Welcome to Installer No. 126! This week, we're celebrating Ruthless Self-Promotion Week by pulling back the curtain on the things our team has been cooking up. From new podcasts and video series to tools that make your digital life easier, here are eight projects we're building—and why they matter. Dive in, and don't forget to check out the old editions at the Installer homepage.
1. The Verge's New Podcast: 'Rewind & Reset'
Inspired by our fascination with history podcasts like The Rest Is History, we're launching Rewind & Reset, a weekly show that revisits pivotal tech moments and reimagines what could have been. Each episode dives deep into a single event—the launch of the iPhone, the rise of social media, the fall of Google+—and interviews the people who were there. Our goal is to help listeners understand how past decisions shape today's tech landscape. Expect candid stories, expert analysis, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Back to top
2. A Redesigned Installer Newsletter
You're reading it! We've revamped the Installer format to include more interactive elements: polls, reader Q&As, and curated product spotlights. Based on your feedback, we're also adding a weekly 'Deep Dive' section that explores one topic—like Japanese stationery or Tesla's latest ventures—in granular detail. The goal is to make every issue feel like a conversation, not just a digest. Already, we're seeing engagement spike. Back to top
3. The Verge Review Hub: One-Stop Shop for Gadget Ratings
Our reviews team has built a centralized database that aggregates every gadget review we've ever published. Search by category, price range, or rating score, and get a clean summary of pros, cons, and test results. We're also integrating user reviews and expert commentary from our YouTube channel. Think of it as Rotten Tomatoes for tech, but with more nuance. This project started after we noticed how often readers asked, 'Which phone should I buy?' Now the answer is just a search away. Back to top
4. A Video Series: 'Tech Archaeology'
Inspired by our recent coverage of the Tesla diner and the Dwarkesh Patel podcast, we're launching Tech Archaeology, a video series that unearths forgotten tech artifacts. Each episode features a deep-dive into a weird or wonderful piece of hardware—from the Newton MessagePad to the Segway—and explains why it matters today. We'll also recreate old experiments, like the time a robot injured Joanna Stern, to show how far we've come. Expect high production value and a healthy dose of humor. Back to top
5. The Stationery Finder Tool
Our love for Japanese stationery has turned into a practical web app. The Stationery Finder lets you search for notebooks, pens, and washi tapes by brand, price, and writing feel (smooth, scratchy, bold). Each product includes a short review written by our editorial team, plus links to buy. We've also added a 'Try Before You Buy' feature that shows you real handwriting samples. It's a niche tool for a passionate community—and it's completely free. Back to top
6. Sneakers Database: The Verge's Ultimate Footwear Guide
Remember those 'cool shoes' we were wondering about? We've turned that curiosity into a searchable database of every sneaker we've reviewed or featured. Filter by brand, style (running, casual, fashion), or sustainability rating. Each entry includes test results from our wear-testers, a durability score, and comparisons with similar models. We're even adding a 'Community Corner' where readers can share their own experiences. This project is still in beta, but it's already helping us make smarter purchase decisions. Back to top
7. The Tesla Diner Investigation
Elon Musk's plans for a Tesla-themed diner and drive-in movie theater have captivated us. Our investigative team has been building a comprehensive dossier: analyzing patents, interviewing architects, and even visiting the construction site. We're publishing a series of deep-dive articles that cover everything from the menu (lab-grown meat?) to the charging infrastructure. This isn't just a story about a restaurant; it's a case study in brand extension and futurism. The first piece drops next month. Back to top
8. Robotics Challenge: 'Robot vs. Human'
After watching a robot injure Joanna Stern (don't worry, she's fine), we decided to create our own robotics challenge. Each month, we pit a state-of-the-art robot against a human expert in a specific task—like assembling furniture, making coffee, or drawing a portrait. We analyze speed, accuracy, and creativity, and publish the results as a video and a written report. The series is meant to spark conversations about automation and human skill. So far, the humans are winning, but it's getting closer every episode. Back to top
That's our current lineup—and we're just getting started. If you have ideas for something we should build, drop us a line. And if you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look, share it with a friend who loves tech as much as we do. Until next time, keep exploring!