TPU
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Google announces new AI processing chips and a cloud 'hypercomputer'
It also has a new AI accelerator, the Cloud TPU v5p
Nike's 3D-printed textiles make running shoes even lighter
Nike's use of 3D printing to craft ever-better performance shoes has reached its next logical level. The company has introduced Flyprint, the first 3D-printed textile upper for performance footwear. The material is ultimately a TPU filament melted and applied in layers, but the geometry is the key: Nike is using athlete data (such as that from distance runner Eliud Kipchoge) to determine the composition of the textiles. The result is a high-performance shoe upper that can be rapidly customized for specific regions and individual runners.
Google built a processor just for AI
Google is no stranger to building hardware for its data centers, but it's now going so far as to design its own processors. The internet giant has revealed the Tensor Processing Unit, a custom chip built expressly for machine learning. As Google doesn't need high precision for artificial intelligence tasks, the TPU is focused more on raw operations per second than anything else: It's an "order of magnitude" faster in AI than conventional processors at similar energy levels. It's space-efficient too, fitting into the hard drive bays in data center racks.
Adidas looks to phone cases for its new laceless boot
Technology may have changed the way soccer (or as the locals call it, football) is officiated, but it also affects how the game is played. Professionals' vitals are constantly monitored to identify areas of improvement and even the choice of footwear can have a significant impact on how a player affects a match. Adidas has spent many years, and likely millions of Euros, redefining the football boot, adding and removing elements to give players more control on the pitch. This time, the German sportswear giant has decided to ditch laces altogether, debuting the Ace 16+ PureControl: a laceless football boot that is partly crafted from the same material used in smartphone cases.
U-bop gSHELL SuperSlim for iPad 2 offers thin Smart Cover-compatible protection
The U-bop gSHELL SuperSlim is another thin TPU Smart Cover-compatible case that comes in several colors, including the semi-transparent "smoke," which recently hit the TUAW test bench. Coverage The gSHELL has decent coverage for a thin TPU case, covering everywhere you would expect with enough access to the device not to hinder use. The headphones port, the dock connector port, microphone, camera and side switch are all freely accessible, while the power and volume buttons are accessed directly through the case. As with all thin TPU cases, scratch resistance is good, but impact protection is limited to very light bumps, while the rubber stretches over the front edge of the screen locking the iPad tightly into the case. Thickness and material The gSHELL is nice and thin at about 1mm thick meaning it's not going to add much weight or bulk to your slim slate, but will give it a grippy yet smooth texture to help you keep a hold of it. Small manufacturing edges and imperfections are visible on the edge of this inexpensive case, but they aren't sharp and don't get in the way too much. U-bop have the gSHELL in a few variants including the Smart Cover-compatible variety which we tested, but if you're looking for just a TPU case for your iPad that covers all edges they've got your covered. %Gallery-134976% Verdict The U-bop gSHELL SuperSlim is a decent, low cost TPU case that feels solid and fits the iPad 2 well. If you've got a Smart Cover and want to keep scratches to that gorgeous aluminium at bay then this thin TPU case will do the trick without emptying your wallet.
iTalkonline Smart ProGel Skin loves your Smart Cover, protects your iPad 2 in TPU
The iTalkonline Smart ProGel Skin case is another TPU Smart Cover-compatible back cover for the iPad 2 that comes in a plethora of colors and configurations. Coverage The Smart ProGel is a basic TPU skin, but covers all edges and the back admirably. Decent sized cut-outs offer easy access to the dock connector port, headphones port, speaker, microphone and camera. The volume buttons and the power button are covered by the case but are still easily usable through the TPU. The case also creates a small front lip where it rolls over on to the glass of the iPad, holding it tightly and allowing you to put it flat on a table without fear for the screen. Thickness and material The case itself is about 1mm thick and is finished in that typically smooth yet "grippy" texture of TPU. The sides of the case have small manufacturing edges, but they aren't sharp and don't interfere with your grip on the iPad. The TPU itself is well suited to protecting your iPad from scratches and small bumps, but isn't going to protect it much from decent height drops, just like any other thin case in this class. The case we tested had complete back coverage, but the ProGel Skin is also available with a circular cut out to highlight the Apple logo, which might be more of use with the many colored variants available. %Gallery-134969% Verdict The iTalkonline Smart ProGel Skin case is inexpensive, gets the job done and works great with your Smart Cover. If you're looking for something that'll protect the back of your iPad 2 from scratches, but won't break the bank, then iTalkonline has you covered for about US$16 plus shipping.
Cool Bananas SmartShell complements your Smart Cover in TPU
The Cool Bananas SmartShell Case for the iPad 2 is a TPU Smart Cover-compatible back cover for the iPad 2 that's available in five different colors. Coverage The SmartShell provides good all-round coverage including complete bottom, top and side edge protection. There are, of course, the usual cut outs to allow for access to the power button, microphone, headphones port, camera, volume buttons and switch as well as the speaker and dock connecter port on the bottom edge. The SmartShell covers over the bezel on the front of the iPad 2 with a small lip that extends onto the glass boarder of the screen by about 1mm meaning you can lay it flat on the deck without touching the glass. Thickness and material Cool Bananas have chosen to use TPU for the SmartShell, which is just over 1mm thick and has a textured feel to the back that reminds us of new car seat leather -- a not unpleasant feel to the back of your iPad. The TPU is well manufactured with smooth edges and feels tough and durable. While it's not going to absorb much impact energy, it will certainly keep scratches at bay and provide you with a decent non-slippery feel. %Gallery-134783% Verdict The Cool Bananas SmartShell Case is a simple TPU skin that covers all the right areas, feels great in the hand and comes in enough colors, including transparent, to complement your Smart Cover. If you're looking for a TPU skin as a companion to your Smart Cover, the SmartShell deserves to be up near the top of your list and will set you back approximately US$26 plus shipping and handling.
iSkin solo Smart: an iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible case
Today we'll be looking at the first in a series of reviews following up on our iPad 2 Smart Cover-compatible backplate roundup. If you want a case to cover the back of your iPad 2 that still allows you to use your Apple Smart Cover, then these are the cases for you. On the chopping block today is the iSkin solo Smart, which is a clear Smart Cover-compatible iPad 2 backplate case that covers more than most. Coverage The solo Smart not only covers the back of the iPad 2 like most Smart Cover-compatible cases, but also covers all edges and a front lip of the bottom of the iPad, stopping just short of the Home Button. This means that the iSkin provides some of the best coverage available for an ultra-thin backplate, covering the top, bottom and sides of the iPad well with cut outs for the speaker on the bottom, the microphone on the top, the side switch and the camera on the back. The dock port and headphones port are covered by built-in dust cover plugs (as you can see in the gallery below), while the volume and power buttons are covered by a thinner flexible layer allowing you to push them through the case without issue. Thickness and material The iSkin solo Smart is made from a pretty thin layer of TPU, measuring approximately one millimetre thick. TPU is a rubbery material and so the case might afford some impact absorption, but at that thinness, don't bank on it saving your precious tablet from dents and cracks resulting from drops of any decent height. It's good for preventing scratches though and provides increased grip over the smooth aluminium of the iPad 2. Features The iSkin solo Smart does one thing none of the others on the TUAW testing bench manage and that's lock the Smart Cover into place. The left-hand side edge has an inlay of polycarbonate that clips over the top of the Smart Cover's magnetic attachment edge holding it securely in place, while still allowing it to fold and move as it normally would. %Gallery-134779% Verdict The iSkin solo Smart covers all sides and edges, doesn't add much to the weight or thickness of the iPad 2 and will certainly prevent scratches and minor bumps. It covers the ports with pop-out plugs, which in my opinion is a bit overkill and hinders usage, but if you don't sync your iPad or listen to it through headphones much then why not have them covered up? The same could be said for the Smart Cover lock-in mechanism. I would prefer the option to remove the Smart Cover when not using it, which isn't easy with the solo Smart on. But if you never remove the Smart Cover, the iSkin works well. If you're looking for good coverage from a thin TPU case that's compatible with your Apple Smart Cover, then the iSkin solo Smart gets the job done admirably for around US$50.
Hard Candy Street Skin for iPhone 4 makes for a decent everyday case
Hard Candy, the folks behind the Street Skin line of tire tread-like rubber cases for Apple's iDevices we've talked about before, also has an iPhone 4 variant. The Street Skin for iPhone 4 is made of TPU, a shock absorbing semi-flexible rubber, which encases the iPhone leaving only the screen exposed. Along the sides there are cut-outs for the volume buttons and mute switch, while the top and bottom have holes for the power button, headphones port, dock connector and the speakers. On the back, the camera and LED flash are left exposed for snapping pictures. The case is about 2.5 mm thick, making it pretty slimline for a rubber case and allowing it to fit in most non-custom docks without having to remove the case. It wraps around the front of the iPhone 4 as well, meaning that when laid flat on a table the screen is kept off the deck preventing scratches. The TPU gives the case a grippy texture, but thankfully not enough to cause severe pocket torsion, where you simply can't get the iPhone out of your pocket due to friction. The rubber itself has a distinctive crisscross tire tread pattern that makes it stand out from the usual cheap silicone-based fodder you see on eBay (check out the gallery below to see it in its full glory). The corners are pretty well protected, which should help if, heaven forbid, you manage to drop your precious glass iPhone. I wouldn't advocate that the Street Skin gives great impact protection, but with a bit of luck the TPU should provide enough energy absorption to prevent the screen cracking for low height drops. %Gallery-127973% Verdict Overall the Street Skin for iPhone 4 offers fairly good protection without adding huge amounts of bulk. Some might not like the tire tread patterning, or the rubber texture, but it's available in pink, white and black for both the CDMA and GSM variants of the iPhone 4 from US$29.95 and makes a decent everyday case.
Hard Candy Street Skin for iPad 2 covers all corners
Hard Candy cases, known for their sex-sells approach (just take a look at their site), has brought their Street Skin line to the iPad 2. Designed as thin yet rugged cases for Apple's iDevices, the Street Skin cases are made of TPU and feature a tire-like design with a raised grip pattern across the surface. The Street Skin for the iPad 2 is no exception, covering the iPad in a semi-flexible rubber that's about 3 mm thick. The case wraps tightly around the back and sides of the iPad with a lip covering the front edge of the screen making sure that all the corners and edges are covered nicely. There are good-sized cutouts for the buttons, mic, ports, speaker and camera meaning you're not losing any functionality with the case on. What makes the Street Skin standout is the hinged front cover design. The front flap fits into the front lip of the case on the screen, ensuring the entire glass front of the iPad 2 is covered save for two small holes where the front lip of the case is shaped to allow access to the Home buttons and the ambient light sensor. When not in use the front flap is secured by two clasps at the top and bottom right corners of the cover. Once you need access to that gorgeous screen you unhook the clasps and fold the cover back around the rear of the iPad, moving the hinge all the way to the rear of the iPad and allowing the flap to be secured across the back using the same corner clasps. Once in place the flap is properly secured out the way, allowing you to get on with your business without having to worry about it. It's a simple yet very effective design. I have doubts as to how long the clasps will last as the corner straps on the front flap are pretty thin, but after a decent period of rigorous testing there doesn't seem to be any wear and tear to them. %Gallery-127557% Verdict The Street Skin for the iPad 2 is a solid case offering. It covers the important parts, leaves access where needed and covers the screen well with it's front flap that gets out of your way when the iPad is in use. The tire-like styling may not be to everyone's taste however, and I doubt the case will do much if you dropped the iPad 2 from any great height save for preventing scratches. I've also noticed that the reverse of the front flap, the bit that touches your screen, is prone to picking up dirt, dust and fingerprints and helpfully transferring them to your screen when you close the case. If kept clean with a cloth, everything is well however. If you want fairly decent protection without adding too much bulk, then the Street Skin for iPad 2 delivers for around $39.95 plus shipping. It's available in black, white and pink, with the white one we had in for testing looking a lot like the classic Storm Trooper armor.
