This week, the crew talks about Niagara Falls adventures, World Cup watch parties, international visitors discovering American mega-stores, the Strong Museum of Play, Nerdvana, Google Gemini Pro, electric vehicle camouflage, and video game news from Chachi Says.

Stories and gadgets discussed:

• World Cup travelers discovering America
  • Dave shares TikTok reactions from international soccer fans experiencing Walmart, Waffle House, Costco, ranch dressing, school buses, Bucky’s, and oversized American everything.
  • Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@josievlogsthings/video/7651983684060613890?lang=en
• Niagara Falls World Cup watch party
  • Sorg and Katie stumble into a World Cup viewing party at Niagara Falls with giant screens, fans, fireworks, and the falls lit up at night.
• The 26th-floor IHOP at Niagara Falls
  • Katie highlights the surreal breakfast experience of eating IHOP with a panoramic view of Niagara Falls, before the space transforms into a steakhouse at night.
• This Week in Pride History: Sophie Wilson
  • Dave spotlights Sophie Wilson, a computing pioneer connected to the development of ARM processor architecture, which powers phones, Macs, and many modern devices.
  • Link: https://www.marks-clerk.com/insights/latest-insights/102k16g-celebrating-lgbt-history-month-sophie-wilson-computing-pioneer-inventor-and-advocate-for-inclusion/
• Chachi Says Video Game Minute
  • Crazy Taxi, Ocarina of Time, TMNT: The Last Ronin, and Marvel’s Wolverine game news.
  • A sealed Super Mario Bros. copy reportedly sells for $3 million.
  • Tupac appears in Stranger Than Heaven, a prequel to the Like a Dragon series.
  • Links:
    • https://www.creativebloq.com/3d/video-game-design/switch-2-zelda-ocarina-of-time-remake-is-making-some-fans-regret-what-they-wished-for
    • https://www.inverse.com/gaming/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-last-ronin-platinum-games-ps5-xbox
    • https://kotaku.com/copy-of-super-mario-bros-sells-for-3-million-in-auction-2000706228
    • https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/tupac-video-game-stranger-than-heaven-9.7232112
• Strong Museum of Play and Video Game Hall of Fame
  • Sorg and Katie visit the Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, including the Video Game Hall of Fame, giant Donkey Kong, Oregon Trail, Street Fighter, Sonic, Sesame Street, Peanuts, Hello Kitty, Dungeons & Dragons, and interactive game exhibits.
• Nerdvana
  • The crew talks about the restaurant across from the Strong Museum where guests can play Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or board games while eating.
• Ford’s hidden QR code in EV camouflage
  • Dave discusses Ford hiding a QR code inside the camouflage pattern on a prototype electric pickup, turning spy photos into promotion.
  • Link: https://www.theautopian.com/the-30000-ford-ev-pickup-we-photographed-was-hiding-a-qr-code-on-its-camouflage-heres-where-it-takes-you/
• Google Gemini Pro and Google One
  • Sorg discovers Google AI Pro access connected to Google storage plans and talks through Gemini, Google Forms automation, vibe coding, AI tools, NotebookLM, Flow, and possible app development.
  • Link: https://gemini.google/us/subscriptions/?hl=en&brid=YWdncwHVFyhYRkb6SzEgcIU3w1kG

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Chilla, Sorg, and Krause are bringing you this week's tech news as we ramp up for the upcoming Apple announcement. We're sharing:

• It's a big Google news day, so we'll be talking about that tech news shortly!
• Google is making a foray into video games with Stadia. Krause is sharing the service as part of his Awesome Thing of the Week!
• We're talking about the implications of a video game system via Google Stadia and Chromecast.
• Before we get too excited about Stadia, will it go the way of Inbox or Google+ or Google Reader?
• Chilla is sharing a Microsoft update for Microsoft Teams - with 8 new features.
• We're a little excited about the updates for Microsoft Teams.
• Are you a Google One subscriber? Did YOU get a free Google Home Mini?
• Sorg is featuring his new Google Home Mini as his Awesome Thing of the Week.
• There are some phishy emails and phone calls going around lately.
• There's a new iPad Air. Chilla is giving us some updates to look forward to.
• Google Maps adds new styles and gameplay options for mobile games.
• Playing games can build 21st century skills.
• Retailers, like Disney, are engaging customers with gamified storytelling.
• Netflix is working on a follow-up to Bandersnatch with a Bear Grylls survival show!
• EA paid Ninja to stream Apex Legends. We're sharing some thoughts.
• We're deep diving some of the doors Stadia can open with online gaming and cooperative gaming.
• Remember Dreamcast? Do you remember what's on your old memory card?
• Krause is leaving DirecTV NOW - but he's looking at some great streaming video options!
• Speaking of streaming video, Sorg is catching up with some Halt and Catch Fire.
• Angry Birds AR is coming to iPhone.
• Halo is getting a Master Chief collection!
• What happens when you combine Carmen Sandiego and Google Earth? We can't wait to find out!
• Twitter is going back to 2009 with twttr.
• Krause is helping his wife transition to life without a button with a new iPhone.

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