The Verge’s Installer newsletter spotlights Vivaldi browser and end of Colbert era
The 129th edition of the weekly publication also highlights Star Wars content, Forza Horizon 6, and community recommendations for hardware and software alternatives.
The Verge’s Installer newsletter, published on 23 May 2026, has identified Vivaldi as editor David Pierce’s new preferred web browser. In edition No. 129, Pierce described the browser as his favourite new choice in years, noting that he had been testing it while recovering from illness. The edition also featured a review of the Vivaldi 8 software, positioning it as a significant update for users seeking customisation options.
Beyond the browser review, the newsletter covered a range of cultural and technology topics. Highlights included content related to The Mandalorian and Grogu, the video game Forza Horizon 6, and the book Steve Jobs in Exile. Pierce also mentioned reading about Nick Fuentes and clowns, as well as listening to old episodes of Short History Of.
The edition marked the conclusion of Stephen Colbert’s tenure as host of The Late Show. Pierce noted that the final episode of the Strike Force Five podcast served as a bright spot in the transition. The podcast, originally created by five late-night hosts during the 2023 writers’ strike, released a final episode to celebrate Colbert’s departure.
Community recommendations featured in the newsletter included a variety of hardware and software. Readers suggested NextSense Smartbuds, the Outerline Markdown app beta, Flipper One, Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, and the Allroundo Eco cable. There was also discussion regarding the transition away from Gmail, with users exploring alternatives such as Writer and Ellipsus.
Pierce acknowledged that the issue was shorter than usual due to his absence from work. He invited readers to submit their own recommendations for technology, books, and media via email or social media platforms, maintaining the newsletter’s tradition of community-driven content curation.
