The crew also gets into Pittsburgh technology history with plans to preserve Westinghouse’s Atom Smasher, the impressive Commercial Street Bridge replacement, and the accessibility origins of the modern audiobook.

Then the geekery kicks into high gear: Xbox expands its classic-game preservation efforts to PC, Hasbro combines Transformers with Jem and the Holograms, LEGO brings Smart Play to Star Trek, Robosen releases an Optimus Prime robot designed to reopen childhood wounds, and Universal plans movies based on ten Atari properties.

Plus, Chachi has gaming headlines involving Hasbro, Steam Deck and Atari, and the crew discusses the backlash surrounding a $58,000 humanoid robot proposed for use in a New York school district.

It’s Pittsburgh technology, AI creativity, retro gaming, accessibility, robots and pop-culture nostalgia on AwesomeCast 789.

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This week, Sorg dives into the new Dungeon Crawler Carl graphic novel release and how the series has become a multi-format obsession across audiobooks, print books, Webtoon, and comics.

Dave shares Dazz Cam, a retro iPhone camera app that recreates vintage film, disposable camera, VHS, and analog looks for photos and video.

They also spotlight Ajay Bhatt for AAPI Heritage Month, recognizing his role leading Intel’s USB development team and how USB changed everyday computing.

Stories and Gadgets Discussed
Dungeon Crawler Carl graphic novel
Sorg talks about the physical release of the Dungeon Crawler Carl comic/graphic novel and how it compares to the Webtoon, audiobooks, and print editions.
Link: https://amzn.to/4dy0nfR
Dazz Cam retro iPhone camera app
Dave highlights Dazz Cam, an iPhone app that simulates vintage cameras, film looks, VHS-style video, borders, and analog-style photos.
Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dazz-cam-vintage-camera/id1422471180
Ajay Bhatt and the invention of USB
For AAPI Heritage Month, Dave discusses Ajay Bhatt, who helped lead the Intel team behind USB and made modern plug-and-play devices possible.
Link: https://news.sparkfun.com/6774
Apple accessibility features for iOS 27
Dave covers Apple’s upcoming accessibility features powered by Apple Intelligence, including visual intelligence-style phone assistance, live captions, better voice control, and accessibility hardware support.
Link: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/05/apple-unveils-new-accessibility-features-and-updates-with-apple-intelligence/
Google I/O 2026 and agentic AI
Sorg and Dave discuss Google I/O’s heavy focus on AI agents, Gemini, AI-powered search, Workspace tools, shopping/cart assistance, Android XR, and smart glasses.
Links:
https://9to5google.com/2026/05/19/google-io-2026-news/
https://www.theverge.com/tech/933415/google-io-2026-biggest-announcements-ai-gemini
Transformers: The Movie Apology Tour
Sorg gets nostalgic about the 1986 Transformers movie, the Optimus Prime trauma, the 40th anniversary re-release, soundtrack editions, vinyl, and pink cassette release.
Links:
https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/product/transformers-movie-soundtrack-reformatted-edition-bbts-exclusive-hot-rod-red-vinyl-lp-189634
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1506127744310466&set=pcb.1506127774310463
Fortnite returns to iOS
Dave notes that Fortnite is back on the iOS App Store around much of the world after years of legal battles.
Link: https://www.epicgames.com/site/news/fortnite-is-back-on-the-app-store-around-the-world-as-the-final-battle-approaches
Chachi Says Video Game Minute
Chachi covers GameStop’s failed eBay offer, Amazon canceling its Lord of the Rings MMO, and Dodi Repacks stepping back from piracy.

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