AwesomeCast 802: AI Called Me Out on My Missed Deadlines
An AI assistant that won't let your neglected email disappear, a new round of Apple hardware, and a 25-year-old iPod walk into a Pittsburgh tech podcast.
Would you let an AI assistant read your inbox if it meant finally getting your overdue projects moving? That's the question hanging over AwesomeCast 802.
Michael Sorg describes his experience with Muse, an AI assistant that flagged an approaching deadline tied to his video business, noticed correspondence he hadn't acted on, and offered to assemble a practical action plan. Unlike a chatbot waiting for the next prompt, this felt like an assistant that could identify what needed attention. Sorg also acknowledged the trade-off: for that convenience, the tool was allowed to access email. The result is part productivity revelation, part privacy discussion, with Dave Podnar and Katie “Dudders” Dudas considering what these assistants might mean for overloaded schedules.
QR codes, phone security, and everyday habits
Katie's awesome thing is Sophos Intercept X for Mobile. The conversation starts with a suspicious pattern: an unexpected package or letter containing a QR code that might encourage someone to scan without thinking. The hosts look at device-security checks, Wi-Fi network scanning, and the practical alerts that can remind people to keep their phones updated. It is a tangible, everyday security topic—not just a theoretical cybersecurity warning.
A very Apple week
Dave walks through the week's new iPad mini, M6 iMac, and M6 14-inch MacBook Pro. The iPad mini's 60Hz display prompts questions about how the update compares with competing tablets. He then discusses a rumored OLED touchscreen MacBook Pro; because the episode was recorded on October 27, the conversation is explicitly a look at reports and expectations, not an announcement of verified specs.
The software discussion becomes lively when Apple Creator Studio updates to Pixelmator Pro, Final Cut Pro, Motion, and other tools come up. Sorg tests an AI-assisted creation feature live and considers how much of the production workflow may move directly into the edit.
Twenty-five years of portable music
The iPod first arrived in October 2001, and the hosts revisit the original player's hard drive, Mac and FireWire limitations, rival portable MP3 gadgets, and the later iPod nano. It's a good reminder of how much music—and podcasting—changed because of a device that promised a thousand songs in your pocket.
Retro internet, new ideas, and fun discoveries
The crew also enjoys Firefox bringing old internet meme creators back for an ad about user choice; tries IdeaLab AI, where startup concepts are matched with people's expertise; celebrates hidden pop-culture references in Roku's Halloween screensaver; and admires a Rivian video with Bill Murray back in a Ghostbusters-flavored role. Sidewalk delivery robots get a cameo, and Katie points listeners to a recent Protohaven interview from Pittsburgh's maker community.
Chachi contributes a rapid-fire Video Game Minute, and the hosts find plenty to laugh about along the way.
Listen to or watch AwesomeCast 802 for the full conversation. Follow AwesomeCast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@awesomecast or find the network at https://www.sorgatronmedia.com. If you want to keep this independent Pittsburgh tech show going and hear its bonus aftertalk, support at https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast.
Thanks to Slice on Broadway and Sidekick Media Services for supporting the show.
