AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

Sorgatron Media

Everything awesome in the world of technology, social media, and entertainment! Join us as we discuss the latest gadgets, web sites, and talk with people doing awesome things in tech! www.AwesomeCast.net

  1. 1d ago

    Fortnite’s Hot Bat Summer, Robot Arms & AI | AwesomeCast 787

    AwesomeCast 787 gets practical, futuristic and increasingly strange as Sorg, Katie Dudas and Dave Podnar explore family-safe phones, connected health gadgets, USB-C mysteries, robotic limbs, Instagram’s latest AI privacy controversy and Fortnite’s revealing new take on the DC Universe. Sorg also begins downloading the iOS 27 public beta during the show, despite Katie’s warnings and a few concerns being saved for the Patreon aftertalk. Stories and Gadgets Discussed A wireless microphone saves the podcast: When Dave’s regular microphone setup breaks, he switches to a compact dual wireless microphone system that connects through USB-C. The plug-and-play backup works with phones and laptops without a complicated setup. Omron 7 Series Bluetooth blood pressure monitor: Dave reviews a new connected blood pressure monitor after getting inconsistent readings from an older device. He highlights its larger arm cuff, support for two users, storage for multiple readings, three-reading averages, Apple Health integration and the ability to export results for a doctor. https://amzn.to/4yncwxY Pinwheel phones, watches and home phones for kids: Katie introduces Pinwheel’s managed technology ecosystem for children and teenagers. Parents and caregivers can control approved contacts, monitor texts, restrict social media, set bedtime schedules, review locations and gradually unlock features as a child gets older. The company also offers a standalone smartwatch and a Wi-Fi-powered corded home phone that brings back the satisfaction of dramatically hanging up. https://www.pinwheel.com Kennywood’s reopening and the mystery bag gamble: Sorg recounts a delayed visit to Kennywood after a water-main break interrupted opening day. His $5 mystery merchandise bag produced a Kennywood gaiter, a vintage postcard and a Jack Rabbit 100th-anniversary pin. Awesome Person of the Week — Rory Cooper: For Disability Pride Month, Dave profiles inventor, engineer and Paralympic medalist Rory Cooper. After becoming paralyzed while serving in the military, Cooper designed a lighter wheelchair and built a career improving mobility technology. His Pittsburgh work includes the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a collaboration involving the University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.invent.org/inductees/rory-cooper WhatCable diagnoses confusing USB-C connections: Sorg tests a free Mac utility that reveals what connected USB-C cables, chargers, docks and ports can actually do. The app displays negotiated speeds, charging details, supported USB standards and potential bottlenecks—useful for anyone wondering why a drive, monitor or video device is underperforming. https://www.whatcable.uk/ LEGO’s Fast & Furious Toyota Supra MK4: Katie finds a new LEGO Speed Champions version of Brian O’Conner’s Toyota Supra from The Fast and the Furious. The set includes the bright orange movie car and a Brian O’Conner minifigure in his signature T-shirt and jeans. https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/the-fast-and-the-furious-toyota-supra-mk4-77260 Speed and racing technology at the Carnegie Science Center: The hosts preview an upcoming speed-focused exhibit featuring an interactive track and specialized vehicles connected to the Petersen Automotive Museum. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1PZqTmHP4J/?mibextid=wwXIfr Using AI to teach respectful sports camera work: The team examines guidelines designed to prevent women athletes from being sexualized through revealing angles and unnecessary slow-motion replays. Sorg discusses turning the concept into an AI-generated pro wrestling camera guide that can help videographers recognize respectful framing, understand consent and avoid exploitative shots. https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/1uwaxzx/some_of_the_new_guidelines_that_have_been/ Instagram reverses its public-profile AI remix feature: Dave explains the backlash surrounding a Meta AI feature that could use images from public Instagram profiles in AI creations without first requiring users to opt in. The hosts discuss predictable abuse, privacy risks and why technology companies need more diverse voices involved before launching features like this. Meta subsequently disabled the feature. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2026/07/13/meta-disables-ai-feature-instagram-backlash/90899917007/ Jizai Arms bring Doctor Octopus technology closer to reality: A Japanese research project demonstrates wearable robotic arms that can be attached, removed and exchanged between users. The hosts debate whether the project represents meaningful cyborg research, performance art or technology created without enough consideration for how the public will interpret it. https://jizai-arms.com/ Additional commentary: https://www.instagram.com/refashionedhippie/ Fortnite launches “Hot Bat Summer”: Batman, Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy receive beach-ready DC skins in Fortnite. The discussion naturally turns toward the absurdity of a game where swimsuit Batman can share a battlefield with Bugs Bunny, Homer Simpson and an armed dog in a bee costume. https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-hot-bat-summer-skins-dc-batman-harley-quinn-catwoman-poison-ivy/ A shirtless protester attacks a Waymo vehicle: Video of a man climbing onto and damaging a Waymo in East Hollywood launches a wider conversation about autonomous vehicles, public surveillance, camera networks and the lack of privacy in modern public spaces. The hosts also discuss how easily hacked or deleted accounts can remove years of digital purchases. https://kotaku.com/shirtless-man-starts-butlerian-jihad-against-waymo-in-east-hollywood-2000715911 Support AwesomeCast and receive the Patreon aftertalk at: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast AwesomeCast is part of the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network: https://www.sorgatronmedia.com Production services provided by Sidekick Media Services: https://www.sidekickmediaservices.com Supporting Pittsburgh podcasting with the perfect pepperoni pizza: https://www.sliceonbroadway.com

    Fortnite’s Hot Bat Summer, Robot Arms & AI | AwesomeCast 787
  2. Jul 1

    F1 Drone Tech, AI Video Chaos & the World’s Largest Camera| AwesomeCast 725

    This week on AwesomeCast 785, Sorg and Dave Podnar get geeky with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s massive 3,200-megapixel digital camera, Red Bull’s world’s fastest filming drone chasing a Formula 1 car, and the tech legacy of Martine Rothblatt for Pride Month. The hosts also dig into digital game ownership, GTA VI’s physical copy controversy, Nintendo-style game key cards, Sorg’s new AI video experiment “It Came From AI,” Meta and Snap’s latest smart glasses, Apple price increases tied to AI hardware demand, hand-crafted animation, Minion singing contests, and a wild pro wrestling Nintendo moment involving an NES cartridge. Links discussed in this episode: Rubin Observatory space camera: https://www.space.com/astronomy/rubin-observatory-begins-filming-the-greatest-cosmic-movie-ever-beginning-a-new-era-of-astronomy https://rubinobservatory.org/ Red Bull F1 filming drone: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaFPQ8pOEXN/ https://www.redbull.com/us-en/worlds-fastest-filming-drone-build Martine Rothblatt: https://achievement.org/achiever/martine-rothblatt-ph-d/ Chachi Says Video Game Minute: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrg52egw1ro https://www.polygon.com/1000-dollar-game-steam-10-minutes-congratulations-on-your-purchase/ https://www.cbr.com/universal-five-nights-at-freddys-3-gary-dauberman-screenwriter/ It Came From AI: https://www.instagram.com/itcamefromai/reels/ Animation by dad for child: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3485866488230002 Meta AI glasses: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-glasses/ Snap AR glasses: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/snap-specs-launch-live-latest-updates Apple price increases: https://www.cultofmac.com/news/ouch-apples-mac-and-ipad-price-hikes-brutal Minion singing contest: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8G67fFM/ Nintendo wrestling moment: https://apple.news/A2iJBMG51SlKOCgHFRwk6xA Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast and get exclusive aftertalk content for as little as $1 a month. AwesomeCast is part of the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network. Find more at https://sorgatronmedia.com/

    F1 Drone Tech, AI Video Chaos & the World’s Largest Camera| AwesomeCast 725
  3. Jun 24

    SteamOS, Shokz Headphones, Retro Phones, Sports Tech & a T-Pain Social Media Fail | AwesomeCast 784

    This week on AwesomeCast, Sorg is joined by Dave Podnar while Katie is on assignment. The crew digs into practical tech, gaming platforms, open-source operating systems, sports broadcast innovation, retro-inspired phones, and one very funny automated social media mistake involving DoorDash, soccer, and T-Pain. Stories and gadgets discussed: Dave’s Awesome Thing of the Week: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones Dave finally upgrades from cheap running headphones to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, praising the open-ear / bone-conduction-style design for running safety, comfort, sweat management, USB-C charging, and situational awareness. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2HKCMBP?maas=maas\_adg\_api\_582366218564361552\_static\_9\_129&ref\_=aa\_maas&tag=maas&aa\_campaignid=lv\_IGvrl5TTBxiweexlXK&aa\_adgroupid=lv\_fdLHIcjvJhpJZvQxFb&aa\_creativeid=lv\_MMLFRb8MTdZvGlnqFv&gad\_campaignid=23921418215&gbraid=0AAAABDw\_RJg26Vr6MY-sVAPsmwCxwK4mX&gclid=CjwKCAjw3ejRBhAdEiwADkqPn36qoEfzRElmQ3e9OXSxZdGKjw0DyckEdeqo82D8qqlMdTFDyLXuXhoCVn8QAvD\_BwE&th=1 Valve opens the door to SteamOS installs on AMD PCs Sorg talks about Valve allowing SteamOS installs on normal PCs with AMD GPUs, giving PC gamers a way to build their own living-room Steam Machine instead of buying Valve’s new box. The conversation also touches on Steam Deck, Linux gaming, Proton, GPU costs, tariffs, and the economics of gaming hardware. Link: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-greenlights-steamos-installs-on-normal-pcs-with-amd-gpus-so-you-can-go-make-your-own-steam-machine-if-you-dont-wanna-fork-over-usd1-049/?brid=YWdncwFV2uAIYy2jMECl21FxWfGS Bazzite as an open-source SteamOS-style alternative Sorg brings up Brother Sorg’s recommendation of Bazzite, a Linux-based gaming OS with Steam gaming mode and support for launchers like Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, EA, Epic Games Store, GOG, Rockstar, and Ubisoft Connect. Link: https://bazzite.gg/ Pride Month tech history: Jon “maddog” Hall Dave spotlights Jon “maddog” Hall, a major Linux and Unix figure, sharing stories about Hall’s long programming history, his connection to Linus Torvalds, and the importance of recognizing LGBTQ contributors in technology history. Article: https://www.lpi.org/blog/2025/09/10/a-lifetime-in-code-jon-maddog-hall-reflects-at-linuxfest-northwest/ Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=758QuvXrttM Chachi Says Video Game Minute: GTA 6, Nex Playground, and Ubisoft news Chachi covers three gaming stories: GTA 6 cover art and pre-orders, the Nex Playground motion-based console for kids, and the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft. GTA 6: https://www.ign.com/articles/gta-6-cover-artwork-revealed-pre-orders-begin-june-25 Nex Playground: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx50rrz7zro Claude Guillemot: https://apnews.com/article/france-assassins-creed-ubisoft-plane-crash-2df2ea469c3fca0a45c38ae8805a6033 Baja SAE filmed on a “gas station camera” Sorg highlights a low-fi, retro-looking Baja SAE reel from Fairfield University, celebrating the charm of VHS-style and “bad camera” aesthetics in modern social media content. Link: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ6BjfCtzo-/ World Cup referee technology, digital twins, sensors, and 3D body scans Sorg discusses advanced soccer officiating tech, including camera sensors, player tracking, digital twins, and automated offside detection that can help reduce blown calls and give officials faster alerts. Link: https://apple.news/ABeSFqwyjRpehEy0x8Nc9nQ Ribbie turns MLB games into pixel-art broadcasts Dave shares Ribbie, a fan-built project that uses real-time Major League Baseball data to recreate live games as a retro 16-bit-style baseball broadcast. The conversation connects it to vibe coding, AI-assisted development, and new ways fans can build creative sports experiences. Link: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/ribbie-turns-real-time-baseball-stats-into-arcade-like-pixel-art-broadcasts/ Commodore phone brings retro branding to a distraction-light flip phone Dave and Sorg look at the Commodore phone, a Sailfish OS-based flip phone designed as a step above a dumbphone, with calls, texting, maps, music apps, Uber/Lyft, classic Commodore games, and limited/no social media access. Link: https://order.commodore.net/callback-audio/?brid=YWdncwHwIXnsUg8Nsyh9q\_45Lj2C DoorDash accidentally tags T-Pain in soccer posts The episode wraps with a funny social media fail where DoorDash appears to tag T-Pain instead of soccer player Tim Payne during World Cup-related posts. Sorg and Dave discuss automation, agency workflows, social scheduling, and why T-Pain’s response made the whole situation better. Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ56tKCnedX/?brid=YWdncwG5YHkt5InxWn1IZ1Apa3Gc&img\_index=2

  4. Jun 17

    Road Trip Tech, World Cup Culture Shock, Strong Museum, and Gemini Pro | AwesomeCast 783

    Sorg and Katie are back on the road in Michigan, Dave Podnar joins from the Pod Cave, and Missy keeps the studio running from Pittsburgh for this travel-heavy episode of AwesomeCast. This week, the crew talks about Niagara Falls adventures, World Cup watch parties, international visitors discovering American mega-stores, the Strong Museum of Play, Nerdvana, Google Gemini Pro, electric vehicle camouflage, and video game news from Chachi Says. Stories and gadgets discussed: World Cup travelers discovering America Dave shares TikTok reactions from international soccer fans experiencing Walmart, Waffle House, Costco, ranch dressing, school buses, Bucky’s, and oversized American everything. Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@josievlogsthings/video/7651983684060613890?lang=en Niagara Falls World Cup watch party Sorg and Katie stumble into a World Cup viewing party at Niagara Falls with giant screens, fans, fireworks, and the falls lit up at night. The 26th-floor IHOP at Niagara Falls Katie highlights the surreal breakfast experience of eating IHOP with a panoramic view of Niagara Falls, before the space transforms into a steakhouse at night. This Week in Pride History: Sophie Wilson Dave spotlights Sophie Wilson, a computing pioneer connected to the development of ARM processor architecture, which powers phones, Macs, and many modern devices. Link: https://www.marks-clerk.com/insights/latest-insights/102k16g-celebrating-lgbt-history-month-sophie-wilson-computing-pioneer-inventor-and-advocate-for-inclusion/ Chachi Says Video Game Minute Crazy Taxi, Ocarina of Time, TMNT: The Last Ronin, and Marvel’s Wolverine game news. A sealed Super Mario Bros. copy reportedly sells for $3 million. Tupac appears in Stranger Than Heaven, a prequel to the Like a Dragon series. Links: https://www.creativebloq.com/3d/video-game-design/switch-2-zelda-ocarina-of-time-remake-is-making-some-fans-regret-what-they-wished-for https://www.inverse.com/gaming/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-last-ronin-platinum-games-ps5-xbox https://kotaku.com/copy-of-super-mario-bros-sells-for-3-million-in-auction-2000706228 https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/tupac-video-game-stranger-than-heaven-9.7232112 Strong Museum of Play and Video Game Hall of Fame Sorg and Katie visit the Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, including the Video Game Hall of Fame, giant Donkey Kong, Oregon Trail, Street Fighter, Sonic, Sesame Street, Peanuts, Hello Kitty, Dungeons & Dragons, and interactive game exhibits. Nerdvana The crew talks about the restaurant across from the Strong Museum where guests can play Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or board games while eating. Ford’s hidden QR code in EV camouflage Dave discusses Ford hiding a QR code inside the camouflage pattern on a prototype electric pickup, turning spy photos into promotion. Link: https://www.theautopian.com/the-30000-ford-ev-pickup-we-photographed-was-hiding-a-qr-code-on-its-camouflage-heres-where-it-takes-you/ Google Gemini Pro and Google One Sorg discovers Google AI Pro access connected to Google storage plans and talks through Gemini, Google Forms automation, vibe coding, AI tools, NotebookLM, Flow, and possible app development. Link: https://gemini.google/us/subscriptions/?hl=en&brid=YWdncwHVFyhYRkb6SzEgcIU3w1kG Support AwesomeCast on Patreon for exclusive aftertalk content: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast Thanks to our supporters: Brian Crawford, Cynthia Closkey, John DeGore, and Dave Podnar.

    Road Trip Tech, World Cup Culture Shock, Strong Museum, and Gemini Pro | AwesomeCast 783
  5. Jun 10

    Apple WWDC AI, He-Man Movie Reactions & Nintendo Classics Return | AwesomeCast 782

    Sorg and Dave Podnar break down a packed tech week on AwesomeCast 782, including Apple’s WWDC announcements, new Apple Intelligence features, child safety updates, and how Siri may finally become more useful across devices. The show also dives into He-Man movie nostalgia, Nintendo Direct news, video game preservation laws, and practical podcast lighting gear. Stories & Gadgets Discussed Apple WWDC 2026 recap: Siri AI, Apple Intelligence, OS 27 updates, platform integration, device support, and on-device search https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/09/wwdc-2026-everything-announced-on-siri-ai-os-27-apple-intelligence-and-more/ https://www.apple.com/os/ Apple photo “reframing” and improved generative photo tools discussed from Dave’s example https://share.icloud.com/photos/0297Gj_aPuBo97xcOeuMEKq8g Apple Developer app as a resource for WWDC sessions and platform deep dives https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-developer/id640199958 He-Man movie reactions, Masters of the Universe nostalgia, Skeletor memes, and mobile He-Man games https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mattel.amethyst&hl=en-US&pli=1 Pride Month tech history spotlight: Lynn Conway and her pioneering work in chip design https://www.invent.org/inductees/lynn-conway Chachi Says Video Game Minute: California’s Protect Our Games Act moves forward https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/us-bill-requiring-paid-games-to-be-playable-after-they-shut-down-has-passed-initial-vote-and-moved-to-the-senate/ Paramount launches a new games studio https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/paramount-games-studio-launches-tony-driscoll-leads-1236614610/ Amazon may move future 007 game development in-house https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/amazon-suggests-io-interactive-might-not-return-for-007-first-light-sequel Nintendo Direct reactions: Star Fox demo, Zelda Ocarina remake talk, Kingdom Hearts 4, and Switch 2 edition discussion https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/947120/nintendo-direct-june-2026-analysis Awesome Tip of the Week: Sorg talks about using Neewer NL192AI LED panel lights for podcast and studio video production.

    Apple WWDC AI, He-Man Movie Reactions & Nintendo Classics Return | AwesomeCast 782
  6. Jun 3

    AwesomeCast 781

    This week on AwesomeCast 781, Sorg, Katie, and Podnar are recording from the road in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while covering the AutoDrive Challenge and breaking down a packed week in tech, gaming, AI, gadgets, and local Pittsburgh creativity. Stories & Gadgets Discussed: He-Man movie excitement and Denny’s tie-in menu https://www.dennys.com/promotions/he-man-movie Sorg and Katie talk Masters of the Universe hype, themed shirts, Skeletor, nostalgia, and the wild Denny’s promotional food lineup. USB-C wireless lavalier microphone from TikTok Shop https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP92fEduBXyNW-MWMCM/ Podnar shows off a budget two-pack wireless lav mic with charging case, USB-C receiver, magnetic clips, pass-through charging, and easy phone/computer setup. Pride History Month: Alan Turing https://www.alanturing.net Podnar highlights Alan Turing’s role in breaking Enigma, early computing, artificial intelligence, the Turing Test, and his importance during Pride Month. ChachiSays Video Game Minute: Steam Deck price increase https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz725d5d1x7o Chachi covers a reported 40% Steam Deck price jump and the larger conversation around gaming hardware costs. Modern Warfare’s next story setting https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q391y5088o The next Modern Warfare game is discussed with a plot centered around Korea and the North/South conflict. Unreal Engine 6 announced https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/epic-announces-unreal-engine-6-which-will-run-the-next-era-of-rocket-league/ Epic’s Unreal Engine 6 announcement gets spotlighted, including its connection to the next era of Rocket League. NVIDIA-linked mini AI data centers for the home https://www.inc.com/moses-jeanfrancois/nvidia-mini-ai-data-center-house/91340588?brid=YWdncwHdllWCngoYfFZ4UgdFmvNg The crew discusses the idea of installing small AI data centers at homes, possible monthly compensation, energy concerns, smart panels, solar power, and whether distributed AI infrastructure makes sense. Virtual Boy games added to Nintendo Switch Online https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467822/5-virtual-boy-games-added-to-nintendo-switch-online/ Sorg talks about trying the new Virtual Boy library on Switch, including Space Invaders, Jack Bros, Tetris, Mario Clash-style gameplay, and the weird legacy of Nintendo’s red-and-black headset. Donkey Kong 64 coming to Nintendo Switch Online https://www.ign.com/articles/donkey-kong-64-confirmed-for-nintendo-switch-online Donkey Kong 64 is joining Nintendo Switch Online, giving Sorg another retro Nintendo title to revisit. Google fake call detection for AI impersonation scams https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/02/google-rolls-out-fake-call-detection-to-protect-against-ai-deepfake-impersonation-scams/ Katie explains Google’s Phone by Google fake call detection, device verification, RCS, and why families may need modern “secret word” safety plans to combat AI voice scams. Squonk’s Joy Machine at Three Rivers Arts Festival https://www.wesa.fm/arts-culture/2026-06-02/pittsburghs-squonk-joy-machine-three-rivers-arts-festival Katie spotlights Pittsburgh performance group Squonk and their interactive Joy Machine street puppet installation at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Microsoft Scout AI agent https://www.wired.com/story/meet-microsoft-scout-your-ai-coworker-that-never-logs-off/ Podnar discusses Microsoft’s move toward smaller AI agents built into Office, Teams, calendars, and workplace tools. Michigan fireball https://www.mlive.com/weather/2026/06/bright-fireball-flared-out-over-michigan-monday-night-did-you-find-debris-in-your-yard.html Podnar shares reports of a bright fireball over Michigan and Ohio, meteor debris, and how these events remind us we are part of a much bigger universe.

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Everything awesome in the world of technology, social media, and entertainment! Join us as we discuss the latest gadgets, web sites, and talk with people doing awesome things in tech! www.AwesomeCast.net