AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

AwesomeCast: New Year's Resolutions

December 26th, 2023  |  13 mins 17 secs

ai danger, aspirations, clean up, code word, fresh perspective, goals, happy new year, label cords, learn coding, new software, organize, python, remove unused, treehouse

Sorg rearranged and cleaned up his podcast studio setup, including removing unused equipment, organizing cables, and labeling things. He recommends others with a tech/workspace setup do the same periodically.

Katie discusses implementing a "code word" system with friends and family to combat dangerous AI voice spoofing calls asking for money or information.

Dave talks about using a fresh perspective when adopting new software at work instead of just trying to replicate what the old system did.

Amanda mentions wanting to learn coding in 2023, specifically Python, through the Treehouse online courses and practice worksheets. She recommends it for anyone wanting to learn coding.

AI, Patents, and Pet Translators: Bold 2024 Tech Predictions | AwesomeCast 667

December 20th, 2023  |  54 mins 41 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

The hosts recap their 2023 tech picks including erasable friction pens, under desk keyboard trays, and AI writing assistants. They review their 2023 predictions, discuss failures like VR platform death and revivals, before making new 2024 predictions about AI compute limitations, Apple Watch patent lawsuits opening floodgates, ChatGPT on marketing job listings, pet translators, and AI-generated video from images. They close by planning a Twitter meetup event to invite people to new platforms.

A Reminder Your Phone Is Going To Die | AwesomeCast 666

December 12th, 2023  |  55 mins 28 secs

ai, apps, diy, e3, gadgets, gaming, geek culture, google, humor, kid mental, nihilism, podcast, pop culture, raspberry pi, remote play, sorgatron, steam link, streaming, technology, the game awards, the riz, twitch, video games, xbox

The hosts discuss the latest in video games, including the winners at The Game Awards, the end of the annual E3 gaming convention, and using new services like Steam Link and Xbox Remote Play to play games around your home. They showcase geeky products from sites like Vilros.com and apps like Google's Notebook LM for organizing notes with AI. Other offbeat topics include the WeCroak mortality reminder app and the hosts' upcoming indie wrestling production and hosting gigs. The irreverent, pop culture-loving hosts bring their unique chemistry and humor to analyzing the latest in tech and gaming.

Pulling Cords Out Of Crevices | AwesomeCast 665

December 5th, 2023  |  56 mins 51 secs

amazon, cables, cameras, cloud storage, gadgets, graphics, headphones, iphone, licensing, live events, loop deck, media, mma, playstation, stats, storage, technology, video production, vmix, wrestling

On this week's AwesomeCast tech podcast, host Mike Sorgatron is joined by media guru Katie Dudders, photography podcaster Dave Podnar, and musician kidmental. Topics include new Amazon gadgets like cable organizers and Bluetooth headphones, innovations in iPhone storage and camera capabilities, backups for purchased digital content, and production tricks with software like the Loop Deck and vMix. There's also discussion around the episodic nature of digital media libraries. The cast also touches on some upcoming entertainment events like the Jagoff parade, an MMA benefit show, and prospects for integrating stats into live wrestling production

Apps, Games and Doing Good | AwesomeCast 644

November 28th, 2023  |  54 mins 58 secs

assassin’s creed, comics, drawing apps, gaming, geeky, giving tuesday, ifttt, ikea, iphone privacy, kidmental, music, netflix games, pittsburgh, podcast, pop culture, sketchbook pro, smart home, sorgotron media, sweet gamer abgh, technology, teenage engineering, yakuza, youtube mini games

Fill All the Holes | AwesomeCast 663

November 21st, 2023  |  54 mins 8 secs

apps, authentication, cases, chess, duolingo, gadgets, games, giveaways, guitar, iphone, magsafe, math, news, passwordless, podcasting, podcasts, public transit, sd cards, security, technology, transportation, wallets, yubikey

AwesomeCast is a weekly tech podcast hosted by Sorgatron, Dudders, and Chilla. They discuss new gadgets and apps, share their "awesome things of the week," and cover tech news stories. Recent topics have included Dudders' new Hello Kitty iPhone case, Chilla's MagSafe wallet stand, Pittsburgh public transit improvements, using guitar picks to remove SD cards, YubiKeys for passwordless authentication, Duolingo adding chess and math lessons, and the hosts sharing what technology they are thankful for this year. The hosts bring humor and personality to their commentary on the latest consumer tech and apps.

iPhone 15 Cat Pics | AwesomeCast 662

November 7th, 2023  |  54 mins 12 secs

ai, amazon, chatbots, geeky, google, google glass, instagram, iphone, iphone 15, messaging, meta ray-ban, movies, nasa, pittsburgh, podcast, pop culture, safety, smart glasses, social media, sorgatron media, tech, tech news, video games, waze, youtube

The AwesomeCast is a fun, geeky podcast hosted by Katie "Dudders" and Mike Sorg. In this episode, they discuss new tech like the iPhone 15, Meta smart glasses, AI innovations from companies like Google, Amazon, and YouTube, and upcoming movies based on video games. Dudders shares her experience with the new iPhone camera while Sorg is excited about the Ray-Ban Stories glasses. They also talk about new AI features like chatbots, generated ads and reviews, and safety alerts in apps like Waze. Other highlights include NASA's new free streaming channel NASA Plus launching soon and changes to Instagram messaging. The hosts keep things lively with their energetic banter about the latest in tech and pop culture.

Hollywood iPhone Style | AwesomeCast 661

November 1st, 2023  |  53 mins 38 secs

aew, apple, conversations, electric vehicles, health, honda, injuries, iphone, jon moxley, macbook, physical therapy, pittsburgh, podcast, podcasting, professional wrestling, rey fenix, social media, sorgatron media, summaries, tech news, technology, wwe

Michael and Dave discussed new tech products like Honda's electric scooter and Apple's latest MacBook Pros. They were impressed by Apple using iPhone 15 Pros to film their recent event. Michael used his iPhone 13 for concert footage.

Sustainability in Business with Kloopify | AwesomeCast 660

October 24th, 2023  |  58 mins 44 secs

adobe, apple, artificial intelligence, content creation, emissions tracking, fashion tech, las vegas, mac, pittsburgh, playstation, podcast, procurement, social media, sorgatron media, sphere, startup, supply chain, sustainability, tech news, xbox

This week on AwesomeCast, Daniela Osio joined to discuss Kloopify, a startup she founded to help companies integrate sustainability into procurement and supply chain processes. By mapping purchases to emissions data, Kloopify enables organizations to understand their environmental impact and make better sourcing decisions. Dave recapped his recent trip to the Palm Springs Air Museum and John shared how he uses AI to streamline content creation. Other topics included upcoming Apple product rumors, the dazzling new Sphere attraction in Las Vegas, and Adobe's electronic ink dress that can change colors and patterns on command. The episode provided great insights on leveraging tech for sustainability and productivity.

The Glasshole Next Door | AwesomeCast 659

October 17th, 2023  |  59 mins 31 secs

ai, alltrails, cancer, cyberpunk 2077, earbuds, gaming, interview, local news, meta, news, playstation, podcast, social media, tech news, threads, twitter, voice acting, vr, xbox

Hosts Michael Sorg, John Chichilla, and Katie Dudas discussed the Microsoft-Activision merger and when new games may hit Xbox Game Pass. They also talked about AI being used to recreate a deceased actor's voice for Cyberpunk 2077 and the spread of Meta's new VR headsets being called "Meta Glassholes." Other topics included Threads getting an edit button, using social media for news, AllTrails' new National Park guides, Chilla's new wireless earbuds for VR, Katie talking about her cancer journey on the radio, and sources for local news. The hosts covered the latest tech and gaming news while highlighting cool new products and digital trends.

Of SteamDecks and GoPros | AwesomeCast 658

October 10th, 2023  |  52 mins 3 secs

ai, charity event, children's hospital, classic games, extra life, fundraiser, gaming marathon, google, healthcare, kids, livestream, mario, pc gaming, pittsburgh, podcast, pollution, rabbids, saved games, spiderman, steam deck, tech news, traffic, twitch, video games, youtube

Brothers Mike and Matt discussed video games and tech news on their podcast The Awesome Cast. Topics included Matt's upcoming 24-hour Extra Life charity gaming marathon, the capabilities of the Steam Deck handheld PC, and Google's Project Greenlight to reduce traffic pollution with AI. They reminisced about classic PC games after finding Matt's old saved game files. Upcoming titles like Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and Spiderman 2 were mentioned. The show will stream Matt's fundraiser on Twitch and YouTube to benefit Children's Hospital Pittsburgh starting October 11th. Viewers can donate to support kids' healthcare.

Raspberry Pi Face | AwesomeCast 657

October 3rd, 2023  |  53 mins 28 secs

apple, apple park, apple watch, audio tours, battery life, breakage, bugs, computer history museum, fcc, fear-mongering, firing ranges, freezing, guidego, heating, iphone, islands, laggy, manufacturing, navy, os, raspberry pi, satellites, tesla, unboxing

Looking Fly in My Aldi Pajamas | Awesomecast 656

September 26th, 2023  |  54 mins 26 secs

accessibility, ai, aldi, apple, auction, chatgpt, clothes, dinosaurs, email, fitness, fossils, fundraising, gadgets, google, health, iphone, money, pajamas, pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech, tech news, youtube

This episode of AwesomeCast dives into the latest tech gadgets and news with hosts Sorg, Dudders, and Podnar. They discuss new iPhone features like live voicemail transcription, voice isolation for clearer calls, and creating custom stickers from photos. Sorg reviews the Wellitory app which analyzes Apple Watch data to provide health ratings and recommendations for better sleep, exercise, and reducing stress. The hosts also explore iOS accessibility features that allow you to record your voice before potential speech loss, and then use it for text-to-speech. Plus, updates to ChatGPT like new voice and image capabilities, though concerns remain around impersonation and fraud. Podnar demos Google's Bard AI extensions which summarize your personal info and activities from Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and more. And the gang chats about the complexities of purchasing dinosaur fossils, after Dudders learns skeleton "Barry" is being auctioned for over $1 million. They get tips from ChatGPT on fundraising ideas. Finally, Dudders raves about the new cozy Aldi-branded apparel line with sweatshirts, tees and pajamas perfect for working from home.

Big Beats and Big Fans with Kidmental | AwesomeCast 655

September 12th, 2023  |  1 hr 2 mins

appleevent, applewatchultra, assassinscreed, beatboxing, crashtests, creators, honda, iosgaming, iphone15, mediaproduction, musicians, newtech, ohioadventures, pittsburghpodcasts, podcasting, portraitmode, residentevil, roadtrip, techforartists, weirdroadsideattractions, windtunnels

The AwesomeCast podcast hosted by Michael Sorg and Katie Dudas welcomes musical guest Kidmental for a lively discussion of technology and culture. The show begins by highlighting Kidmental's musical talents, with him providing custom intro songs and sound effects throughout the episode. Kidmental demonstrates his impressive beatboxing and looping skills using analog hardware like the RC 505 loop station.

The hosts then recap their recent trip to rural Ohio, hilariously detailing their visits to strange roadside attractions like a massive empty basket building and a 24-foot tall cuckoo clock. Shifting to tech news, they analyze Apple's latest product announcements including the new Ultra Apple Watch aimed at extreme athletes and the iPhone 15 Pro with advanced camera capabilities like automatic portrait mode.

Sorg and Dudas share their hands-on experiences testing out Honda's impressive wind tunnel and crash test facilities. With helpful context and enthusiasm, they evaluate how the new Apple features could benefit media creators. Kidmental pops in with funny reactions as Sorg geeks out about playing console-quality iOS games on the go and directly recording videos to external drives using the new USB-C port. Overall, the conversational tone provides an accessible yet insightful take on how tech innovations intersect with art and culture.

AI In My Atari 2600 | AwesomeCast 654

August 30th, 2023  |  51 mins 39 secs

ai, apps, atari2600, digitalphotography, entertainingtech, gadgets, iphone, learnsomethingnew, pittsburgh, podcastproduction, relatabletech, techaficionados, techtalk, videogames, wittybanter

The AwesomeCast brings you insightful and entertaining technology talk from right in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Hosted by the enthusiastic Michael Sorg and his knowledgeable sidekick Dave Podnar, each episode delves into the latest gadgets, apps, and innovations. Whether it's diving into new AI capabilities, evaluating the upcoming iPhone models, or reliving nostalgic game consoles like the Atari 2600, Mike and Dave approach each topic with awe and humor. Their conversational style makes you feel like you're hanging out with two wisecracking friends who also happen to be tech aficionados. From video games to digital photography to podcast production tips, the hosts draw from their diverse backgrounds to provide context and personal anecdotes that make the tech talk relatable and engaging. If you want an enjoyable take on technology that doesn't get too geeky or overwhelming, tune into AwesomeCast for Mike and Dave's perceptive and witty banter. You're sure to come away entertained while also learning something new.

The Wink Clause | AwesomeCast 653

August 22nd, 2023  |  54 mins

acquisition, assassin's creed: mirage, awesomecast, calm app, desktop meta threads, dslr, dvd customers., gpus, high school nasa rover programs, intel cpus, katie, mega cat, movo mic, netflix, podcast, rovio, sega, space exploration, transformers, wrestlequest

In this episode of the Awesomecast Podcast, a range of intriguing topics are discussed. The hosts dive into "Wrestlequest" by Pittsburgh's Mega Cat, exploring wrestling-related content. Katie shares her experience using the Movo Mic alongside her DSLR camera to enhance audio quality. Exciting news arrives for some users with the introduction of Desktop Meta Threads. Gamers investing in Intel CPUs and GPUs are in for a treat as they now receive a complimentary copy of Assassin's Creed: Mirage. Sega's recent acquisition of Rovio takes center stage, with a substantial deal amounting to $776 million. An unexpected collaboration is noted as Transformers content finds its way onto the Calm meditation app. Shifting focus, the podcast sheds light on High School NASA Rover Programs, highlighting the remarkable contributions of young talents in space exploration. Lastly, Netflix's creative move involves sending an additional 10 movies to DVD customers, albeit with a playful hint that these movies aren't meant to be kept permanently.