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/awesomecastJoin Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar in this geek-packed episode of AwesomeCast as they delve into the latest tech news, gadget reviews, and personal tech mishaps. This week’s episode features discussions on everything from laptop and phone durability to exciting developments in the world of Godzilla and Marvel comics. Here’s what you can expect: • Laptop Survival Stories: Sorg shares a harrowing tale of his MacBook Pro surviving a dramatic fall down the stairs thanks to a $20 protective case. Dave and Katie also recount their own tech mishaps and the importance of investing in good protection for your devices.https://amzn.to/3VFHe2L New Gadgets and Gear: • Anker Soundcore Headphones: Katie reviews her new Anker Soundcore headphones, highlighting their impressive noise-canceling capabilities and excellent sound quality at an affordable price.https://amzn.to/4cjU

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecastIn this week's episode of Awesomecast, hosts Michael Sorg, John Chichilla, and Katie Dudas dive into the latest tech gadgets, share their favorite awesome things of the week, and discuss recent events in the tech world. From portable tripods and smartphone stabilizers to retro tech revivals and Nintendo's latest announcements, this episode is packed with insights and tips. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just looking for some cool gadget recommendations, this episode has something for everyone. Portable Tripod: Katie showcases a new portable tripod that looks like a lightsaber but is compact and versatile. It's ideal for small interviews and lightweight enough to fit in a backpack. Features include a 60-inch extension, a rotating top, and a Bluetooth remote. Smartphone Stabilizer: Michael introduces the Vivitar Creator Series smartphone stabilizer. Useful for capturing

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Join our cohosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar as they delve into the latest tech news and gadgets from the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). This episode features special guest Chris Maverick from VoxPopCast, who brings his expertise in digital narrative and interactive design to the table. Get ready for an engaging discussion on Apple's latest announcements, AI advancements, and much more! Episode Highlights: WWDC 2024 Overview: Craig Federighi's Stunt Double and Executives Skydiving: An entertaining start to the presentation with Apple executives performing parkour and skydiving. Home Screen Customization: Users can now leave spaces open on the grid and tint their screens for a personalized look. Control Center Updates: Multi-page Control Center for enhanced customization. App Locking Feature: Ability to lock specific apps using Face ID, Touch I

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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

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 integ

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 wi

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=tgtadvxsp&AFID=google

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 Star

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast iPhone Screen Durability and Accessories Discussion about the durability of iPhone screen protectors and the personal experiences of the hosts with screen damage. Mention of different brands and types of screen protectors used by the hosts. Disneyland Visit and Star Wars Themed Attractions Reboot with Season of the Force Plans for visiting Disneyland for a Star Wars-themed event. Discussion about various Star Wars attractions including new themes in the Star Tours ride, themed foods, and merchandise.https://gamerant.com/disneyland-season-of-the-force-star-tours-review/ Tales from the Empire and Star Wars Outlaws Previewedhttps://www.theverge.com/24121150/star-wars-outlaws-trailer-release-date Use of AI and Machine Learning in Podcasting Experience using AI tools like ChatGPT for content creation and management, specifically in the context of podcasting and media productio

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Water-Resistant Phones: Katie shares a personal anecdote about dropping her phone in a toilet, highlighting the value of water resistance in modern smartphones. This mishap turns into a discussion about the advancements in smartphone durability and the peace of mind that comes with water-resistant features. The Saga of AirPods: The conversation shifts to the convenience and occasional pitfalls of owning AirPods. From losing them in public places to the challenge of keeping them secure, we delve into personal stories that illustrate the pros and cons of wireless earbuds. The discussion also touches on the importance of AppleCare and the cost of replacing lost components. AI-Generated Music for Podcasts: We discuss the innovative use of Microsoft's Copilot and Suno to create intro music for the show, showcasing the potential of AI in content creation. This segment emphasizes

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Announcement: Discussion on the announcement dates for WWDC (June 10th through 14th). Speculation about new operating systems, potential hardware updates, and the focus on AI. Thoughts on Apple's approach to AI and machine learning, with expectations of significant announcements.https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/26/24111331/apple-wwdc-2024-event-date-ai-artificial-intelligence-m4-ios-18 Apple's Monopoly Allegations: Debate on whether Apple's practices could be considered monopolistic. Comparison to other companies and discussion on market share. Thoughts on the legal and regulatory landscape for tech companies. Personal Technology Updates: Discussion on experiences with upgrading Mac OS, including benefits and challenges. Dave shares his perspective on the importance of timely updates and the impact on professional work. Apple

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Katie Dudas talks about her recent trip and experiences, including surviving a desert outing and dealing with travel changes due to weather. Tech Gadgets and Updates: Discussion on a new travel charger that supports MagSafe and can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Katie shares her positive experience with the product during her travels.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FKZ7M9M?ref=ppxyo2ovdtbproduct_details&th=1 Introduction of Countdown Buddy, an app that creates countdown widgets for upcoming events. The free version allows for one event, while the paid version offers unlimited events and customization.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/countdown-buddy/id1534850579 Highlight of Nvidia’s showcase involving AI-powered robots demonstrated at the GTC conference, related to Project Groot.https://www.cnet.com/videos/nvidia-shows-project-groot-and-disney-bots-at-gtc-conference/

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Chilla is coming to us from his Apple Vision Pro’s virtual avatar on Zoom! We talk with him about his first days with the Apple Vision Pro and how we can use it in the future. Podnar bring us story about how Apple Vision Pro is being used in surgery https://9to5mac.com/2024/03/12/vision-pro-used-in-surgery/ Sorg is back from his first ever experience at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and talks about using the MagicBand+ for park access and fun. 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 Sorgat

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Web Design Evolution: Discussion on the changes in web design aesthetics and functionality over time as we discover WebDesignMuseum.org . Tronix 3D: A spotlight on a Pittsburgh-based cutting-edge 3D printing facility, showcasing its impact on manufacturing and innovation. https://www.tronix3d.com/ AI in Video Editing: Examination of new AI features in the video editing app CapCut, highlighting its potential for enhancing mobile content creation. https://www.capcut.com/tools/ai-video-generator AI Video Creation: Exploration of Sora AI's capabilities in generating realistic video content from textual descriptions, pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling. https://openai.com/sora Kit Mueller discusses his SkillBuilder.io startup that helps apply AI to sales and much more and the evolution of the Pittsburgh Startup Newsletter. https://skillbuilder.io/https://pittsbur

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Behind-the-scenes of MMA Filming: A detailed look into the challenges and innovations in filming MMA events, including the use of a GoPro on a steady cam rig for behind-the-scenes footage, demonstrating the intricacies of live sports production.https://www.instagram.com/p/C33j2xmRVjE/ Shoe Technology for Runners: Discussion on the Albert 2 Pro Scanner used in shoe stores for precise foot measurement, enhancing the shoe-buying experience by matching consumers with the perfect fitting shoes based on detailed 3D scans and pressure analysis.https://www.aetrex.com/technology/albert-foot-scanner.html Smart TV Market: Insights into the prevalence of smart TVs, their advancements, and consumer experiences, reflecting on the shift towards fully integrated digital home entertainment systems.https://www.facebook.com/reel/907443650790345  Gaming Updates: Commentary on new game additio

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Eurovision and Windows95man: Discussion on Eurovision, its significance outside the U.S., and its comparison to the World Cup of singing competitions. The influence of celebrities like Will Ferrell through movies related to Eurovision is highlighted. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3MAmMAi71d/ NVIDIA's Market Value and Technological Contributions: The episode delves into NVIDIA's significant market value, surpassing giants like Amazon and Alphabet, focusing on its contributions to AI, CPUs, GPUs, and cloud computing services like GeForce Now. Apple Arcade Games: Podnar talks Lego Builder Journey and Sorg is playing Corn Sweeper https://apps.apple.com/app/id1441636691.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cornsweeper/id1600387153 Walmart to buy Vizio. Smart TV battle continues as Walmart adds Vizio’s TV Operating System and ad technology to it’s lineup that already contains the O

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Akira Motorcycle Project: Discussion on the Akira motorcycle by Bell & Bel, touching upon its significance in pop culture and technological craftsmanship.https://www.instagram.com/belybel_artworks?igsh=MTh1dWVmNm45dW03Mw== iPhone “Mood” Camera App for Photographers: Exploration of a new app designed to emulate film photography on iPhones, catering to the needs of photography enthusiasts seeking a blend of vintage and modern.https://testflight.apple.com/join/g1uQn7Hu Live Facial Tracking with iPhones for Nicelodean’s Spongebob Squarepants Superbowl: iPhones are used for live facial tracking in broadcasting, highlighting the innovative application of smartphone technology beyond conventional use.https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3Ocl0QMxuK/?igsh=MTNoczloZjc1eGp4ag== Adobe's AI and Apple Vision Pro Integration: Examination of Adobe's latest AI technologies and their integrati

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Introduction of a combined sports streaming service by ESPN, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery, offering extensive coverage of major sports and leagues from Matt Carlinshttps://wbd.com/espn-fox-and-warner-bros-discovery-forming-joint-venture-to-launch-streaming-sports-service-in-the-u-s/  Chilla looks at the the Elgato Game Capture 4K X and its compatibility with different devices for streaming. https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/game-capture-4k-x Discussion on health and fitness tech, highlighting a diabetes monitor that connects to smartphones for tracking and managing health data with the Accu Check MySugr app. https://www.accu-chek.com/products/mysugr Conversation around the potential of Apple's Vision Pro and its implications for immersive media consumption and virtual environments. What can we do with it in our home and work https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df0TUKWnMNs 

This week’s episode brought to you by Slice on Broadway, and Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.patreon.com/awesomecast Therapy app Replika uses AI for text-based therapy and guided meditations to help with personal growth https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/30/24056106/tomo-replika-blush-generative-ai-mental-health Steam Deck front and back panel replacements to customize the lookhttps://amzn.to/3ulCfun https://amzn.to/47VXZLg The Beekeeper movie raises awareness about elder fraud through computer popup scams PalWorld on Steam/Xbox is like Minecraft meets Pokemon with base building and captured creatureshttps://store.steampowered.com/app/1623730/Palworld/ Social media CEOs testifying in Congress about protecting kids online and concerns over exploitation https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/30/childrens-safety-hearing-discord-meta-snap-x-tiktok-january-2024/ Apple Podcasts getting transcriptions is briefly mentionedhttps://podcasters.apple.com/support/5316-transcripts-on-apple-podcasts Subscribe t