There are no more leather iPhone cases from Apple. No leather Watch bands, either. Screenshot: Apple
A new video from Apple highlights the company’s move away from leather iPhone cases and Watch bands last year. Apple instead went with a new material it calls FineWoven.
Trouble is, months after Apple made the change, FineWoven continues to draw strong complaints.
Apple advert says Goodbye Leather for iPhone cases and Watch bands
Leather draws criticism from animal-rights activists and environmental activists. These concerns helped convince Apple to stop using the material for iPhone cases and Watch bands in autumn 2023.
It’s Goodbye Leather short video advert posted on YouTube on Tuesday says, “Apple has eliminated leather in accessories to help reduce impact on the planet.”
The phrase is accompanied by the word “leather” spelled out with leather then flying apart.
There were immediate complaints that the fabric is fragile. And the material is reportedly not standing up to the test of time and heavy usage.
The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern used her Tech Things newsletter to describe her iPhone 15 Pro Max’s FineWoven case after fine months of use by saying, “The edges are peeling, the fabric is scratched up like an old CD and it’s browning like a rotten banana. I’ve been waiting for the CDC to show up at my house to declare it a biomedical concern.”
There are calls from many sources for Apple to replace FineWoven with something better.
Bring on Earth Day
The Goodbye Leather ad’s release is clearly timed to be ready for Earth Day on April 22. Apple likes to talk up its environmental record.
And the iPhone-maker also premiered an advert called Recycling Robots on Tuesday. The short video says, “Apple’s robots now recover recyclable materials from 23 models of iPhone.”
Full spoilers follow for Invincible season 2 and its source material.
Invincible season 2 part 2 has ended with a bang. Exactly one month after its return, the hit Prime Video show is leaving our screens once more – and boy, did it leave us with a lot of unanswered questions.
Amazon‘s adaptation of the R-rated superhero comic books delivered a great ending to its latest installment. Its finale, titled ‘I Thought You Were Stronger’, was full of crowd-pleasing, traumatic, and puzzling moments, and we suspect you have queries about some or all of them.
From post-credits scenes and season 3 details to possible character deaths and a rumored Spider-Man cameo, we’re here to answer your most pressing questions about Invincible‘s latest season. This is your final warning: do not proceed unless you’ve seen the final episode of Invincible season 2.
Invincible season 2 ending explained: did Mark kill Angstrom Levy?
Mark Grayson’s arch-nemesis might not be as dead as he appears. (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
For anyone who hasn’t read the graphic novels, it’ll appear that way. After spending the past eight episodes grappling with the fact that he won’t be like his father Nolan/Omni-Man and take another person’s life, Mark seemingly beats Angstrom to death. He does so after Angstrom severely injures Mark’s mom Debbie, traumatizes his half-brother Oliver, and psychologically tortures Mark by sending him to various universes using his portal-based abilities.
Considering what Mark has already been through, it’s another harrowing moment for the superpowered teenager to deal with. And yet, even as the devastated Mark tries to rationalize, and then struggles to handle, the fallout from seemingly killing Angstrom, the latter isn’t dead after all.
Well, as long as one of the best Prime Video shows‘ creative team doesn’t diverge from the source material. We won’t spoil how Angstrom survives, but, if the animated series stays faithful to the comics, he’ll return – and he won’t be taking on Mark by himself next time, either. Ooooh, what a tease…
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Invincible season 2 ending explained: is Debbie okay?
Mark’s mom has seen better days. (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
Yes, but it’ll take her a while to physically and emotionally recover from another distressing incident. In recent episodes, Debbie had finally started to turn a corner following Nolan’s betrayal in the season 1 finale, but Angstrom’s revenge mission will have taken its toll on her.
Thanks to the Global Defense Agency’s advanced medical technology, however, Debbie should make a full physical recovery. She was already on the mend when Mark finally made it back to his dimension – more on this later – so she’ll be fighting fit soon enough. In the meantime, she’ll be heavily reliant on April, Oliver’s nanny, to look after him.
Invincible season 2 ending explained: where does Mark end up after his battle with Angstrom?
Mark thinks he’s stranded after his brutal and climactic battle with Angstrom. (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
It’s not explicitly stated where Mark ends up after defeating Angstrom. Neither the show nor the comics confirm if this is an alternate version of Earth but, wherever it is, a cataclysmic event has occurred that’s basically eradicated civilization as we know it.
What is interesting, though, is who rescues Mark from this wasteland planet. With the show’s titular character convinced he’s killed Angstrom who is the only person with time- and dimension-hopping powers, Mark has no way of returning home. That’s the case, anyway, until a future version of the Guardians of the Globe, who traveled 20 years into the past to find Mark, locate and save him.
Invincible season 2 ending explained: who are the Guardians of the Globe’s new team members?
Wait, who are the Guardians of the Globe’s newcomers? (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
As we mentioned above, the Guardians come to Mark’s aid. They acquire four time machines in the future, as confirmed by Robot (who’s actually Rex in Robot’s suit, but that’s a discussion for another time), which allows them to open a portal to send Mark back to his reality.
Before Mark leaves, though, the older Atom-Eve tells Mark that she loves him, has done since they first met and that he should tell present-day Eve how he feels, regardless of whether he reciprocates her love or not.
The bombshells don’t end there, either. The future Guardians’ team that rescues Mark has two new members alongside the aforementioned Eve and Rex, plus Monster Girl and Bulletproof. So, who are they? That’ll be Kid Thor and Knockout, superpowered individuals who, in the comic books, answer the Guardians’ global call to join the fight against… well, that’s really getting into spoiler territory. Let’s just say this isn’t the last you’ve seen of this Marvel-inspired, hammer-wielding individual and his boxing glove-wearing, invulnerable girlfriend.
Invincible season 2 ending explained: do Mark and Eve finally get together?
Tell her how you feel, Mark! (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
No – not yet, at least. Still reeling from apparently killing Angstrom, failing to keep Debbie and Oliver safe, and his break up with Amber in season 2 episode 7, Mark has a lot on his mind.
He meets up with Eve in season 2’s final scene but, while she’s over the moon to learn he’s okay after the whole Angstrom debacle, Mark decides not to tell Eve whether he loves her or not. Instead, they have a brief chat before sitting quietly on a rooftop looking out onto the city skyline. We’d be amazed if, as in the graphic novels, the duo doesn’t get together, but we’ll have to wait and see if that actually happens.
Invincible season 2 ending explained: does Spider-Man make a shock cameo?
Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Does whatev- oh… (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
Before we answer that, we need to set the scene. In November 2005, Invincible and the webslinger joined forces in Marvel’s Team Up comic series – volume 3 issue 14, to be exact – in a crossover event that enthralled readers.
Since Invincible season 1 debuted in March 2021, Invincible and Spider-Man fans have wondered if the latter would make a cameo in the former’s TV adaptation. Ahead of season 2 part 1’s release, speculation grew that the wallcrawler would surprisingly show up. The rumor mill went into overdrive when Josh Keaton, who voiced Peter Parker/Spider-Man in The Spectacular Spider-Man TV show, which ran from 2008 to 2009, confirmed he was voicing someone in Invincible season 2.
So, does Spidey make a crowd-pleasing cameo in the season 2 finale? No. Instead, Keaton voices a parodical version of the legendary superhero called Agent Spider. He crosses paths with Mark Grayson when Mark is sent to Agent Spider’s dimension via one of Angstrom’s portals. There, Mark helps Agent Spider thwart the efforts of Prof-Ock (a spoof of Spider-Man villain Doc-Ock), enjoys a quip or two, and then travels back to his reality via another Angstrom portal.
Considering the messy licensing agreement that Amazon would’ve had to seal with Sony (who owns the rights to Spider-Man) and Marvel (owner of the Team Up comics), it was nigh-on impossible to get a Spidey cameo. Agent Spider, then, will have to do. While you’re here, check out our guides on how to watch the Spider-Man movies in order and the best Spider-Man movies, ranked from worst to best.
Invincible season 2 ending explained: are those Batman and The Walking Dead Easter eggs?
Spider-Man isn’t the only superhero who’s referenced in season 2’s final entry. In another universe, Mark appears to meet Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, who Mark humorously pokes fun at for his lazy superhero pseudonym. Speaking of the Caped Crusader, read our guides on how to watch the Batman movies in order and the best Batman movies (you know, once you’ve finished this article).
‘I Thought You Were Stronger’ also pays homage to The Walking Dead (TWD). In yet another dimension Mark gets sent to, he arrives in a world overrun with zombies. This is a clear nod to the iconic R-rated comic series, which was also turned into a popular live-action show with numerous spin-offs since its 2005 debut. Robert Kirkman, who co-created Invincible‘s comics and TV adaptation, is also the TWD‘s creator, hence the not-so-subtle reference to his other famous works.
Invincible season 2 ending explained: wait, Dupli-Kate is alive?
Well, this certainly came as a shock. (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
She certainly is. Everyone thought Dupli-Kate died in episode 5’s barbaric showdown between Rex, Dupli-Kate, and Shrinking Rae and the nefarious Lizard League. Established fans, though, will already know that she survived that encounter, with Dupli-Kate’s original form not taking part in that ferocious fight. Tired of dying over and over again, she let her clones duke it out instead. With all of them perishing during the battle, Dupli-Kate was able to fake her own death.
It’s unclear how, when, or if she’ll reveal she’s alive to her fellow superheroes. For now, we’re sure The Immortal is overjoyed that she’s still around.
Invincible season 2 ending explained: is there a mid-credits scene?
Nolan seems resigned to his fate. (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
Yes, ‘I Thought You Were Stronger’ has a mid-credits scene. In it, Allen and Nolan telepathically communicate from their Viltrum jail cells, with the former trying to coax the latter out of his slump and join him in breaking out of prison.
It’s not an overly significant end-credits sequence, but it’s one that sets up a potentially fascinating storyline ahead of next season, which we won’t spoil here. Speaking of season 3, though…
Invincible season 2 ending explained: will there be a third season?
When will Mark fly back onto our screens? (Image credit: Amazon Studios/Skybound Animation)
Yep. Amazon renewed Invincible for two more seasons in May 2021, so we’ve known that a third entry has been on the cards for almost two years. Our Invincible season 3 hub is full of details about when we think it might be released, what storylines it’ll cover (more comic book spoilers are discussed, FYI), and more.
As for the show’s future post-season 3, that’s up in the air. In November 2023, an Amazon studio rep exclusively told TechRadar that Invincible season 4 hadn’t been secretly greenlit, despite executive producer Seth Rogen appearing to suggest so in an interview with Collider. Still, with plenty more story left to tell from the graphic novels and Invincible continuing to be a hugely popular Prime Video show, we expect more seasons to be announced in due course.
This guild is designed to show you how you can answer complex questions with the help of Google Bard and other AI assistants. Google Bard, a large language model (LLM) developed by Google AI, has quickly gained popularity for its ability to provide comprehensive and insightful answers to a wide range of questions. While it excels at answering simple and straightforward questions, its true potential lies in its capability to tackle more intricate and challenging inquiries. This article delves into the art of effectively employing Google Bard to address complex questions, empowering you to extract maximum value from this remarkable AI tool.
1. Frame Your Question Clearly
The first step towards obtaining a satisfying answer is to articulate your question with clarity and precision. Avoid vague or ambiguous language, as Bard may misinterpret your intent. Instead, structure your question in a way that provides context and guides Bard towards the specific information you seek. For instance, instead of asking “What is the meaning of life?”, rephrase it as “Explore the various philosophical perspectives on the concept of life’s meaning.”
2. Provide Background Information
If the question involves a particular subject or topic, offer Bard some background knowledge to enhance its understanding. This could include key concepts, relevant theories, or historical context. By providing a foundation, you enable Bard to grasp the nuances of the topic and provide a more informed response. For example, if inquiring about the intricacies of quantum mechanics, briefly explain the basic principles and terminology involved.
3. Break Down Complex Questions
Complex questions often encompass multiple sub-questions or require a step-by-step approach. To address such inquiries effectively, divide them into smaller, more manageable chunks. This allows Bard to focus on specific aspects of the question and provide a more detailed and comprehensive response. For instance, if questioning the origins of the universe, break it down into smaller questions like “How did the Big Bang theory emerge?” or “What evidence supports the expansion of the universe?”.
4. Use Specific Keywords
Incorporate relevant keywords into your question to guide Bard toward the desired information. This helps it identify the specific areas of its knowledge base that are most pertinent to your query. For example, if asking about the impact of artificial intelligence on society, include keywords like “social implications”, “employment trends”, or “ethical considerations”.
5. Leverage Multiple Prompts
If a question is particularly intricate or requires extensive research, consider employing multiple prompts to break it down into manageable sections. This approach allows Bard to focus on specific aspects of the question and provide a more thorough analysis. For example, when exploring the history of the Titanic, use prompts like “Discuss the engineering challenges of the Titanic’s construction” or “Analyze the factors that contributed to the ship’s sinking”.
6. Cross-Verify and Contextualize Answers
While Google Bard is remarkably adept at providing informative answers, it’s essential to cross-check its responses with credible sources to ensure accuracy and completeness. This could involve consulting academic papers, expert websites, or reputable news organizations. Furthermore, contextualize Bard’s answers by considering the sources it references and the overall context of the discussion.
7. Utilize Google Search for Enhanced Exploration
Google Bard serves as a valuable tool for initial research and exploration of complex questions. However, if you require more in-depth analysis or additional perspectives, leverage Google Search to delve deeper into specific topics and uncover further information. This combination of Bard’s insights and Google Search’s breadth of knowledge can provide a comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
8. Engage in Active Learning and Exploration
As you interact with Google Bard and explore its capabilities, engage in active learning. Observe how it responds to different types of prompts, identify its strengths and limitations, and experiment with different phrasing and structures to refine your questions. This active engagement will enhance your understanding of Bard’s potential and allow you to effectively utilize it for addressing complex inquiries.
9. Embrace Continuous Improvement
Remember that Google Bard is still under development and continuously evolving. As it learns and expands its knowledge base, its ability to handle complex questions will undoubtedly improve. Stay updated on its latest advancements, utilize its feedback mechanisms to provide suggestions, and participate in its community to contribute to its evolution.
By employing these strategies, you can unlock the full potential of Google Bard to effectively address complex questions, gaining valuable insights and expanding your knowledge across a wide range of topics. As you explore its capabilities, continuously refine your approach, and embrace its ongoing development, Google Bard will become an invaluable resource for your intellectual pursuits.
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Google Bard emerges as an expansive and sophisticated large language model (LLM) chatbot, meticulously crafted by the innovators at Google AI. Its foundation rests on an impressively vast dataset, encompassing a diverse range of text and code. This extensive training enables Bard to adeptly generate text, seamlessly translate various languages, and compose an array of creative content including but not limited to poems, scripts, and musical compositions. Moreover, Bard is equipped to respond to your queries, no matter how intricate or unconventional, in a manner that is both enlightening and thorough.
While Bard remains in a dynamic phase of development, its capabilities are already quite remarkable. These include, but are not limited to:
Following your instructions and completing your requests thoughtfully.
Answering your questions in a comprehensive and informative way, even if they are open ended, challenging, or strange.
Generating different creative text formats of text content, like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, email, letters, etc.
Here are the top 5 questions to ask Google Bard:
1. What are the latest trends in artificial intelligence?
Bard possesses the remarkable ability to provide you with an extensive and detailed analysis of the most current trends and breakthroughs in the world of artificial intelligence. This includes offering insights into the latest advancements in critical areas such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. Its knowledge base encompasses a broad spectrum of AI-related topics, allowing it to inform you about specific, ongoing AI projects that are shaping the future of technology.
Furthermore, Bard can delve into the multifaceted applications of AI across various industries, exploring how this revolutionary technology is being integrated and utilized in fields ranging from healthcare to finance, from education to entertainment, and beyond. By tapping into its vast repository of information, Bard can shed light on how AI is not only transforming these industries but also impacting the global landscape of innovation and development.
2. How can I use AI to solve my business problems?
Bard stands as a potent tool for identifying and addressing a variety of business challenges through the lens of AI technology. It’s adept at analyzing your unique business situation and proposing specific AI tools and technologies that are most suited to your needs. This guidance is not merely theoretical; Bard can provide detailed insights and real-world examples of how similar AI applications have been successfully implemented in other businesses. Whether it’s streamlining operations, enhancing customer experience, optimizing supply chains, or boosting marketing strategies, Bard can show you how AI has been a game-changer in these domains.
Moreover, Bard can walk you through case studies and success stories, illustrating how businesses, possibly in your industry or with similar challenges, have harnessed AI to drive growth, innovate solutions, and achieve their objectives. By exploring these examples, you can gain a deeper understanding of the practical applications of AI, how it can be tailored to fit your specific business context, and the potential it holds for transforming your business processes and outcomes. This comprehensive approach ensures that you’re not just informed about AI technologies but also equipped with actionable insights and strategies to leverage AI effectively in your business environment.
3. What are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence?
Bard is well-equipped to guide you through the intricate ethical landscape that surrounds artificial intelligence. This involves a thorough discussion of the myriad potential benefits that AI brings, such as efficiency enhancements, decision-making improvements, and the creation of new opportunities in various sectors. At the same time, Bard is capable of delving deeply into the risks and challenges associated with AI, such as biases in decision-making, privacy concerns, and the potential impact on employment.
Furthermore, Bard can assist you in considering the broader implications of using AI in a responsible and ethical manner. This includes reflecting on how AI decisions might affect different stakeholders, contemplating the long-term impacts of AI on society, and ensuring that AI systems are transparent, fair, and accountable. By exploring these topics, Bard can help you develop a more nuanced understanding of AI, enabling you to make informed decisions about its implementation in your projects or business.
Additionally, Bard can provide insights into the developing global conversation around AI ethics, including regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and best practices being adopted by leading organizations and governments worldwide. This can include discussing the importance of data privacy, the need for AI systems that are free from bias, and the responsibility of AI developers and users in ensuring ethical AI usage. With Bard’s assistance, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of both the potential and the pitfalls of AI, equipping you with the knowledge to use this powerful technology in a way that is beneficial and responsible.
4. How can I use AI to improve my creativity?
Bard is an invaluable asset when it comes to leveraging AI to enhance your creative endeavors. It acts as a source of inspiration, offering fresh ideas and novel perspectives that can invigorate your creative process. Whether you’re dealing with writer’s block, seeking innovative concepts for a project, or simply looking to expand your creative horizons, Bard is adept at providing suggestions that can spark your imagination.
Moreover, Bard’s capabilities extend to aiding in the generation of new content. It can assist you in exploring uncharted thematic territories or in experimenting with different styles and formats. If you’re a writer, for instance, Bard can help in developing plot ideas, character profiles, or even suggest twists for your narratives. For artists and designers, Bard can propose conceptual frameworks or visual inspirations. In the realm of music, it could offer ideas for lyrics or melodies.
But Bard’s assistance goes beyond just proposing ideas. It can also guide you through the process of fleshing out these ideas into tangible, creative outputs. By providing examples, templates, or step-by-step guidance, Bard can help you transform a budding idea into a full-fledged creative work. This process not only aids in the immediate creation of content but also contributes to the development of your long-term creative skills, making Bard a comprehensive tool for enhancing creativity through the power of AI.
5. How can I use AI to improve my productivity?
Bard is a powerful ally in your quest to harness AI for boosting productivity. Its capabilities extend to automating a range of tasks, which can significantly streamline your workflow. By taking over repetitive or time-consuming activities, Bard allows you to focus on more complex and creatively fulfilling aspects of your work. This automation ranges from simple functions like organizing data and scheduling appointments to more complex processes like sorting emails or managing databases.
Furthermore, Bard excels in helping you access information swiftly and efficiently. In the vast ocean of data available today, finding precise and relevant information can be daunting. Bard can navigate these waters with ease, quickly retrieving the information you need, whether it’s market research, academic articles, industry reports, or even specific data points. This rapid access to information not only saves time but also ensures that you are always informed and prepared.
Additionally, Google Bard offers personalized recommendations tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for tools to enhance your workflow, advice on best practices in your field, or resources for learning and development, Bard’s recommendations are informed by a deep understanding of your objectives and challenges. This personalization is grounded in AI’s ability to analyze your past interactions and preferences, ensuring that the advice you receive is not only relevant but also conducive to elevating your productivity.
By leveraging these capabilities, Bard acts as a multifaceted tool that not only enhances your efficiency and saves time but also enriches the quality of your work, allowing you to achieve more with less effort. Whether you’re a professional seeking to optimize your workday, a student aiming to streamline your study process, or anyone in between, Bard’s AI-driven support is an invaluable resource for enhancing productivity.
Here are some additional tips for asking questions to Google Bard:
Be specific in your questions. The more specific you are, the better Bard will be able to understand your question and give you a helpful answer.
Provide context for your questions. If you are asking a question about a specific topic, provide some background information so that Bard can better understand your question.
Be creative with your questions. Bard can answer a wide range of questions, so don’t be afraid to ask it something challenging or unusual.
Summary
Google Bard stands out as a remarkably potent AI chatbot, designed to be versatile and adaptive, catering to a wide array of tasks and queries. Its functionality spans a broad spectrum, making it a valuable tool for diverse needs and applications. When you engage with Bard, the key lies in posing the right questions. Through this interactive process, you can unlock a wealth of knowledge and solutions.
In summary, Google Bard is more than just an AI chatbot; it’s a multi-faceted tool that can be harnessed to expand your knowledge, solve complex problems, ignite creativity, and enhance productivity, all through the power of asking the right questions and engaging with its advanced AI capabilities.
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