This week’s stories and gadgets:

• Pittsburgh Shootout preview: Sorg and Katie prepare to photograph the independent Formula SAE-style event at Summit Point Motorsports Park after the former Pittsburgh Raceway property was sold for a data center.

• Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals: Katie arrives with McDonald’s crossover toys and begins the hunt for the complete collection, including Hello Kitty Godzilla, Chococat with SpaceGodzilla, and Kuromi with Mechagodzilla.

• TikTok voice-call warning: Dave demonstrates how TikTok users can make direct voice calls and explains why parents should review the feature. Users can go to Profile, Settings and Privacy, Notifications, and Voice Calls to limit notifications to no one, people they follow, or everyone. The calling capability itself may still remain available. See the settings reference used during the show.

• Drive through Google Street View: Hop Earth turns real-world map data into a browser-based driving game. Sorg attempts to create a Pittsburgh route while discovering that the experimental experience can be demanding on a computer with too many open tabs.

• Awesome Person of the Week: Dave celebrates Pittsburgh-area chemist Stephanie L. Kwolek, whose persistence and polymer research at DuPont led to the development of Kevlar.

• ChachiSays Video Game Minute:

  • Ohio is suing Roblox over allegations involving investor disclosures and protections for children.
  • A real Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza experience inspired by Five Nights at Freddy’s is planned for a New Jersey mall in 2027.
  • The FAA recruited more than 2,000 gamers as prospective air traffic controllers following a change in recruitment strategy.

• An AI Tamagotchi that grows up: Sweekar is an interactive AI pocket pet that progresses from baby to child, teenager, and adult. Its personality develops according to how its owner interacts with it, and it can recognize people, remember interests, offer reminders, tell stories, use an accompanying app, and wear collectible outfits.

• Apple’s possible camera-equipped AirPods: A video discovered inside a macOS update appears to demonstrate visual intelligence through AirPods. The hosts discuss the possibility of tiny cameras helping users identify objects and places, along with the major privacy questions Apple would need to address. The product remains speculative.

• AllTrails Hidden Tracks: Katie highlights Hidden Tracks from AllTrails, a collection of crowdsourced alternatives to heavily visited national parks and trails.

• Fandom becomes a business: A creator turned a niche idea involving Dungeon Crawler Carl-themed commentary and cosplay into a successful subscription project. The hosts examine the creator’s reported early results and the growing economy around fan-made merchandise and content.

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the SNES: The hosts play with a fan-made Super Nintendo-style demake featuring Wonder Flowers, Drill Mario, Bubble Mario, and a Bowser Jr. battle.

• Robots inside Hyundai’s EV factory: Dave takes the show inside Hyundai’s Georgia Metaplant, where autonomous sleds move vehicles between workstations and Boston Dynamics robot dogs assist with quality inspections.

• YouTube is changing how views appear: YouTube plans to align its public view counting more closely with TikTok and Instagram by counting a view when playback begins. Creator earnings will continue to depend on engaged Shorts views and watch hours, making engagement more important than the public total.

• Dave celebrates the iPhoneography Podcast passing 100,000 plays and shares highlights from a recent conversation with photographer Jefferson Graham.

Support AwesomeCast and receive bonus aftertalk content at https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast.

Katie begins with Mama’s Night Off, a browser game inspired by Dungeon Crawler Carl and the Maeve Chocolate Dirty Shirley bar. Dave introduces Garmin’s new screenless fitness tracker, an alternative to smartwatches and subscription-heavy wearables. Sorg shares his experience setting up RetroArch on Apple TV, including its wide range of supported systems, open-source games, ROM management, controllers, and the tinkering required to make everything work.

The conversation expands into the tension between digital convenience and physical ownership. The hosts discuss GameStop’s response to Sony’s physical-media decisions, the rapid progress of PlayStation 5 emulation, and why consumers are returning to CDs, vinyl, cassettes, retro games, and other physical formats.

They also have an extended discussion about generative AI, creative production, AI-assisted image editing, automation tools, corporate responsibility, electrical-grid pressures, and the rapid construction of data centers. The hosts examine the difference between rejecting AI entirely and learning how to use it responsibly while still demanding accountability from businesses and government.

Later, the show looks at NASA’s Psyche spacecraft capturing a Mars flyby, Pittsburgh movie history through the Pastfinders app, a minimalist flip phone for people who want fewer distractions, a development board that turns old Nintendo Wii Remotes into customizable controllers, and Google Photos restoring a traditional search option alongside Ask Photos.

Stories and Gadgets Discussed

Awesome Things of the Week

• Mama’s Night Off and the Maeve Chocolate Dirty Shirley Bar

  • Katie shares a browser-based game connected to Dungeon Crawler Carl.
  • Players fire magical projectiles at cherries to help create Mama’s Dirty Shirley.
  • The hosts discuss the game’s intentionally retro presentation and voice work by Jeff Hays.
  • Play the game and view the chocolate bar: https://maevechocolate.com/products/virgin-dirty-shirley/?game

• Garmin’s Screenless Fitness Tracker

  • Dave introduces Garmin’s wearable fitness tracker designed without a screen.
  • The device offers health and activity tracking without requiring users to wear a full smartwatch.
  • The hosts discuss its approximately ten-day battery life, Garmin Connect compatibility, optional Garmin Connect+ subscription, and Garmin’s reputation for durable hardware and direct fitness feedback.
  • Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2219713/garmin-finally-made-a-screenless-fitness-tracker/
  • Garmin product information: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1989182/#specs

• RetroArch on Apple TV

  • Sorg explains how RetroArch can turn an Apple TV into a multi-system retro-gaming device.
  • The software supports numerous systems, including Nintendo, Sega, arcade, PlayStation-era platforms, and older computer games.
  • The hosts discuss Bluetooth controllers, open-source games, shareware versions of Doom and Wolfenstein, storage limitations, organizing ROM libraries, and troubleshooting incompatible files.
  • Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/retroarch/id6499539433
  • Supported platforms: https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms

Awesome Person of the Week

• Ralph Teetor and the Invention of Cruise Control

  • Dave highlights engineer Ralph Teetor, who became blind as a child and later earned engineering degrees.
  • Frustrated by the repeated acceleration and deceleration of drivers, Teetor developed an early version of cruise control.
  • The hosts discuss the evolution from basic speed control to adaptive cruise control and its relationship to modern driver-assistance systems.
  • Teetor later served as president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and an SAE award for educators bears his name.
  • Automotive Hall of Fame: https://automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/ralph-r-teetor/

Chachi Says Video Game Minute

• Playing GTA III and Vice City Inside GTA: San Andreas

  • A PC mod allows players controlling CJ in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to walk up to an in-game television and launch GTA III or Vice City.
  • The hosts compare the concept to a video-game version of Inception.
  • https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/pc-gaming/gta-3-and-vice-city-are-now-playable-inside-san-andreas-a-mod-lets-you-revisit-liberty-city-and-vice-city-without-leaving-san-andreas

• GameStop’s CEO Responds to the Decline of Physical Games

  • GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen argues that Sony reducing physical-disc support will not significantly hurt the company because new video-game sales represent a relatively small portion of its business.
  • The discussion includes GameStop’s continued interest in eBay and the changing economics of physical game retail.
  • https://www.ign.com/articles/gamestop-ceo-ryan-cohen-insists-sony-killing-physical-discs-doesnt-matter-at-all-because-video-game-sales-make-up-so-little-of-his-business

• PlayStation 5 Emulation Progress

  • Developers are making progress booting PlayStation 5 titles through multiple emulation projects.
  • Two-dimensional games are advancing more quickly, while fully rendering complex three-dimensional games remains a significant challenge.
  • The story sparks a broader conversation about game preservation, physical ownership, digital licensing, and consumer distrust.
  • https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/playstation/ps5-emulation-ramps-up-in-wake-of-sonys-end-to-physical-media-ps5-titles-now-booting-across-different-emulators-with-rapid-community-development-for-both-2d-and-3d-games

AI, Creative Work and Data Centers

• The hosts discuss the growing use of AI-assisted tools in image editing, video production, business documents, email, captions, background extension, and design mockups.

• Sorg explains how AI can help reformat posters for different social-media dimensions without replacing the original creative work.

• The discussion distinguishes generative AI from other machine-learning tools, such as automated transcription, rotoscoping, search, and image organization.

• Dave raises concerns about social-media challenges potentially being used to gather free voice-training data.

• The group discusses how Google, Adobe, Canva, and other platforms increasingly build AI functions directly into existing software.

• The hosts argue that professionals cannot simply ignore the technology, but they should evaluate where it is appropriate and disclose its use when needed.

• The discussion also addresses the electrical demands of new data centers, corporate incentives, local government decisions, environmental protections, grid capacity, and the disproportionate placement of industrial infrastructure near lower-income communities.

• Their central argument is that rapid technological growth must be accompanied by accountability, regulation, public representation, and responsible development.

NASA Psyche Mars Flyby

• NASA’s Psyche spacecraft used a Mars flyby as a gravitational assist while traveling deeper into the solar system.

• The mission captured detailed images and a time-lapse view of Mars during the maneuver.

• Dave highlights the value of scientific exploration driven by curiosity and the desire to understand more about the universe.

• https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/psyche/2026/07/17/nasas-psyche-mission-delivers-mars-flyby-data-time-lapse-video/

Pittsburgh Bridges on Film and Pastfinders

• Sorg highlights a collaboration between Pastfinders and the Pittsburgh Film Office focused on Pittsburgh bridges featured in movies and television.

• Examples discussed include locations connected to Mayor of Kingstown, Sweet Girl, Jack Reacher, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Dark Knight Rises, Dogma, The Silence of the Lambs, and Mindhunter.

• The hosts discuss how the Pastfinders app sends location-based notifications about historical sites, movie locations, landmarks, and unusual local stories.

• Pastfinders:
  https://www.pastfinders.app/

• Pittsburgh Film Office bridge-tour post:
  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1458603939638716&set=pcb.1458603999638710

The Light Flip Minimalist Phone

• The hosts examine a modern minimalist flip phone inspired by classic designs.

• It uses physical buttons, T9-style typing, a small screen, and a dedicated operating system rather than standard Android.

• The group discusses the appeal for people who want calls, messages, navigation, and limited apps without carrying a high-powered smartphone.

• They also consider whether younger users might adopt simpler phones to reduce social-media use and screen time.

• https://9to5google.com/2026/07/21/light-flip-minimalist-phone-announcement/

OpenMote: Repurposing the Nintendo Wii Remote

• Sorg introduces OpenMote, a drop-in development board that turns a Nintendo Wii Remote into a customizable controller.

• Demonstrations include pointing the remote at lamps to control them.

• The hosts brainstorm uses for smart-home controls, games, production equipment, lighting effects, custom 3D-printed controllers, and event technology.

• OpenMote:
  https://openmote.io/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

• Instagram demonstration:
  https://www.instagram.com/reels/Da8p5B7PNKP/

• OpenMote Instagram:
  https://www.instagram.com/openmote.io/

Google Photos Restores Classic Search

• Google Photos is adding an option that lets users choose between the newer Gemini-powered Ask Photos experience and a more traditional search interface.

• The hosts discuss why some users prefer entering straightforward terms rather than asking an AI-generated question.

• The change becomes an example of why providing a choice can reduce frustration when companies add AI to familiar products.

• https://9to5google.com/2026/07/20/google-photos-classic-search-toggle/

Also Discussed

• The return of CDs, vinyl records, cassettes, retro games, and physical media.

• The difference between owning digital media and licensing access to it.

• Consumer distrust of large technology companies.

• The space required to store large physical-media collections.

• Using Gemini to interpret business acronyms and generate a first draft of a statement of work.

• Severe-weather alerts and Katie briefly leaving the podcast during a tornado warning.

• Dave’s upcoming races, including the Two-Face Race and Trick or Trot 5K.

• The next AwesomeCast interview with Spotter Global and its technology for detecting drones and identifying operators.

Support the show at:
https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast

Discover more from the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network:
https://sorgatronmedia.com

Katie brings a larger, easier-to-open pill organizer that solves real daily medication frustrations. Dave recommends Dell Refurbished for affordable business-class computers, and Sorg shares how Aeroplay brings NVIDIA GeForce Now streaming to Apple TV, with a few login caveats.

The crew also highlights Herman Hollerith for Disability Pride Month, reacts to Sony’s reported physical disc and digital library controversies, explores functional LEGO F1 cars, checks out Pittsburgh’s upcoming Science of Speed exhibit, watches a Waymo drive through fireworks, and discovers the surprisingly adult world of Fisher-Price Little People collector sets.

Get geeky. Get awesome.

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.