Welcome to Installer No. 89, your weekly guide to the most exciting and innovative tech products. I'm Jay Peters, stepping in for David while he's on parental leave. We're all thrilled for David and his family and look forward to his return later this year. I'm honored to write this edition and eager to share some of the coolest tech obsessions and lesser-known apps that readers have recommended. Whether you're a longtime follower or new here, we're excited to keep you updated with the latest tech trends and discoveries. Read the full story at The Verge.
Amazon Prime Day is offering excellent discounts on the 2025 Hisense U7 series, a midrange 4K TV delivering great performance for the price. The 55-inch model is priced under $600, while the 65-inch model is $797.99, both representing significant discounts from their original prices. The Hisense U7QG TV provides nearly 3,000 nits brightness, full HDR support including Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus, and strong local dimming for impressive black levels. It has a glossy screen that may reflect light, so placement matters for the best viewing experience. Gamers will appreciate the native 165Hz refresh rate, variable refresh rate support with FreeSync, G-Sync compatibility, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing high refresh rates at 4K across all inputs. Although the TV may not be perfect for those sensitive to motion blur compared to competitors like TCL QM6K and QM7K, it offers exceptional value for a bright TV with advanced gaming features at this price point.
The Verge highlights exciting Prime Day discounts on a wide range of 4K Blu-rays and standard Blu-ray sets featuring movies, TV shows, and box sets. Amazon offers a “buy two, get one free” deal, while Target and Barnes & Noble also have competitive offers, including sales on Criterion Collection classics. Key discounts include The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Dark Knight Trilogy, Smile 2, Event Horizon, Arcane: League of Legends, Avatar & Legend of Korra Complete Series, Parasite, Kill Bill: Vol 1, Twin Peaks: Z to A, and Godzilla Minus One. Additionally, great deals are available on collections like Batman: The Animated Series, Nosferatu, The Wild Robot, The Wire, Orphan Black, Furiosa: Mad Max Saga, and Akira. Note that a 4K Blu-ray player is necessary to play these movies, with options like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or Panasonic’s UB420-K player on discount.
As Prime Day comes to a close, some of the most popular gadgets favored by The Verge staff are still available at discounted prices. Highlights include the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Bluetooth speaker, which offers powerful sound in a compact, waterproof, and floatable design, and Thermacell's E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller for outdoor protection. Other notable deals include the Hoto Electric Screwdriver Kit, Anker Nano Power Bank, multi-functional Instant Pot Duo Crisp, Braun MultiQuick immersion blender, and more. Each item is chosen for its practicality, durability, and unique features, making them perfect for tech enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, and home cooks. These deals represent a final opportunity to secure quality gadgets at a reduced cost before prices return to normal.
Amazon Prime Day is winding down, but there's still time to snag great discounts on robot vacuums and mop hybrids suitable for every budget and home. Notable deals include the Dreame X40 Ultra with powerful suction and self-removing mop pads, and the budget-friendly Tapo RV30 Max Plus with smart navigation and an auto-empty dock. Other standout offers feature brands like Roborock, Eufy, Shark, and iRobot, with prices significantly slashed on models offering features such as AI obstacle avoidance, mopping capabilities, and self-emptying bins. Discounts are also available from retailers beyond Amazon, making these deals accessible without a Prime membership. Check out options ranging from high-end hybrids with advanced tech to affordable vacuum-only models, ensuring a cleaner home with minimal effort.
Amazon Prime Day 2025, twice as long as previous years, is now in its final hours. Shoppers are encouraged to act quickly to secure their favorite deals before they expire. The Verge has compiled a comprehensive list of ongoing discounts, limited-time promos, and exclusive Prime deals on gadgets such as robot vacuums, OLED TVs, noise-canceling headphones, smart home devices, and more. Highlights include major discounts on Apple products, gaming accessories, laptops, smart home technologies, and Amazon’s own devices like Kindle and Echo. Smart shoppers can also find numerous deals under $50 and $100, making it a perfect time to grab Verge-approved tech gifts and essentials at great prices. Don't miss out on last-chance offers and tips to maximize your savings during this extended Prime Day event.
Prime Day 2025 is almost over, but there are still great deals live on a wide range of tech products and gadgets. Although the event is ending, and no further updates will be made, you can still find discounts on laptops, smart home devices, headphones, smartwatches, smartphones, and much more. Highlights include $100 off Apple AirPods Pro 2, discounted Google Nest WiFi Pro routers, smart home gadgets like Echo Spot and SwitchBot, vacuum deals including Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, top-tier headphones and earbuds like Sonos Ace, Bose QuietComfort, and Samsung Galaxy Buds, as well as charging accessories, gaming peripherals, and streaming devices. Major brands such as Apple, Samsung, Google, Sonos, and Anker offer impressive markdowns. Whether you are looking for tech upgrades for work, gaming, fitness, or home automation, this is your last chance before prices return to normal, typically until Black Friday. Check all categories and find the best deals while supplies last.
Just four years after the debut of Rivian's R1T truck, the 2025 model ushers in the second generation for both the R1T and R1S. Though they maintain a similar exterior design, the 2025 Rivian R1S features a completely redesigned electric platform, a new motor setup, enhanced suspension tuning, and other upgrades. Starting at $107,700, the 2025 R1S Premium Tri-Motor variant stands out with its powerful tri-motor configuration, positioning it as a leading contender in the electric vehicle market. This review explores how these improvements contribute to its performance and appeal.
The Playdate handheld console, known for its colorful and quirky design, can be easily overlooked due to its small size. However, recently, it has found a regular spot in my gaming routine, even when facing tough competition from big titles like Mario Kart World and Death Stranding 2. This renewed interest is largely thanks to the completion of Playdate's unique second season of games. The device's seasonal game release format, launched in 2022 with 24 curated games released over time, offers a fresh and engaging experience for its users.
After waiting two years since its announcement in 2023, I finally got to try Alexa Plus, Amazon's new AI-powered voice assistant. Over a 24-hour period, I discovered it to be more than just an upgrade; it's a whole new AI companion. Alexa Plus is smarter, more capable, and understands natural speech better, allowing for pauses, changes in request, and even nonverbal cues like sighs and coughs. This leads to smoother interactions without the frustrating "Sorry, I'm not sure about that" responses. While I am impressed with its performance and adaptability, I did notice a few imperfections. Overall, Alexa Plus represents a significant leap forward in voice assistant technology.