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One streaming app to (almost) rule them all

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One streaming app to (almost) rule them all

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 78, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, sorry everything’s about to get so expensive, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.)

This week, I’ve been reading about baseball bats and work-life balance and BYD and Scarlett Johansson, watching Paradise, rekindling my love of pear-flavored jelly beans, sharing Robin Sloan’s AI take with anyone who will listen, grooving to the greatest unexpected Doechii remix of all time, and finally finding the monitor mount that makes my webcam upgrade work.

I also have for you a couple of great new apps for streaming and gaming, a look back into Microsoft’s history, the latest on the Switch 2, a screed against screen time, and much more.

Oh, and a programming note: Installer is off next week. Taking a little break before we ramp up for Developer Conference season. But we have lots to do today! Let’s get into it.

(As always, the best part of Installer is your ideas and tips. What are you into right now? What should everyone else be reading / listening to / watching / downloading / sipping on this week? Tell me everything: installer@theverge.com. And if you know someone else who might enjoy Installer, tell them to subscribe here.)

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  • Plex. Plex has spent a lot of time and energy trying to become a proper, legit streaming platform, and the new mobile app is by far the most mainstream-useful thing it has ever made. Mixing streaming media with my library, and lots of discovery tools, feels really nice. Fair warning, though: you’ll need a $4.99 monthly sub to get a lot of Plex’s best features.
  • Delta 1.7. The iPhone’s best game emulator, now with online multiplayer! (At least for DS games.) It also has nice screenshot support and some new N64-specific updates, which gives me great hope for the Mario Golf ROM I’ve already put too many hours into.
  • Skylight. It looks exactly like TikTok, but it runs on the same AT Protocol that powers Bluesky. That is a very enticing combination — and it’s a really nice app for something so brand new. Bluesky is really starting to look like the fediverse.
  • Celebrate 50 years of Microsoft with the company’s original source code. This week was the 50th anniversary of Microsoft, and Bill Gates marked the occasion by releasing all its original Altair BASIC source code — via one of the cooler retro-style websites you’ll ever use.
  • The Nintendo Switch 2. I know, we’ve talked about this before, and I know, it’s not launching until June. But the new Switch — a console I am outrageously, maybe unprecedentedly, excited about, especially now that we’ve learned more about its specs and its game lineup — is officially launching in June, and I just needed you to know so you don’t miss it. I will be there. You can’t preorder it yet, because of chaos, but I’ll keep you posted.
  • I hate my phone so I got rid of it.” Been a while since a 46-minute YouTube rant had me nodding this hard — but Eddy Burback does a great job of explaining both why our phones are a problem, and why life without a phone feels increasingly impossible. Using a landline? Can you imagine?
  • A Minecraft Movie. The reviews are meh, because of course they are. But I’ll watch Jack Black in anything, and I’m genuinely curious to see both what the blocky movie world looks like and how this very clearly Lego Movie-inspired flick pulls off the whole “just keep building” bit.
  • DEVONthink 4.0. DEVONthink is, like, the ultimate Mac app for just storing all your junk. The design’s a little ’90s for my taste, but the new beta has some nice updates and a huge set of AI tools for finding, summarizing, and organizing content. I’m tempted to throw my whole life back in the app.
  • Koira. Another delightful entrant (for Steam and PS5) in one of my favorite game genres — the quiet, simple puzzler that never tries to do too much but somehow seems to keep your attention forever. Plus, you get a puppy friend!

We’ve talked about the app Sofa a few times here in Installer. It’s a really good-looking, powerful app for Apple devices that lets you manage all the stuff you want to watch, read, listen to, and everything else. I’ve come to appreciate having it as the app I go to when I deliberately want to relax. Rather than just aimlessly scroll on Reddit or whatever, Sofa is just a giant list of stuff I actually want to consume.

Sofa’s big new feature this week is a podcast player, which is full-featured enough that you can use Sofa as your one and only podcast app. Like everything else in Sofa, it’s really nicely made and is already as good at queue management as any app I’ve tried.

On the occasion of the new update, I asked Shawn Hickman, Sofa’s developer, to share his homescreen with us. I figured he might have some widget ideas, you know? Here it is, plus some info on the apps he uses and why:

The phone: iPhone 16 Pro Max. I love the big phones and have embraced the PopSocket life.

The wallpaper: My homescreen rotates images from my photo library (one of my favorite iOS features), and I use the blurred version of it as my “wallpaper.”

The apps: Camera, Phone, Apple Maps, Clock, Wallet, Settings, Photos, Reminders, App Store, Music, Safari, 1Password, YouTube, Bear, YouTube Studio, Lightroom, Things, Blackmagic Camera, Reeder, Discord, RevenueCat, ChatGPT, Apple Sports, Mail, Messages, Sofa, Apple Notes.

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I keep very few apps on my homescreen and tend to rely on search more. Also, I’m not a big widgets person. I have a few on my first page (Photos, Weather, and Calendar), but I prefer scanning app icons rather than widgets 🤷‍♂️.

Things, Bear, and Reeder are a few of my favorite apps of all time. I’ve used Reeder (now Reeder Classic) for a long time and have always been impressed with the app’s craftsmanship. The new Reeder is even better. I actually like the “news feed” approach more than the traditional RSS feed / inbox approach. I find it to be a low-stress way to keep up with different news sources.

Bear is where I write and store a lot of my “work” notes. I love writing in markdown, the flexibility of the app’s tagging system, and its visual design. Things is my favorite app ever. I’ve been using it for so long and couldn’t imagine managing my work without it. Simply the best.

I have a YouTube channel. I’ve been experimenting with shooting Apple Log, and the Blackmagic Camera app is by far the most flexible. You need to do a bit of learning, but it’s pretty sweet once you’ve gotten a handle on it. I love photography, and really love editing photos, so I tend to spend a lot of time in Lightroom. I find it relaxing, and tend to edit photos when I’m stuck on a problem. It weirdly helps me think.

RevenueCat is a great service that makes implementing and managing Sofa’s app subscriptions much easier.

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I also asked Shawn to share a few things he’s into right now. Here’s what he sent:

  • Severance. It’s probably my favorite TV show since the first season of Stranger Things… and I really want to buy one of the keyboards the MDR team uses! Now we must all endure the long wait for season 3.
  • I’ve been on a history kick, and there are a few documentaries I’ve really liked: Benjamin Franklin, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, and I’m currently watching The War.
  • Framelines: I’m a photography enthusiast, and one of my favorite YouTube channels, and now magazines, is Framelines. They focus a lot on street photography but expand beyond that quite a bit. Their channel is great, and I love getting their physical magazines, too.

Here’s what the Installer community is into this week. I want to know what you’re into right now as well! Email installer@theverge.com or message me on Signal — @davidpierce.11 — with your recommendations for anything and everything, and we’ll feature some of our favorites here every week. For even more great recommendations, check out the replies to this post on Threads and this post on Bluesky.

“I played Dungeon Pages for the first time on my iPad last night and REALLY enjoyed it! Would be even more enjoyable on paper to get away from doomscrolling for a while.” – Dylan

“I initially had my heart set on the Fujifilm X100VI, but a friend suggested the X-T50. It’s been a great learning experience, and I’m pleased with the photos I’ve taken. I’m still discovering all the nuances of the Fujifilm ecosystem.” – Paul

“If you’re liking your SodaStream, you should check out Simpli Soda — they’re a family business out of SE Wisconsin that does mail-in cylinder swaps for all brands (including quick-connects like your SodaStream Art uses) for less $$.” – Cori

“Late to the party, but Baldur’s Gate 3. I was blown away by how quickly I got immersed, and I’m only on my first playthrough. I didn’t realize that it ran natively on macOS until last month.” – Drake

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“Wanted to recommend a great app I have been happily using (+ paying for) for five years that no one else seems to talk about: Mealime. It’s the perfect app if, like me, you struggle not only at planning recipes for the week but also the act of shopping itself. Normally, when I make a grocery list, I crisscross the grocery store looking for what I need. Mealime gives you tons of recipes, lets you filter by dietary preferences, make a meal plan, and then it makes a grocery list grouped by section of the grocery store. It’s a total game-changer for me.” – Drew

“I absolutely love Li Hing pineapple rings. I’m told they’re common in Hawaii, but on the East Coast, they’re new to me. Sour and delicious. I order mine from Wholesale Unlimited Hawaii, and they’re fun and delicious and unique. The store has tons of snacks I’ve never seen around where I live, and everything I’ve bought is really good.” – Steve

“I finished watching Reacher season 3 on Prime Video. I liked the season as an action flick, but it doesn’t feel like a Reacher-level story. The investigation element was missing from this season. Season 1 was the strongest offering in this series.” – Ankur

“I just found out about the Johnny.Decimal system last night. Diving in to reorganizing my work files as I descend further down the PKM rabbit hole.” – Dirk

Otherwise Objectionable is an excellent history of Section 230. Hosted by Mike Masnick and featuring recollections from the folks who were there at the inception of the ‘26 words that created the Internet.’ Section 230 is under threat (yet again), so it’s a good time to learn why it’s so important we don’t screw it up with badly written and misguided legislation.” – Zip

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If you were extremely online during a very specific time period, the names Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld might mean a lot to you. They were two of my first favorite online comedians, part of a brilliant CollegeHumor gang that was way ahead of its time making funny stuff on the internet.

If you’ve never watched a Jake and Amir, head to their YouTube channel, sort by oldest, and give it a whirl. But if you can quote as many of their bits as I can, you really should check out the “Greatest Jake and Amir Episode Ever” tournament the two guys are doing on the channel, rewatching and commenting on some of their best work. (If you’re on their Patreon, you can already see who won the tournament, but as I write this, the YouTube channel is only up to the Final Four.) I was shocked at how many of these videos I can still recite, pretty much word for word, all these years later. No keeding.

Technology

Michael and Susan Dell surpass $1 billion in donations backing AI-driven hospital project

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Michael and Susan Dell surpass  billion in donations backing AI-driven hospital project

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Billionaire Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell, have become the first donors to give more than $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin, funding a massive new medical research campus and hospital system powered by artificial intelligence.

The couple’s latest investment includes a $750 million gift to help build the UT Dell Medical Center, a planned “AI-native” hospital expected to open in 2030 as part of a more than 300-acre advanced research campus.

University officials said the project will integrate research, clinical care and advanced computing to improve early disease detection, personalize treatment and expand access to care in the rapidly growing Austin region.

The Dells’ support builds on decades of contributions to UT, including funding for its medical school, scholarships and research programs.

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Michael Dell and Susan Dell attend the Breakthrough Prize ceremony as they become the first to donate more than $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin. ( Craig T Fruchtman/WireImage)

“By bringing together medicine, science and computing in one campus designed for the AI era, UT can create more opportunity, deliver better outcomes, and build a stronger future for communities across Texas and beyond,” Michael Dell and Susan Dell said.

The gift ranks among the largest in the history of higher education, alongside major contributions like Phil Knight’s $2 billion pledge to Oregon Health & Science University and Michael Bloomberg’s $1.8 billion donation to Johns Hopkins University.

The new UT Dell Medical Center will be developed in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, integrating cancer care into a system designed to connect prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

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AI IS RUNNING THE CLASSROOM AT THIS TEXAS SCHOOL, AND STUDENTS SAY ‘IT’S AWESOME’

The University of Texas at Austin campus at sunset. (iStock)

“We will deliver better outcomes for patients by providing research-driven cancer care that is precise, compassionate and hope-filled,” Peter WT Pisters, president of UT MD Anderson, said.

Officials said the facility will be built from the ground up to incorporate AI, rather than retrofitting older infrastructure — an approach they say could transform how hospitals operate.

Independent experts have cautioned that AI in health care can introduce risks if not carefully validated. A widely cited study published in the journal Science by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago found that a commonly used healthcare algorithm underestimated the needs of Black patients due to biased training data, highlighting broader concerns about equity in AI-driven systems.

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The project also includes funding for undergraduate scholarships, student housing and the Texas Advanced Computing Center, where officials are developing one of the nation’s most powerful academic supercomputers.

TURNING POINT USA BACKS TRUMP ACCOUNTS PROGRAM WITH ‘DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR MATCH’ FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE NEWBORNS

Artificial intelligence technology is expected to play a key role in diagnosis and patient care at the planned UT Dell Medical Center. (iStock)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the investment will help position the state as a national leader in healthcare innovation.

“Texas already dominates in technology, energy and business, and now we will further cement our leadership in health care innovation as well,” Abbott said.

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The university said it plans to break ground on the medical center later this year and has launched a broader campaign to raise $10 billion over the next decade.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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SpaceX cuts a deal to maybe buy Cursor for $60 billion

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SpaceX cuts a deal to maybe buy Cursor for  billion

SpaceX and Cursor are now working closely together to create the world’s best coding and knowledge work AI.

The combination of Cursor’s leading product and distribution to expert software engineers with SpaceX’s million H100 equivalent Colossus training supercomputer will allow us to build the world’s most useful models.

Cursor has also given SpaceX the right to acquire Cursor later this year for $60 billion or pay $10 billion for our work together.

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Fake Windows update installs hidden malware

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Fake Windows update installs hidden malware

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If you’ve ever clicked “Check for updates” and trusted what you saw, you’re not alone. That’s exactly what this latest scam is counting on.

The page mimics official branding, includes a believable knowledge base number and presents a big blue download button that feels familiar.

The catch? The download installs malware designed to steal passwords, payment details and account access.

According to researchers at Malwarebytes Labs, a cybersecurity research and threat intelligence team inside Malwarebytes, the site uses a typosquatted domain that looks close enough to a real Microsoft URL to fool a quick glance. That small trick is often all it takes.

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Cybersecurity researchers warn a fake Microsoft update site uses a look-alike URL and a familiar download button to deliver data-stealing malware. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Why this fake Windows update malware slips past detection

At first glance, nothing seems off. The file looks like a standard Windows installer. It even lists “Microsoft” in its properties. That’s where this attack gets clever. Instead of using obvious malicious code, the attackers built the installer with legitimate tools and layered the attack in stages. Each piece looks harmless on its own.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

  • The installer launches what appears to be a normal app
  • That app quietly runs hidden scripts
  • A disguised process loads a full Python environment
  • Data theft tools activate in the background

Because each step looks routine, many security tools fail to flag it right away. Researchers also noted that antivirus engines initially showed zero detections for key parts of the attack. That does not mean the file is safe. It means the malicious behavior is well hidden.

What this fake Windows update malware is stealing

Once installed, the malware gets to work fast. It collects details about the infected device, including location and IP address. Then it reaches out to remote servers to receive instructions and upload stolen data.

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The targets include:

  • Saved browser passwords
  • Login sessions and cookies
  • Payment details
  • Discord account tokens

It even tries to shut down other processes on your system to avoid interference while it works. In some cases, it modifies apps like Discord to intercept account activity in real time.

How the fake Windows update malware stays on your system

This malware is designed to stick around. It creates entries that look like normal system processes, so they blend in. One registry entry mimics Windows Security Health, which most users would ignore. It also drops a shortcut in your startup folder with a familiar name like Spotify. That makes it easy to overlook. Two different persistence tricks mean it can survive a reboot and keep running.

FAKE WINDOWS UPDATE PUSHES MALWARE IN NEW CLICKFIX ATTACK
 

A fake Windows update page is tricking users into downloading malware that steals passwords, payment details and account access. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto)

Why this fake Windows update scam feels so real

There’s a bigger trend behind this. Researchers say campaigns like this often target regions where large data breaches have already exposed personal information. When attackers already know your name, provider or habits, they can build scams that feel tailored to you. That makes a fake Windows update page far more believable than a generic phishing email.

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It also highlights something important. Today’s malware often hides inside legitimate tools and trusted frameworks. That makes it harder to detect and easier to trust. This campaign shows how far scammers have come. They are no longer relying on sloppy emails or obvious fake links. Instead, they are building layered attacks that look and behave like trusted software.

Even experienced users can get caught off guard when everything appears normal. The biggest takeaway is simple. A clean scan result or a familiar interface does not guarantee safety.

Microsoft says it’s aware of the threat

Microsoft confirmed it is tracking this type of activity and urges users to be cautious when downloading updates from unfamiliar sources. 

“We are aware of reports of fraudulent websites impersonating Microsoft, and we actively work to detect and disrupt malicious activity across the internet,” A Microsoft spokesperson told CyberGuy. “We encourage customers to be cautious of unexpected prompts or downloads and to verify that they are interacting with legitimate Microsoft domains. As a best practice, we recommend users verify the legitimacy of a link by going directly to our website from your own saved favorite, from a web search, or by typing the domain name yourself.”

For more guidance on how to protect against online phishing scams, you can refer to Microsoft’s official support page at support.microsoft.com.

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MICROSOFT CROSSES PRIVACY LINE FEW EXPECTED
 

A convincing Windows update scam is spreading malware that can grab saved passwords, cookies, payment data and Discord tokens. (Todor Tsvetkov/Getty Images)

Ways to stay safe from fake Windows update malware

You don’t need to be a security expert to avoid this. A few habits make a big difference.

1) Only update Windows from your settings

Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates there. Avoid downloading updates from websites. 

2) Double-check the URL

Real Microsoft pages use microsoft.com. Anything else, even if it looks close, should raise a red flag.

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3) Be cautious with urgent update prompts

If a site or message pressures you to install an update, stop and verify it manually. 

4) Use strong antivirus software with behavior detection

Traditional antivirus software, which often comes built into your device or as basic security software, mainly looks for known threats using signature matching, which means it can miss new or well-hidden attacks like this one. Strong antivirus software uses behavior detection to monitor what programs are doing in real time, helping flag suspicious activity even if the malware hasn’t been seen before.  Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

5) Use a data removal service to limit your exposure

If your personal information is already circulating online from past breaches, it can make scams like this more convincing. A data removal service helps reduce how much of your information is publicly available, making it harder for attackers to target you with tailored phishing attempts. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

6) Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of protection if your passwords are stolen.

7) Avoid downloading installer files from unknown sites

Legitimate updates rarely require manual downloads. 

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Fake updates are one of the most effective tricks because they tap into something we all trust. Keeping your system secure should not put you at risk, yet that’s exactly what attackers are exploiting here. The safest move is to slow down, verify where updates come from and stick to built-in tools whenever possible.

Are tech companies doing enough to keep fake updates from putting your data at risk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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