AwesomeCast 725: F1 Drone Tech, AI Video Chaos & the World’s Largest Camera
This week on AwesomeCast 785, Sorg and Dave Podnar explore a wide range of tech stories, from the biggest digital camera ever built to experimental Formula 1 drone filming, AI video creation, smart glasses, video game ownership, and even some retro Nintendo chaos in pro wrestling.
The Rubin Observatory and the Biggest Digital Camera Ever Built
Dave kicks things off with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, home to a massive 3,200-megapixel digital camera. Over the next 10 years, the observatory will repeatedly scan the sky, capturing the same points hundreds of times to build an incredibly detailed view of space.
The discussion touches on why this matters for astronomy, including dark matter, dark energy, galaxy movement, and the role AI could play in spotting patterns across enormous digital datasets.
Learn more:
https://www.space.com/astronomy/rubin-observatory-begins-filming-the-greatest-cosmic-movie-ever-beginning-a-new-era-of-astronomy
https://rubinobservatory.org/
Red Bull’s Formula 1 Filming Drone
Sorg shares a wild Red Bull project: a drone designed to follow a Formula 1 car at speed. The hosts talk about how difficult it is to capture the real feeling of F1 velocity with traditional cameras, and how drone filming could create a new kind of motorsports footage.
The Red Bull build is also a great example of racing as a tech development space, where rapid prototyping and experimental engineering can eventually influence consumer tools.
Watch/read more:
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaFPQ8pOEXN/
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/worlds-fastest-filming-drone-build
Pride Month Tech History: Martine Rothblatt
For the final day of Pride Month, Dave highlights Martine Rothblatt, founder of Sirius Satellite Radio and United Therapeutics. Her career spans satellite communication, law, business, biotech, organ transplantation, drones, and electric helicopter innovation.
The hosts discuss how remarkable it is to help create an entire tech category, then pivot into medical biotechnology to help solve a deeply personal problem.
More on Martine Rothblatt:
https://achievement.org/achiever/martine-rothblatt-ph-d/
Chachi Says Video Game Minute
This week’s video game news includes:
GTA VI will reportedly cost $70, with the physical copy acting more like a code in a plastic case.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrg52egw1roCongratulations on Your Purchase is a $1,000 Steam game that offers a 10-minute red carpet walking simulator experience.
https://www.polygon.com/1000-dollar-game-steam-10-minutes-congratulations-on-your-purchase/Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 is confirmed, with Gary Dauberman attached as screenwriter.
https://www.cbr.com/universal-five-nights-at-freddys-3-gary-dauberman-screenwriter/
Sorg and Dave then dig into the larger issue of digital game ownership, physical boxes with download codes, Nintendo-style game key cards, and how hard it is to truly “own” a modern game in the same way players owned cartridges decades ago.
It Came From AI
Sorg introduces a new experiment: It Came From AI, a separate social account where he is testing AI-generated videos. The clips include intentionally goofy concepts like Ewoks vs. Predator, Care Bears, Stormtroopers in Pittsburgh, and other surreal short-form experiments.
The conversation expands into where AI tools are useful, where criticism is valid, and how many small businesses and creators are using AI in ways similar to Canva templates, clip art, or Photoshop tools.
Follow the experiment:
https://www.instagram.com/itcamefromai/reels/
Hand Animation Made for a Child
Dave shares a charming creator making short animated videos for his daughter. The videos often feature a cat and simple character interactions, with behind-the-scenes examples showing the animation process.
Watch it here:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/3485866488230002
Meta Glasses, Snap AR Glasses, and the Wearable Tech Race
The hosts compare new smart glasses from Meta and Snap. Meta’s branded glasses hit a more approachable price point and could make POV capture more common, while Snap’s AR glasses aim higher with augmented reality experiences and a much steeper price.
Meta AI glasses:
https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-glasses/
Snap AR glasses:
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/snap-specs-launch-live-latest-updates
Apple Price Increases and the AI Hardware Crunch
Dave brings up Apple price increases and the larger tech industry issue of AI hardware demand. The hosts talk about RAM shortages, chip demand, and why computers, consoles, and other devices may keep getting more expensive.
Read more:
https://www.cultofmac.com/news/ouch-apples-mac-and-ipad-price-hikes-brutal
Minions, Bananas, and Viral Singing
Dave also shares a Minion singing contest clip, including performers singing songs in Minion voices. It is strange, impressive, and exactly the kind of internet moment AwesomeCast was made for.
Watch:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8G67fFM/
Wrestling Meets the NES
Sorg closes with a pro wrestling tech crossover: an AEW spot involving an NES, cartridge blowing, controllers, and a very nostalgic Nintendo weapon setup.
Read more:
https://apple.news/A2iJBMG51SlKOCgHFRwk6xA
Also Mentioned
Sorg and Dave briefly discuss a hover soccer ball from Sheetz, pet reactions to gadgets, Sorg’s Nintendo reward points unboxing, and an upcoming Awesome Chat with Frederick Teton from iTargetGolf.
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https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast
AwesomeCast is part of the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network:
https://sorgatronmedia.com/
