AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk Sorgatron Media

Support AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast


n this episode of "Awesome Cast," Mike Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar discuss various tech news, gadgets, and personal experiences. They also highlight their awesome things of the week and updates from recent tech developments.


Bulleted Summaries


News Stories:


YouTube Mini Games:


YouTube has rolled out mini-games available to all users, not just premium subscribers.


Features casual games such as Stack Bounce, Draw Climber, and Mob Control.


Intended for light entertainment and quick play sessions.https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/28/24166363/youtube-games-playables-youtube-premium


Canva Updates:


Canva introduces several new features aimed at team collaboration and AI-driven design.


Enhanced AI capabilities for creating graphics, presentations, and ads for Google, Meta, and Amazon.


Integration with Salesforce for automatic data updates in designs.


New photo editing tools including a "magic grab" feature that allows easy manipulation of images.https://www.canva.com/newsroom/news/canva-for-work/


ICQ Shutdown:


ICQ, the once-popular instant messaging platform, is set to shut down on June 26.


Users are encouraged to download any old messages they wish to keep.https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/25/24164579/icq-shut-down-june


Gadgets and Tech:


Walkie Talkie Feature on Apple Watches:


Discussed the convenience of using the walkie-talkie feature for communication over long distances.


Mentioned practical uses in theme parks and family gatherings for easy coordination.


Mental Health App – "Schmoody":


A fun mental health app discovered via TikTok.


Features checklists and tasks for improving daily routines and mental health.


Includes options for meditation, breathing exercises, and community support.https://www.shmoody.com/


AirPods Alternative – Cool Buds:


Reviewed Cocoa Buds, an affordable alternative to Apple AirPods with a unique feature of doubling as a power bank.


Available for around $15, providing a budget-friendly option with decent quality.https://amzn.to/3V31dIk


Wireless Video Transmitter – Hollyland Pyro H:


New wireless video transmitter for under $500, ideal for mobile video production.


Features HDMI version, rechargeable batteries, and the ability to connect multiple receivers for monitoring.


Designed for use in dynamic environments like sports and events, though not as reliable for high-movement scenarios like wrestling.https://amzn.to/4bCv7KL


Photography with Vintage Tech:


Katie Dudas experimented with a Nikon Coolpix camera for a retro photography project.


Discussed the quirky results and the charm of using old tech for modern photography.


Fitness and Wellness Apps:


Mike Sorg explored the Noom app, which focuses on mindfulness and psychological aspects of dieting.


Compared it to other health and wellness apps, discussing the benefits and cost-effectiveness.


Additional Updates:


Poetry Camera:


New updates to the Poetry Camera, a unique device that generates poems based on photos.


Improved Wi-Fi connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and better thermal printing.


https://poetrycamera.substack.com/p/version-40-is-born-drop-coming-soon


Subscribe to the Podcast: awesomecast.com


Sorgatron Media Podcast Network Feed: sorgatronmedia.fireside.fm


Join our AwesomeCast Facebook Group to see what we’re sharing and to join the discussion!


You can support the show at Patreon.com/awesomecast!


Special Thanks to kidmental for the new AwesomeCast Sounds! Visit him at www.kidmental.com


Join our live show Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST on AwesomeCast Facebook, Youtube and Sorgatron Media Twitch!
Support AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast


Sorg, Chilla and Dave Podnar are here and some of them have sore legs…


Formula SAE International Combustion (IC) Event:


Coverage of the internal combustion event, with plans for a future exclusive electric vehicle (EV) event.


Mention of the involvement of students and volunteers in designing, building, and raising funds for their vehicles.


Highlights of the endurance race and the high participation rate compared to previous years.


Notable performance by the Brazilian team, securing first place in design and a top-five overall finish.


Google I/O Highlights:


Discussion on Project Astra, an early version of Google’s universal assistant powered by DeepMind AI.


Demonstration of the assistant’s ability to recognize and interact with objects in real-time using a smartphone camera.


AI advancements in identifying objects and providing contextual information.


Concerns about AI integration in search results and its impact on web traffic and information accuracy.


OpenAI GPT-4.0 Update:


Introduction of GPT-4.0 (omni), capable of handling text, audio, and image inputs and outputs.


Practical applications and improvements in AI interactions.


Potential collaboration between OpenAI and Apple for integrating AI functionalities into iOS.


Google Glass and Meta's Ray-Ban Smart Glasses:


Comparison of Google’s updated glasses with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.


Features include built-in cameras and voice assistants.


Emphasis on the seamless integration of AI and smart glasses for enhanced user experiences.


Microsoft Co-Pilot:


Explanation of Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, integrating AI into enterprise solutions.


Benefits of having AI manage and process data locally on devices.


Importance of maintaining data privacy and security in enterprise environments.


Subscribe to the Podcast: awesomecast.com


Sorgatron Media Podcast Network Feed: sorgatronmedia.fireside.fm


Join our AwesomeCast Facebook Group to see what we’re sharing and to join the discussion!


You can support the show at Patreon.com/awesomecast!


Special Thanks to kidmental for the new AwesomeCast Sounds! Visit him at www.kidmental.com


Join our live show Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST on AwesomeCast Facebook, Youtube and Sorgatron Media Twitch!
Support AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast


Sorg, Chilla and Dave Podnar are here and some of them have sore legs…


Apple iPad Announcements:


New iPad Models: Released iPad Air and Pro models featuring the new M4 chip, enhancing performance and integrating AI features.


Accessories Compatibility Issues: Some old accessories don't work with new iPads due to redesigns, particularly magnetic alignment issues.


New Keyboard: Lighter with better floating functionality but incompatible with prior iPads due to magnetic differences.


Apple Pencil: The new Pencil supports innovative hover and squeeze features, allowing users to paint or select without touching the screen.


Final Cut Pro 2 & Logic: New versions designed with improved AI and Pro features, including advanced video editing and audio separation.


Camera Apps:


Final Cut Camera App: Enables live multicam switching with four iPhones, making it ideal for live production with control over zoom, ISO, and focus.


Blackmagic Camera App: Expanding to Android, allowing better video recording on a range of devices.


Pittsburgh Marathon:


Relay Team Participation:


The hosts shared personal experiences of joining the Pittsburgh Marathon via a relay team. The various segments included scenic routes, bridges, and iconic city landmarks.


Despite limited training, the camaraderie and supportive environment made it a memorable event.


Tech Integration:


Tracking apps helped monitor team progress, paces, and location of participants.


Additional Tidbits:


The podcast hosts discussed the importance of exercise for space missions, particularly on the moon, where innovative running solutions are needed to compensate for low gravity.


The team hinted at potential tech-related challenges for future moon exercises.


Subscribe to the Podcast: awesomecast.com


Sorgatron Media Podcast Network Feed: sorgatronmedia.fireside.fm


Join our AwesomeCast Facebook Group to see what we’re sharing and to join the discussion!


You can support the show at Patreon.com/awesomecast!


Special Thanks to kidmental for the new AwesomeCast Sounds! Visit him at www.kidmental.com


Join our live show Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST on AwesomeCast Facebook, Youtube and Sorgatron Media Twitch!
Support AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast


Hosted by Mike Sorg in the Sorgatron Media studios in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.


Co-host Katie Dudas, fresh from a California trip, joins the discussion.


Travel and Amusement Park Experience


Both hosts recently visited Six Flags Magic Mountain, enjoying various rides and sharing their experiences of the thrill rides and their operational status.


Gadgets and Products Discussed


Owala Water Bottle:


Unique features include a flip-up handle and a button-activated opening to avoid touching the mouthpiece, which is beneficial for hygiene.


It functions both as a straw water bottle and an open cup without the risk of spills.


Insulated design keeps water cold for an extended period.


Available in various colors, making it customizable for household use.https://www.target.com/p/owala-freesip-24oz-stainless-steel-water-bottle-alpine-sport/-/A-86722059?sid=3392S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tmnv&DFA=71700000117421189&CPNG=PLA_DVM%2Ba064R000015PcutQAC-SportingGoods_Q1_ExternalSearch_2024-1182321&adgroup=SportingGoods&LID=700000001393753pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9005915&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0MexBhD3ARIsAEI3WHIqVtqMZK0cMKxN9BOwZZtsGNPtxHJbKG9D7q1c9lw_Nyk9nEoq1-kaAlnYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds


Starlink Internet:


Tested in the California desert, proving useful for remote internet access.


Mention of multiple Starlink setups seen at the event, suggesting a sponsored or coordinated effort to provide internet.


Discussion on the reliability of Starlink for streaming and potential issues with physical obstructions and handling by other people at the venue.


Tech Tips and Tricks


Discussion on the utility of Apple Watch's walkie-talkie feature during trips.


Tips on posting across multiple social platforms efficiently using Facebook's cross-posting feature to manage content on Instagram and Threads.


Warning about new stringent measures on Facebook regarding image usage and the importance of crediting the source, even when images are from platforms like Canva.


Subscribe to the Podcast: awesomecast.com


Sorgatron Media Podcast Network Feed: sorgatronmedia.fireside.fm


Join our AwesomeCast Facebook Group to see what we’re sharing and to join the discussion!


You can support the show at Patreon.com/awesomecast!


Special Thanks to kidmental for the new AwesomeCast Sounds! Visit him at www.kidmental.com


Join our live show Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST on AwesomeCast Facebook, Youtube and Sorgatron Media Twitch!
Support AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast


Disneyland and Star Wars Night


Disneyland Experience: The hosts share their experiences from their recent trip to Disneyland, focusing particularly on Star Wars Night, which included building custom lightsabers and participating in themed events.


Merchandise and Activities: Katie discusses her experience building a custom lightsaber, describing the process and her choice of a purple lightsaber to match her favorite color. She also details the thematic elements and the immersive experience at Galaxy’s Edge.


Event Participation and Marathon Discussion


Marathon Participation: Dave talks about his involvement in the Pittsburgh Marathon and the logistics of participating in such events.


Charity and Community Engagement: Discussion on supporting various causes through marathon participation, including fundraising links and community support.


Sorg has hands on setting up a Starlink satellite internet system for an upcoming project https://www.facebook.com/664720723/videos/pcb.7689730001048830/444317388084116


Delta Emulator on iOS! https://deltaemulatorapp.com/


Poetry Camera prints AI poetry from images https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/20/poetry-camera/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter


Potties for Boston Marathon 


https://www.facebook.com/reel/751413887103673 


OpenAI makes ChatGPT ‘more direct, less verbose’


https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/11/openai-makes-chatgpt-more-direct-less-verbose/ 


Subscribe to the Podcast: awesomecast.com


Sorgatron Media Podcast Network Feed: sorgatronmedia.fireside.fm


Join our AwesomeCast Facebook Group to see what we’re sharing and to join the discussion!


You can support the show at Patreon.com/awesomecast!


Special Thanks to kidmental for the new AwesomeCast Sounds! Visit him at www.kidmental.com


Join our live show Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST on AwesomeCast Facebook, Youtube and Sorgatron Media Twitch!
Support AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk