David Pierce’s “Installer No. 66” explores a diverse range of tech, entertainment, and personal reflections, offering a glimpse into the writer’s current interests and obsessions. From the latest gadgets unveiled at CES 2025 to thought-provoking discussions about social media’s evolving landscape, the newsletter serves as a curated collection of noteworthy items and recommendations. A significant portion of the newsletter is devoted to CES 2025 coverage, focusing on products Pierce believes have a strong chance of reaching consumers. He balances his enthusiasm for innovation with a pragmatic awareness that not all showcased prototypes translate into marketable products.
The gadgets showcased from CES range from practical home appliances to cutting-edge displays. Pierce expresses excitement over the LG StanbyME 2, a portable screen he envisions as a versatile entertainment solution. He also highlights the Circular Ring 2, a smart ring with improved features that aligns with his goal of replacing his smartwatch. Other notable mentions include Nvidia’s Project Digits, a personalized AI device, and the Roam SodaTop, a portable carbonation device for water bottles. He also points toward intriguing advancements in laptop technology with the Lenovo Thinkbook Plus Gen 6, a rollable screen laptop, and the Samsung Frame Pro, a stylish television disguised as artwork. The Wonder Petal, a solar-powered AI camera that identifies plants and animals, and the Flic Duo, a programmable smart home button, also caught his attention.
Beyond individual gadgets, Pierce identifies emerging trends like modular home robots, exemplified by the SwitchBot Multitasking Household Robot K20 Plus Pro, and affordable smartwatches like the Amazfit Active 2. He also champions the rise of handheld gaming consoles, praising the Razer Handheld Dock Chroma as a valuable accessory. While acknowledging the often-inflated promises of CES prototypes, Pierce attempts to filter the noise and spotlight potentially groundbreaking technologies with practical applications.
Shifting from the world of consumer electronics, Pierce delves into the ongoing evolution of online social platforms. He highlights Micro.one, a new platform created by Manton Reece, the developer of Micro.blog. This platform offers a blend of blogging and social media interaction, emphasizing user ownership and control over their online presence. Pierce sees this as a potential solution to the fragmentation and algorithmic control prevalent on mainstream social media platforms. He interviews Reece, showcasing his homescreen and app preferences, offering readers insight into the developer’s tech philosophy and current projects. Reece highlights his preference for a minimalist homescreen, his adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT, and his continued use of location check-in app Swarm. He also shares his current reading, Brandon Sanderson’s “Wind and Truth,” and his appreciation for its expansive narrative scope.
The newsletter then transitions into a community-driven section, featuring reader submissions of their current interests and recommendations. These suggestions cover a broad range of topics, including YouTube documentaries, electric toothbrushes, music recommendations, browser extensions, read-it-later apps, podcasts, charging stations, professional wrestling, novels, and financial planning tools. This segment highlights the diverse interests of the Installer community and offers a platform for sharing discoveries.
Finally, Pierce closes the newsletter with personal reflections on his own tech explorations. He shares his recent discovery of Lokki’s app icons and Widgy, a powerful widget customization app. He expresses his enthusiasm for Widgy’s flexibility and potential, envisioning a future homescreen dominated by personalized widgets rather than app icons. This final anecdote reveals Pierce’s own passion for tinkering with technology and customizing his digital environment.
Overall, Installer No. 66 functions as a multi-faceted digital digest. It blends coverage of cutting-edge technology with thoughtful commentary on social media trends and community-driven recommendations. Pierce’s personal insights and reflections tie the various strands together, creating a cohesive and engaging reading experience. The newsletter successfully balances enthusiasm for new gadgets with a discerning eye, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in staying abreast of emerging technologies and cultural trends.
The extensive coverage of CES reveals a keen interest in the future of consumer electronics, while the discussion of Micro.one demonstrates a commitment to exploring alternative social media models. The inclusion of community recommendations fosters a sense of shared exploration and discovery, enriching the newsletter’s content and fostering engagement. Finally, Pierce’s personal anecdotes add a layer of authenticity and relatability, further strengthening the connection with his audience. The combination of these elements creates a compelling and informative newsletter that caters to a diverse range of interests.
The overarching theme of Installer No. 66 appears to be a blend of exploring new technologies and seeking more fulfilling online experiences. From the latest gadgets to emerging social media platforms, Pierce’s selections reflect a desire for both practical innovation and meaningful digital connections. The community recommendations further reinforce this theme by showcasing a diverse range of interests and highlighting the collective search for valuable online resources and experiences.
Beyond the specific products and platforms discussed, the newsletter embodies a sense of curiosity and continuous exploration. Pierce’s willingness to experiment with new apps, personalize his digital environment, and share his discoveries encourages readers to do the same. This spirit of ongoing learning and adaptation makes Installer No. 66 a valuable resource for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and digital culture.
The newsletter implicitly suggests that technology should enhance our lives, both practically and socially. The focus on user-friendly gadgets and alternative social media platforms reflects a desire for greater control and agency in our digital interactions. By showcasing products and platforms that prioritize personalization and user ownership, Pierce promotes a more human-centered approach to technology. This underlying message resonates throughout the newsletter, making it more than just a collection of recommendations. It serves as a subtle call to action, encouraging readers to actively shape their digital experiences rather than passively consuming them.
Finally, the blend of personal reflections, community contributions, and curated content creates a sense of shared discovery and conversation. Installer No. 66 effectively builds a community around shared interests, fostering a sense of connection and mutual learning. By inviting readers to share their own recommendations and insights, Pierce creates a dynamic and engaging dialogue that extends beyond the confines of the newsletter itself. This collaborative approach to content creation makes Installer No. 66 a truly unique and valuable resource.
