AwesomeCast 743: Grok This! Google AI, Chainsawed Sandwiches & Mario Paint Returns
Join Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar for another wild ride through the latest in tech, geek culture, and digital oddities. From chainsawed sandwiches and pygmy hippos to new AI-powered tools from Google and fun gaming tie-ins, AwesomeCast 743 dives into the fun, weird, and sometimes terrifying world of tech.
Whether you’re curious about Google Search’s AI makeover, craving a McDonald’s-themed Joy-Con fry holder, or wondering why a zoo staged a fake hippo escape with an inflatable costume — we’ve got you covered.
📰 Tech & Gadget News
Mu Dang the Pygmy Hippo Goes Viral: Thailand zoo runs a full-scale emergency drill with a costumed inflatable hippo to test staff response — adorable and effective training.
Google Search Gets AI Canvas Tool: Google is merging its AI tools with search, introducing “Canvas” to generate custom images from text and photos — currently available via the Google mobile app.
Notebook LM & AI Overload: Google’s overlapping AI features, including Canvas and Notebook LM, raise questions about branding confusion and user experience as AI moves deeper into search.
Copilot in Microsoft Edge: New “Copilot Mode” allows Edge to process and summarize across open tabs, designed for research efficiency — potentially great for students and writers.
“Grok” Explained: The term popularized in sci-fi is now an AI term, originally from Stranger in a Strange Land, meaning “to deeply understand”.
Chainsaw Sandwiches at Sheets: A bizarre but real marketing stunt — Sheets teamed with Liquid Death to cut sandwiches in half with a chainsaw. Bonus: custom merch drop included.
Critical Role Video Game Incoming: A brand-new RPG set in the world of Exandria is in development with Ad Hoc Studio — no timeline yet, but fans are hyped.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Gets a Game: A co-op 3D platformer based on the 1964 classic claymation special is dropping for holiday 2025.
Netflix’s Happy Gilmore Golf Mayhem 98: Retro browser game launched to promote Happy Gilmore 2, complete with pixel art, chaos on the green, and fighting Bob Barker.
AppleCare One Subscription: New $19.99/mo service allows Apple users to cover up to three devices, with theft/loss options and $5.99 add-ons for additional devices.
3D-Printed McDonald’s Fry Holder for Nintendo Switch: A hilarious Joy-Con mod lets gamers hold a box of fries mid-gameplay. Yes, it’s real and printable via Maker World.
Mario Paint Returns via Switch Online: Classic SNES creative tool now available — supports USB mouse and works with Nintendo Switch Online’s classic game collection.
Google Photos AI Makeover: New VO2-powered features let users animate photos, turn images into comics or anime, and access all creation tools via a new “Create” tab.
