Everybody’s got a favorite new game, and this week's installment of Installer is no exception. The guide offers a mix of exciting tech innovations, captivating media, and intriguing product reviews. Here are the top picks: Blue Prince Though it technically launched last week when Installer was on pause, the puzzle game "Blue Prince" has garnered rave reviews from a dedicated community. The game challenges players to think deeply and carefully, often requiring them to take extensive notes to navigate its complex puzzles. This thoughtful and meticulous approach has made it a hit among puzzle enthusiasts, proving that sometimes the most rewarding games are the ones that demand the most from their players. The Polaroid Flip The Polaroid Flip is a modern twist on the classic instant camera. It offers a nifty feature that alerts users if a photo is out of focus or incorrectly exposed before they take the picture. While some purists might balk at this intervention, the significantly high cost of instant film makes the Polaroid Flip a practical choice. It aims to ensure that every photo counts, enhancing the user experience without sacrificing the charm of instant photography. The Rehearsal Season 2 Nathan Fielder's show "The Rehearsal" returns for its second season, more mind-bending than ever. Fielder helps individuals practice for significant life events, blurring the lines between reality and staged scenarios. The show not only provides laughs but also invites viewers to ponder the intricacies of human behavior and the nature of reality. It's a unique blend of comedy and philosophical inquiry that keeps audiences guessing at every turn. Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 The latest major update to "Baldur’s Gate 3," Patch 8, introduces a plethora of new features, including crossplay, photo mode, additional subclasses, and enhanced modding capabilities. This patch significantly enriches the game's content, ensuring that players will have endless adventures in this immersive RPG. The developer's commitment to keeping the game fresh and engaging is evident, and enthusiasts can look forward to many more hours of gameplay. The Art of Poison-Pilling Music Files Benn Jordan, a music producer, has developed an algorithm to detect AI-generated music. Taking it a step further, he has devised a method to prevent AI music-making tools from scraping and training on his songs. This is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the role of AI in creative industries, highlighting the need for artists to protect their work from misuse. Jordan's approach is both innovative and thought-provoking, adding a unique perspective to the discussion. Sinners Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, "Sinners" is a horror movie with a distinctive twist. It intertwines the classic vampire lore with a deep exploration of the realities of Black American life in the South. Jordan plays a dual role, which adds an intriguing layer to the film's narrative. "Sinners" is not just a scary movie; it's a powerful commentary on social issues, making it a must-watch for fans of both horror and socially conscious cinema. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for PS5 This week, "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" makes its debut on the PlayStation 5, expanding its audience from its original releases on Xbox and PC. The game captures the essence of Indiana Jones, with its thrilling adventure, puzzles, and iconic whip. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the attention to detail and the engaging gameplay, making it a solid addition to any gamer's collection. The Chipolo Pop For those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to AirTags, the Chipolo Pop is a colorful and practical option. It works seamlessly with both Google's and Apple's device-finding networks, making it an excellent choice for users who don't want to break the bank. Whether you need to keep track of your luggage, keys, or even your toddler's shoes, the Chipolo Pop offers a versatile and affordable solution. Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock Tech enthusiasts and gadget collectors will be thrilled with the Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock. This innovative product combines a gadget holder, charging dock, and ambient light system, all of which can be synced to your computer. It's a sleek and functional addition to any workspace, adding both style and utility to your desk setup. Wallpapers andCLS (Clean Lock Screen) Strategy The guide takes a deeper dive into the realm of wallpapers, a topic of personal interest to the writer. While there are numerous sources for high-quality wallpapers, such as Aestheticsguyy, The Papers app, Basic Apple Guy, The Backdrops app, and The Verge Shop, a recent conversation with Casey Johnston from She’s a Beast suggests a radical approach: the use of a completely black wallpaper. The idea is to make the lock screen and home screen as unobtrusive as possible, encouraging users to focus on their tasks or put their phones away. This strategy, while unconventional, has gained traction among productivity enthusiasts. Community Recommendations The Installer community continues to share their favorite tech products, games, shows, and apps. Notable mentions include: - Session Buddy and Collections in Microsoft Edge: Tools for managing browser tabs and organizing notes. - Ludwig: A murder mystery show with an intriguing overarching plot. - OC Remix: A site for fan-made video game music remixes. - KOReader and Wallabag: Solutions for managing and reading content on rooted Kindles. - Andor Season 2: A highly anticipated continuation of the Star Wars prequel series. - SuprOrdinary: A YouTube channel offering unique and inspiring content. - Antinote: A note-taking app designed for Mac users, ideal for quick and temporary jotting. - Ouros: A relaxing and colorful puzzle game centered around Bézier curves. Runna and Strava Acquisition The recent acquisition of the running app Runna by Strava has sparked a mix of reactions among users. While some are optimistic about potential new features and improved reliability, others fear that their beloved app might lose its identity or be discontinued. The tech world is no stranger to acquisitions, which can either enhance or diminish user experiences. Runna's fate under Strava's umbrella remains to be seen, but for now, users are weighing their options and considering alternatives. Industry Evaluation and Company Profiles The tech and media landscape is evolving rapidly, with innovations like the Chipolo Pop and the Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock filling gaps in the market. The Polaroid Flip and "The Rehearsal" season 2 are pushing the boundaries of their respective industries, offering unique and valuable features that enhance user experiences. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Runna by Strava underscores the complexities and risks of the tech industry, where the future of beloved products can sometimes hang in the balance. Companies like Polaroid and Nanoleaf are recommitted to providing practical, user-friendly solutions, while the ongoing debate about AI in creative fields, as seen with Benn Jordan's work, highlights the need for balance between technology and human creativity.