Mini AwesomeCast

This week on Awesomecast 264, we talk awesome things in technology, including: Time for the Awesome Thing Of The Week and Chilla's telling us about Amazon Prime offline video on iPhone and iPad. http://9to5mac.com/2015/09/01/amazon-prime-video-now-offers-downloads-for-offline-viewing-on-iphone-and-ipad-users/ Epix is leaving Netflix and coming to Hulu, which means more options for your instant video viewing. http://variety.com/2015/digital/news/netflix-epix-deal-expiring-1201581520/ Instagram how has an answer to Snapchat with their new Visual Convos http://techcrunch.com/2015/09/01/snapstagram/ Sorg's Awesome Thing Of The Week is a throwback to our talk with The Hardware Store and a collaboration with them. https://workhardpgh.com/ This week's App Of The Week is Blab a video chat/broadcast platform beta. It's basically #Periscope if you put 4 of them together. Want to check out BLAB? We recommend it. https://blab.im/ Is it too much social media with Twitter, Facebook, BLAB, Instagram, Periscope, etc.? How do you manage your time? live.sorgatronmedia.com Want to win a Cord Cutters prize bundle from CNET? We're curious... http://www.cnet.com/news/your-chance-to-win-a-cord-cutters-prize-bundle/ Need an inverter? How about a JuiceBox? http://imgur.com/a/RkTw7 (Thanks @WPAJJuggalojohn for pointing this one out.) Thank you Instagram! Finally allows landscape and portrait photos. http://lifehacker.com/instagram-finally-allows-landscape-and-portrait-photos-1726966945?commerce_insets_disclosure=on&utm_expid=66866090-48.Ej9760cOTJCPS_Bq4mjoww.2&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F3Bbgn5OL7W YouTube? Gaming? In the same sentence? Yep. YouTube Gaming is a thing. http://www.theverge.com/2015/8/26/9212071/youtube-gaming-app-hands-on Shoutout to Rizz while we check out his YouTube Gaming stream. (You can check him out, @RizzPlaysGames.) Chilla sharing YouTube Gaming as an option to scope games. Beats relying on industry descriptions and ratings. live.sorgatronmedia.com Talking Facebook's response to Siri and Cortana: Facebook M http://www.wired.com/2015/08/facebook-launches-m-new-kind-virtual-assistant/?mbid Breaking down gender equality with Guy Siri vs. Girl Siri. live.sorgatronmedia.com Katie is not over the hoverboard lie. And, she's not alone: http://techcrunch.com/video/hoverboard-is-all-skate-with-no-levitate/519048690/?cps=gravity_1730_5782173694949957524 Android wear now works with iPhones (kinda) http://www.engadget.com/2015/08/31/android-wear-now-works-with-iphones/

This week on Awesomecast 254, we talk awesome things in technology, including: hecking out the Awesome Thing Of The Week. Chilla has been thinking long and hard about the new MacBook and all its dongles. Chilla's MacBook Pro is so new it doesn't even have stickers on it yet! Tune in to hear his thoughts. We're discovering the new MacBook Pro touchpad. It's not a real button, but it feels like a button, but it's not a button. (Re)learning how to reset the Mac scroll bar so it doesn't always hide. Chilla's happy to have access to El Capitan. So happy, he may queue this one up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Buwjgi1xV7U. We are (re)discovering Sorg's mini Gorilla Pod while he tries to figure out his Awesome Thing Of The Week. So, there's a Dutch design firm that's trying to use a 3D printer to print a steel bridge. Sorgatron's Awesome Thing Of The Week deals with a client project involving drone footage. We're talking Snap Chat and squared video. People want to get on Snap Chat. What do YOU (our listeners) get out of the app? The who's who of Snap Chat: Taco Bell tops Sorg's list. Seriously. Discussing Linked In usage and connections. Sorg thinks Google+ is the best spot for groups in comparison to LinkedIn and Facebook. Talking the revolution of "how-tos": gone from pdf or word documents with text and pics to videos and blog posts. Chilla's App Of The Week is LICEcap to assist with project management. If you lose your job and THEN turn to LinkedIn - you're too late. Use LinkedIn to foster relationships AHEAD of time. Seriously discussing Zip Drives on this week's episode. Do you have a current version of Windows? You can upgrade to Windows10. You can also get a technical copy to upgrade from. Samsung now has an app that lets you record game play to do reviews and let's play videos. After the show remember to: Eat at Slice on Broadway if you are in the Pittsburgh area! It is Awesome! (sliceonbroadway.com) Follow these awesome people on Twitter: John Chichilla (@chilla)and Mike Sorg (@sorgatron). Also, check out sorgatronmedia.com and awesomecast.net for more entertainment; and view us livestreaming Tuesdays around 6:30 PM EST!

When could you see it in your neighborhood? Source: Amazon one-hour Prime delivery service now includes local stores | The Verge http://ow.ly/Neo7x Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher for Audio and Youtube for Video.

But who's going to use it? Source: New Chrome extension lets you share links with sounds | The Verge http://ow.ly/NaMW4 Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher for Audio and Youtube for Video.

The Aaron Sorkin's take on the Apple genius gets its first teaser. Source: First Steve Jobs trailer shows Michael Fassbender as the Apple founder | The Verge http://ow.ly/N5bt7 Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher for Audio and Youtube for Video

ThinkUp has multiple account support. And Sorg is very excited. Find out why. Check out ThinkUp.com for a free trial. Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher for Audio and Youtube for Video

But is it any better than Google and other options? Source: Wolfram has created a website that will identify any image you throw at it | The Verge http://ow.ly/MWd8 Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

It's not just about dial up connections and "You Got Mail" Source: Verizon Likely To Retain TechCrunch And Engadget - BuzzFeed News http://ow.ly/MTn59 Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Archie Comics looks to Kickstarter for their reboot. Our comic book expert weighs in. Source: Archie Comics turns to Kickstarter to fund their rebooted universe | Polygon http://ow.ly/MQmc8 Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

It just got a little easier to never talk to someone while ordering food to come to your house. Source: Now you can order food from Google search results http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/8/8572123/google-search-results-order-food Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Source: Google's cellular service makes you ditch key Voice features http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/06/project-fi-requires-dropping-voice-features/ Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Enjoy Technology hopes to help with your personal helper with your new tech! Source: Former Apple retail chief takes on Amazon with personalized gadget delivery http://ow.ly/MAgBt Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Comcast is aping the Meerkat and Periscope on your cable box? Source: Comcast brings Periscope-style live streams to the cable box http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/4/8544747/comcast-xfinity-share-tv-live-streams Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Secret has disappeared from the anonymity app landscape. Yik Yak was already dropping. Is anonymity dead? Source: Secret Shuts Down Because Anonymity Makes People Mean http://www.wired.com/2015/04/secret-shuts-down/?mbid=nl_042915 Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

From Build 2015, Microsoft announces the "easy" way to port your apps. Will this help get developers on board? Source: Huge news: Windows 10 can run reworked Android and iOS apps http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/29/8511439/microsoft-windows-10-android-ios-apps-bridges Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Are we depending on iPad technology too much if it grounds a segment of an airlines? Source: iPad app issue grounds 'a few dozen' American Airlines flights http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/28/8511993/ipad-issue-grounds-american-airlines-737s Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Now you can use your fancy new 2015 tech on your wrist to relive the fun of 1996. Source: Now Tamagotchi can nag you from your Apple Watch http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/28/8507191/tamagotchi-apple-watch-app Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

It's announced Telltale Games will do Marvel Comics-based games! Source: Telltale is making Marvel video games http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/23/8486381/telltale-marvel-video-games Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Google's new mobile phone service is launching. How does this compare with the current offerings? Source: Project Fi: all the news on Google's plan to remake the wireless industry http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/22/8471469/google-fi-all-the-news-on-the-search-giants-plan-to-remake-the Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Google is pushing mobile friendly sites to the top for mobile users. Is this a forward move or a pain for developers? Source: Google starts boosting 'mobile-friendly' sites in smartphone search results http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/21/8463401/google-now-boosting-mobile-friendly-websites-in-search Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

The show that inspired a generation of tech heads and creators is coming back! Such good news! How did Screen Savers influence you? Source: The New Screen Savers to Launch May 2nd! http://twit.tv/2015/04/19/new-screen-savers-launch-may-2nd Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

A video game based on Net Neutrality Source: Net neutrality is now a video game http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/16/8429991/404sight-retro-yeti-net-neutrality-video-game Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Twitter.com gets a new front page. The Verge finds butts. But is this going to help people understand and join? Source: Twitter's new front page advertises news sources, tech reporters, and butts http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/16/8425895/twitter-front-page-butt-pictures-and-horse-squirrels Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Heathstone is on iPhone! Just in time for Sorg as he's brand new to the game! How does it hold up on the small screen? Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video

Source: Amazon's web services are smart enough to make predictions http://www.engadget.com/2015/04/11/amazon-machine-learning/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&ncid=rss_semi Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Today the AppleWatch launches! And you don't need one with the rise of Pebble, AndroidWear's iPhone support imminent, and so many other alternatives that may fit you! From this show: Burg Watch http://burgsmartwatches.com/ AndroidWear http://www.android.com/wear/ Pebble Watch https://getpebble.com/ Basis Peak https://store.mybasis.com/ Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Mortal Kombat X is out on mobile a week ahead of it's console version. Sorg gives his first impressions. Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Skype Translation is adding languages. My 90+ year old Great Uncle is using Google to brush up on his homeland's Lithuanian language. A brave new world. Source: Skype's real-time translator now speaks Italian and Chinese http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/8/8368889/skype-translator-italian-mandarin-language-support Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

How can you use April Fools for product market research? Ask this maker of an iPhone adapter for iPhone. Source: The Smart Boy turns the iPhone 6 Plus into a working Game Boy http://www.theverge.com/tldr/2015/4/3/8339789/smart-boy-iphone-6-plus-game-boy-nintendo Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Riff is the latest app from Facebook. It lets you take video and let others add to it. But will it catch on? Source: Riff: Make Videos with Friends http://newsroom.fb.com/news/2015/04/riff-make-videos-with-friends/ My Riff https://www.321riff.com/composition/ABLvRC8xlC/whatcha-eatin Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Comcast is raising the bandwith game in Atlanta. But how much can the rest of us see? Source: Comcast leapfrogs Google Fiber with new 2Gbps internet service http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/2/8330267/comcast-2gbps-gigabit-pro-broadband Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Spartan is coming, and the first try out is in Windows 10 Technical Preview. Check out some of the new bells and whistles that are going to replace Internet Explorer. Source: A closer look at Project Spartan, Microsoft's Internet Explorer killer http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/31/8319169/project-spartan-new-browser-microsoft-hands-on Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Tidal has announced exclusives and a lower price for their quality music service. But are we seeing the music industry turning into the Netflix era? Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Periscope is out! We take a look at it as we broadcast the recordings live! Check it out at Periscope.tv Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

The story from F8 is Messenger and it's reaching out and extending into other non-Facebook applications. Source: In Facebook's family of apps, Messenger is the new golden child http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/25/8292229/facebook-messenger-platform-line-wechat Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Google wants you to send "mail" and pay your bills from inside Gmail. Source: Google's 'Pony Express' will reportedly let you pay bills right from Gmail http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/24/8285059/google-pony-express-pay-bills-from-gmail Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Instagram releases a companion collage app. Does this mean the end of all the pretenders? Source: Instagram built a brand-new app to make photo collages Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Magic Leap released a demo video of an augmented reality shooter. Is it for real? Source: Magic Leap shows off augmented reality shooter that looks too good to be true http://www.polygon.com/2015/3/19/8260407/magic-leap-ar-shooter-google Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Virginia Tech has dedicated a whole room to virtual reality with Oculus VR and a special 3D audio technique. You have to see it! Source: Welcome to Virginia Tech's giant virtual reality room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2viFCKPl7CE Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Microsoft says they'll even let pirated copies upgrade to Windows 10. But it's not just for known piraters. Source: Windows 10 will be free for some software pirates http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/18/8241023/windows-10-free-for-software-pirates

Nintendo has announced the upcoming "NX" console is in the works, and an upcoming membership ecosystem encompassing their consoles and mobile devices with DeNA coming up. What could be in the works for Mario's parent company? Source: Nintendo isn't giving up on consoles, promises to unveil a 'brand new concept' next year http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/17/8230581/nintendo-nx-console-2016 Nintendo Partners with DeNA to Make Smartphone Games with Nintendo IP http://toucharcade.com/2015/03/17/nintendo-making-smartphone-games-with-dena/

This week, the big wigs in tech are going wild for Meerkat, and app to easily stream instant video via your iPhone and out to Twitter. Source: Meerkat App http://meerkat.co Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Hootsuite keeps reeling me back in. This time with a new app to help me figure out what to tweet about. Source: Hootsuite Suggestions App https://hootsuite.com/products/mobile-apps/suggestions Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Amazon is showcasing Kickstarters and Shark Tank products. Interesting push for the smaller products coming up. Source: Amazon gives Kickstarter brands a new storefront http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/11/8189681/amazon-exclusives-store-kickstarter Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Apple announced a new thin Macbook full of compromises. But are they worth it? And how many dongles will you need? Source: Hands on with new Macbook http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/9/8173685/macbook-retina-display-usb-type-c-hands-on-video Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

NASA is bringing us images soon from another almost-planet in Ceres, a dwarf planet in our asteroid belt. Are you excited about where we've gone with space exploration in recent years? Source: A NASA probe is orbiting a dwarf planet for the first time ever http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/6/8160757/nasa-dawn-ceres-probe-orbit Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Nvidia announced it's TV connected version of their Shield devices, and a new Grid service to stream games. What does this do as another entry to play video games? Source: This is Nvidia Shield: a closer look at the 4K Android TV game console http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/4/8146571/nvidia-shield-4k-android-tv-hands-on Subscribe on iTunes for Audio and Youtube for Video!

Instagram is moving out some new features and perks for brands and sponsored posts. As much as we wish we had the same access, we can look to Facebook to see where this trend is going... Source: Instagram will now let you upload photo sets, but only if you're a brand http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/4/8145189/instagram-carousel-ads-photo-sets-brands

Valve is teaming up with HTC to bring us another Virtual Reality headset "powered by Steam". But what is the killer app to make us want it? Source: This is Valve's VR headset, the HTC Vive http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/2/8131793/htc-vive-valve-vr-headset-photos

A Kickstarter in Wyoming is bringing a garden to a winter burdened, urban location. Could this help in other places like our own Pittsburgh? Source: Vertical farm can make 44,000 pounds of tomatoes on the side of a parking lot Subscribe on iTunes for Audio!