AwesomeCast 735: From Star Wars Coolers to Self-Driving Cars: Geek Tech Goes Mobile

In this special on-location episode of AwesomeCast 735, recorded live from the Hilton Garden Inn in Ann Arbor during the SAE Autodrive Challenge, Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are joined by Pittsburgh-based cinematographer Scotty Swemba. The crew dives into new tech discoveries including the Bing AI video creator, Apple’s latest game studio acquisition, and Katie’s OmniBreeze fan obsession. They also explore how Scotty brings a cinematic eye to live productions, including their evolving video work for SAE events. Plus: robot droids that follow you, iPhone filmmaking in Hollywood, and the return of Cat Wars. It’s geeky, techy, sweaty (thanks to the heat), and wonderfully weird — exactly what you expect from AwesomeCast.

Find more at AwesomeCast.com and SorgatronMedia.com

🔍 Episode Highlights & Topics Covered:

• 🎮 ChachiSays Video Game Minute:

  • Release date announced for Pokémon Legends Z-A (October 16, 2025).

  • Apple acquires RAC7 (Sneaky Sasquatch dev) — insists it’s not a trend.

  • EA cancels Black Panther game, shuts down Cliffhanger Games.

• 💨 Katie’s Awesome Thing:

  • OmniBreeze Tower Fan: Smart fan with Wi-Fi control, app integration, and surprising cooling power — perfect for hot Pittsburgh homes.

• 🤖 Dave’s Awesome Thing:

  • Bing AI Video Creator in the Bing app. Generate vertical videos with text prompts and limited free credits — part of Microsoft’s quiet content creator push.

• 🎥 Deep Dive: Cinematography in Live Events:

  • Scotty Swemba shares insights on using Sony A7SIII for cinematic content.

  • Gear talk: log color grading, lenses, ND filters, and adapting photo cameras for event video.

  • Behind-the-scenes look at producing SAE live events and recap videos.

• 🤯 AI, Ethics, and Social Media:

  • Concerns around AI catfishing, generated influencers, and the “dead internet theory.”

  • Adobe tools for post-production audio/video enhancement.

• 🛻 Tech Gadgets & Toys:

  • Star Wars Droid robot cooler that follows you – ideal for shoots, tailgates, or Halloween candy.

  • Potential as a robotic PA (production assistant)!

• 🎬 Cinematography News:

  • 28 Years Later uses a rig of iPhone 15 Pro Maxes for unique bullet-time effect.

  • Why more filmmakers are incorporating consumer tech into pro workflows.

• 🐱 June’s Cat Wars Calendar:

  • Philosophical cat reflection image. “Fear not as you look within.”

  • Themed cat commentary continues its surreal Star Wars parody journey.

• 🎭 Muppets & Media Talk:

  • Revisiting the original Muppet Show and AI-generated Muppet content online.

• 📱 Bonus Tangents:

  • OS naming conventions, camera control apps like Blackmagic’s, and the rumor mill on Apple WWDC camera updates.