AwesomeCast 742: From Sci-Fi to Surgery: Real Holograms with Avalon’s Wally Haas
This week on AwesomeCast, we’re diving into the future of visual technology with Wally Haas, the founder of Avalon Holographics. From real, light-field holographic displays to the practical applications in medicine, defense, and entertainment, this episode is a glimpse at the future of immersive 3D visualization. We also break down tech updates from the cosplay-packed halls of Tekko 2025 in Pittsburgh, explore camera app alternatives like PostPic, and check out the latest headlines in gaming with the Chachi Video Game Minute.
Whether you’re curious about holograms, anime conventions, or how your iPhone can become a pro-level camera, this geeky roundtable has you covered!
🔗 Find more tech content at www.AwesomeCast.com
🧊 Guest Interview – Wally Haas, Avalon Holographics
Real Holographic Displays: Avalon Holographics creates light-field holographic tables where 3D visuals “pop out” and can be viewed from multiple angles—no glasses or headsets required.
Tech Specs: The display features the light data equivalent of 3,000 HD TVs (5 billion pixels); uses light ray simulation to create real-life visual depth.
Medical Applications: Assists with surgical planning, patient education, and digital twins of anatomy. Particularly useful for robotic and laparoscopic procedures.
Defense Applications: Provides 3D battle scene visualizations for real-time awareness, terrain navigation, and decision-making using LiDAR and drone data.
Entertainment & Future Uses: High-potential for theme parks, gaming simulations, haunted attractions, and eventually mainstream displays. Think “Star Wars chess table meets Iron Man HUD.”
AI Integration: Enhances design and diagnostics by visualizing AI-analyzed parts and potential system failures in holographic form.
Origin Story: Inspired by Iron Man 2 and frustration with understanding mechanical systems, Wally leveraged his semiconductor background to create his second startup.
🕹️ Chachi Says Video Game Minute
Ubisoft Claims Microtransactions = Fun: Controversial statement that optional purchases enhance enjoyment.
Netflix’s Assassin’s Creed Series: After a 2020 announcement, Netflix is finally moving forward.
Legend of Zelda Live Action Movie: Cast announced with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda.
📸 Dave’s Awesome Thing – PostPic Camera App
VSCO & Lightroom Alternative: Free iPhone app for film-style photography with retro presets like Kodak Gold and Mad Max.
Photo Editing Features: Offers bloom, halation, and full editing control—ideal for artistic iPhoneography.
No Subscription Needed: Created by a developer tired of costly photo apps.
🎭 Sorg’s Awesome Thing – Tekko 2025 Recap
Cosplay Culture Explosion: Sorg and Intern John explored Pittsburgh’s Tekko anime convention, spotlighting creative cosplay and DIY craftsmanship.
Costume Interviews: Featured 3D-printed helmets, robotic arms, and integrated smoke effects.
Pro Production Tips: iPhone 13 Pro Max used for interviews, combined with mobile mics and BTS videography. Mic success rate ~80%.
Content Rollout: Full 16-minute video on YouTube with Instagram highlights; cosplay community engagement already strong.
📺 – “Breaking the Bird” (HBO Documentary)
Twitter Origins & Evolution: Four-part HBO series covers Twitter’s early culture, global impact, and internal struggles before Elon Musk’s acquisition.
Nostalgia Trigger: Explores how Twitter grew into a cultural phenomenon for everything from politics to community-building.
Not Overly Elon-Focused: Avoids dwelling solely on Elon Musk, instead offering a full historical arc.
