⚡ 18JAN2026: Beige, Boxy, and Beautiful

Happy Sunday everyone!

This week, I've been zooming in and out on this incredible "live feed" of images from the Hubble and Webb Telescopes, having fun trying to read at 900 words per minute, trying to convince myself I don't need this Japanese tool box, and marveling at this incredible photo of a photojournalist yeeting his Leica to another photographer as he's being tackled by ICE officers.

Note that some of the links in this issue of the Hiro Report are affiliate links and may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.

🤖 Matic Vacuum + Mop Robot - We got one of these at Christmas, and I've been totally enamored with it. Apart from looking cute and almost having a personality of its own, it is the best robotic vacuum that I have seen. It easily handles all the obstacles and traps that you might expect to find in a home with two young children, including shoes and toys littered everywhere. Highly recommend it if you are thinking about moving away from the Roomba ecosystem like we have. FWIW, using my link should get you 6-12 months' supply of HEPA bags for free if you want to grab one.

🦙 Alpaka Switch 2 Sling - I own a couple of products from Alpaka and I have enjoyed them all. They tend to have really nice tech materials and thoughtful design, so I'm pretty stoked about this new gaming sling that they've made. You can remove the straps and use it as just a carrying case for your Nintendo Switch 2 or Steam Deck, but it can also fit an X100V, your keys, your passport, your phone and wallet if you wanted to have it as a shoulder bag for going through the airport. Looks great.

💡 Godox Lux Master Retro - My fellow photography nerds will likely immediately recognize the brand Godox. They make generally really nice and affordable lighting equipment for photography. This new Lux Master Retro is an epic return to the bulb-style off-camera reporter flash that you have probably seen in movies from the '20s and '30s. Even if you're not into photography, go take a look at this thing. I kind of want one.

🧙🏼‍♂️ Untired for iOS - This indie-made focus app takes the fun approach of being themed around a tavern straight out of Dungeons and Dragons. It helps you block apps on your phone that sap your attention and energy, and the more you stay out of those apps, the more points you gain to be able to level up your tavern and attract unique travelers and visitors to your tavern. It's a neat concept executed in a fun retro JRPG art style. Well worth it if you're wanting to experiment with limiting your access to social media, etc., on your phone. (Thanks for the tip, Jay!)

📠 Spigen Classic Mac iPhone Case - The evil geniuses at Spigen are back with another retro Mac-inspired iPhone case that really hits all the notes of the early 1980s. It's beige and boxy, but from what I hear, it's still very slim and offers great protection. I would say that this is for those of us who are not as committed as the folks who pick up this epic 3D-printed OG Mac iPhone case off Etsy.

That's it for this week. You look really nice today.

My thanks to The Independent Variable for sponsoring this week's issue!