In the latest edition of Installer, a weekly newsletter from tech insider David Pierce, music lovers are in for a treat. Pierce shares his favorite apps and services for listening to music, from Spotify to Tidal, and reveals the results of a crowdsourced survey on the best music streaming services.
According to Pierce, Spotify is the clear leader in music streaming, but Apple Music is a close second. However, Tidal users seem to be the happiest with their service, citing its high audio quality and music-only focus. The survey also revealed that many users are dissatisfied with YouTube Music, despite its free offering. For buying music, Bandcamp and Discogs are the top choices, and for managing music collections, Plexamp and Roon are the preferred apps.
In addition to music streaming, Pierce shares his thoughts on the latest gadgets and trends. He reviews the new iPhone 16E, praising its battery life and Face ID, but criticizing its single camera and lack of MagSafe. He also highlights the Oppo Find N5, a thin and expensive foldable phone that showcases the potential of foldable design.
Other notable mentions include the King Jim Pomera DM250US, a digital typewriter that's perfect for writers, and the Grand Theft Hamlet documentary, which explores the world of GTA V role-playing. Pierce also recommends the Sober Ringtones app, which offers more melodic and less jarring ringtone options.
In a special section of the newsletter, Pierce shares his conversation with music journalist and songwriter Charlie Harding, who reveals his homescreen and favorite apps. Harding uses a MacBook Pro with an M1 Max chip for music production and relies on apps like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and ProTools for his work.
The newsletter also features a crowdsourced section, where readers share their favorite apps, games, and trends. This week, readers recommend the Framework event, the animated series Invincible, and the Obsidian note-taking app.
Overall, the latest edition of Installer is a treasure trove of tech insights and recommendations, covering everything from music streaming to gadgets and trends. Whether you're a music lover, a tech enthusiast, or simply looking for new apps and services to try, there's something for everyone in this comprehensive newsletter.