)
This week, I’ve been diving into: 📖 “The Telepathy Tapes” – A mind-bending read on digital consciousness. 👨👩👧 Extreme parenting in the age of social media – How do you raise kids when the internet is watching? 🎬 “The Men Who Built America” – A gripping docu-series on industrial titans. 🎮 4×3’s full game archive – Retro gaming nostalgia at its finest. ✍️ Easlo Journal – A sleek new writing app for organizing thoughts. 🎧 TikTok Shop impulse-bought headphones – Surprisingly good? Let’s find out. 🔍 Kagi Assistant – A promising alternative to traditional search engines.
Plus: A huge thanks to everyone who shared wallpaper ideas! Your setups are inspiring, and I’ll be showcasing them soon in Screen Share.
Now, let’s jump into this week’s must-see picks—some pricey, some priceless, all worth your attention.
🔥 The Drop: This Week’s Top Picks
🎬 Andor Season 2
The best Star Wars content right now isn’t even close. Season 1 redefined what a Star Wars story could be—gritty, political, and deeply human. Early buzz says Season 2 sticks the landing, delivering another masterclass in sci-fi storytelling.
📱 Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Flip phones are back, and Motorola is this close to perfecting them. The new Razr Ultra is sturdier, faster, and less of a compromise—except for that $1,299 price tag. Still, if you’ve been waiting for a foldable that doesn’t feel like a beta product, this might be it.
🎧 “Parker’s Obsessed with This Movie (But She Can’t Find It Anywhere)”
A delightful podcast mystery about a film with an IMDb page… that seemingly doesn’t exist. A fun deep dive into digital obscurity and lost media.
📸 Instagram Edits
Meta’s answer to CapCut, but with AI-powered enhancements. If you edit Reels or Stories, this could be a game-changer. (And yes, it’s another Meta copycat move—but at least they do it well.)
🗣️ Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant
Move over, Siri. Perplexity’s new assistant integrates with Reminders, Calendar, and system apps—something even Apple’s own assistant struggles with. Early tests show it’s way more responsive than most AI helpers.
🎮 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A rare game that feels like a blockbuster movie—thanks to voice acting from Andy Serkis and a gripping narrative. If you love story-driven RPGs, this is a must-play.
🎒 WaterField Designs Tech Folio Tank Backpack ($419)
For the bag connoisseurs: This laptop-friendly backpack fits even the bulkiest devices, with pockets for everything. It’s a splurge, but if you’re a remote worker who values organization, it’s worth a look.
📷 Insta360 X5 ($550)
If GoPro had a smarter cousin, it’d be Insta360. Their new flagship action cam boasts replaceable lenses and pro-grade stabilization. Underrated brand, overdelivering product.
🕹️ The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Bethesda just shadow-dropped a remaster of this 2005 classic—and fans are losing it. Updated graphics, smoother gameplay, and all the nostalgia.
📱 Screen Share: Inside Jeff Sheldon’s Ultra-Minimalist iPhone Setup
This week, we’re peeking at the home screen of Jeff Sheldon, founder of Ugmonk (the genius behind the Analog productivity system). Jeff’s philosophy? “Less clutter, more focus.”
📲 His Setup:
Phone: iPhone 16 Pro
Wallpaper: Pure black (“Busy backgrounds distract from the apps!”)
Lockscreen: A serene shot from Copenhagen
🔝 Top Apps:
✔ Fantastical (for natural-language scheduling: “Lunch with Sarah tomorrow at 1PM”) ✔ MyMind (a private, ad-free Pinterest alternative) ✔ Dropbox Paper (cleaner than Google Docs, with built-in markdown) ✔ Due (widget for quick to-dos, later transferred to Analog Cards)
🎧 Jeff’s Current Obsessions:
The Orchid by Telepathic Instruments (even non-musicians will want this)
Herman Miller’s rebrand case study (design nerd heaven)
Bon Iver’s SABLE, fABLE (on repeat for days)
Limba Trip’s spin art (hypnotically trippy)
💬 Crowdsourced: What the Installer Community Is Loving
Here’s what readers are obsessed with this week:
“OpenCase” – A MagSafe wallet case that actually prevents slips. (“No more lost wallets!” – Mike)
“A Short Hike” – A charming indie game perfect for a relaxing evening. (“Beautiful little experience.” – Fil)
“Tuesday Night Movie Night” – A curated film newsletter recommending one great movie per week. (“Bucking the algorithm!” – Phillip)
“Slow Roads” – A zen driving simulator with no traffic, just vibes. (“Perfect for unwinding.” – Srirudran)
“Lume Weather” – A GPT-powered iOS weather app with a slick UI. (“Needs widgets, though.” – Daniel)
Got a recommendation? Email installer@theverge.com or DM me on Signal (@davidpierce.11)—your pick could be featured next!
🚀 Signing Off: The Ultimate Bar Crawl Algorithm
Ever heard of the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP)? It’s a classic computing puzzle: “What’s the shortest route to hit every spot and return home?”
Well, someone solved it for all 81,998 bars in South Korea (Korea81998). The optimal bar crawl would take just under six months—and yes, there’s no faster way to do it.
For the math nerds, check out this deep-dive talk on solving TSPs. Not light viewing, but fascinating for algorithm lovers.
Netflix is once again pushing the boundaries of technology by experimenting with a new AI-powered search engine, built in collaboration with OpenAI. As reported by Bloomberg, this innovative feature is designed to dramatically enhance how users find content on the platform, making search more intuitive, personalized, and emotionally intelligent.
A Smarter Way to Search: Beyond Titles and Genres
Currently being piloted on iOS devices in Australia and New Zealand, Netflix’s new search functionality allows subscribers to search using highly specific and nuanced terms — including their current mood or preferences. Instead of being limited to typical filters like genre, actor names, or titles, users can now make much more detailed and natural-language queries.
Imagine typing: “Show me a feel-good comedy for a rainy day” or “Find me an intense drama with a strong female lead” — and getting spot-on recommendations instantly.
According to a Netflix spokesperson, MoMo Zhou, the early beta is part of a broader “learn and listen” phase, aimed at gathering user feedback. Zhou confirmed that the test will gradually expand to the United States in the coming weeks and months, but for now, the feature remains exclusive to iOS, with no immediate plans for Android or other platforms.
Why This Matters: The Future of Streaming Is Personal
This move underscores Netflix’s long-standing commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance user experiences. Speaking on The Verge’s Decoder podcast last year, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters explained the company’s philosophy around AI:
“We’ve used machine learning and AI in our recommendation systems for over 20 years. Our focus is always on how innovation can empower creators to tell better stories and deliver richer experiences to our members.”
By integrating OpenAI’s cutting-edge capabilities into its search engine, Netflix is taking personalization to a whole new level — aiming to not just recommend shows but truly understand the context behind what users want to watch at any given moment.
What’s Next?
OpenAI has yet to comment officially on the partnership. However, it’s clear that this collaboration could mark the beginning of a major shift in how AI tools are integrated into entertainment platforms.
If Netflix’s experiment proves successful, it could set a new standard for content discovery across the streaming industry, making it easier than ever for viewers to find the perfect show or movie — without endlessly scrolling.
For now, the beta is still in its early stages. As Netflix gathers feedback and fine-tunes the system, users can expect more updates and possibly wider access in the near future.
