Tachyum Inc. announced that it has further expanded the capabilities of its Prodigy Universal Processor through support for TensorFlow and PyTorch environments, enabling a faster, less expensive and more dynamic solution for the most challenging artificial intelligence/machine learning workloads.

Analysts predict that AI revenue will surpass $300 billion by 2024 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of up to 42 percent through 2027. AI is being heavily invested in by technology giants looking to make the technology more accessible for enterprise use-cases. They include self-driving vehicles to more sophisticated and control-intensive disciplines like Spiking Neural Nets, Explainable AI, Symbolic AI and Bio AI. When deployed into AI environments, Prodigy is able to simplify software processes, accelerate performance, save energy and better incorporate rich data sets to allow for faster innovation.

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Proprietary programming environments like CUDA are inherently hard to learn and use. With open source solutions like TensorFlow and PyTorch, there are a hundred times more programmers that can leverage the frameworks to code for large-scale ML applications on Prodigy. By including support for deep learning environments that are easier to learn, build and train diversified neural networks, Tachyum is able to overcome and move beyond the limitations facing those working exclusively with NVIDIAs CUDA or with OpenCL.

In much the same way that external floating-point coprocessors and vector coprocessor chips have been internalized into the CPU, Tachyum is making external matrix coprocessors for AI an integral part of the CPU. By having integrated matrix operations as part of Prodigy, Tachyum is able to provide high-precision neural network acceleration of up to 10 times faster than other solutions. Tachyums support of 16-bit floating point and lower precision data types improves performance and saves energy in applications, such as video processing. Faster than the NVIDIA A100, Prodigy uses compressed data types to allow larger models to fit in memory. Instead of 20GB shared coherent memory, Tachyum allows 8TB per chip and 64TB per node.

Idle Prodigy-powered universal servers in hyperscale data centers, during off-peak hours, will deliver 10x more AI Neural Network training/inference resources than currently available, CAPEX free (i.e. at low cost, since the Prodigy-powered universal computing servers are already bought & paid for). Tachyums Prodigy enables edge computing and IOT products, which will have an onboard high-performance AI inference optimized to exploit Prodigy-based AI training from either the cloud or the home office.

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Business and trade publications are predicting just how important AI will become in the marketplace, with estimates of more than 50 percent of GDP growth coming from it, said Dr. Radoslav Danilak, Tachyum founder and CEO. What that means is that the less than 1 percent of data processed by AI today will grow to as much as 40 percent and the 3 percent of the planets power used by data centers will grow to 10 percent in 2025. There is an immediate need for a solution that offers low power, fast processing and easy of use and implementation. By incorporating open source frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, we are able to accelerate AI and ML into the world with human-scale computing coming in 2 to 3 years.

Tachyums Prodigy can run HPC applications, convolution AI, explainable AI, general AI, bio AI and spiking neural networks, as well as normal data center workloads on a single homogeneous processor platform with its simple programming model. Using CPU, GPU, TPU and other accelerators in lieu of Prodigy for these different types of workloads is inefficient. A heterogeneous processing fabric, with unique hardware dedicated to each type of workload (e.g. data center, AI, HPC), results in underutilization of hardware resources, and a more challenging programming environment. Prodigys ability to seamlessly switch among these various workloads dramatically changes the competitive landscape and the economics of data centers.

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Prodigy significantly improves computational performance, energy consumption, hardware (server) utilization and space requirements compared to existing chips provisioned in hyperscale data centers today. It will also allow Edge developers for IoT to exploit its low power and high performance, along with its simple programming model to deliver AI to the edge.

Prodigy is truly a universal processor. In addition to native Prodigy code, it also runs legacy x86, ARM and RISC-V binaries. And, with a single, highly efficient processor architecture, Prodigy delivers industry-leading performance across data center, AI, and HPC workloads. Prodigy, the companys flagship Universal Processor, will enter volume production in 2021. In April, the Prodigy chip successfully proved its viability with a complete chip layout exceeding speed targets. In August, the processor is able to correctly execute short programs, with results automatically verified against the software model, while exceeding the target clock speeds. The next step is to get a manufactured wholly functional FPGA prototype of the chip later this year, which is the last milestone before tape-out.

Prodigy outperforms the fastest Xeon processors at 10x lower power on data center workloads, as well as outperforming NVIDIAs fastest GPU on HPC, AI training and inference. A mere 125 HPC Prodigy racks can deliver 32 tensor EXAFLOPS. Prodigys 3X lower cost per MIPS and 10X lower core power translates to a 4X lower data center Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), enables billions of dollars of savings for hyperscalers such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Alibaba, and others. Since Prodigy is the worlds only processor that can switch between data center, AI and HPC workloads, unused servers can be used as CAPEX-free AI or HPC cloud, because the servers have already been amortized.

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Tachyum Prodigy Native AI Supports TensorFlow and Pytorch - AiThority

Over the past two years, Denver Arts & Venues has been awarding local musicians and music-centric organizations grants as part of the Denver Music Advancement Fund. This year, that fund includes a combined $75,000 for grants to Denver-based, music-centered projects driving economic vibrancy, building a more resilient, equitable and connected city, while creating positive social change.

This year, Denver Arts & Venues is teaming up with Illegal Petes and a new 2020 partner, Take Note Colorado, a statewide initiative to provide access to musical instruments and instruction to K-12 students.

Take Note is proud to be a part of the Denver Music Advancement Fund which aligns perfectly with our goal to provide music instruments and instruction, says Walt DeHaven, Take Note Colorado chair and CBS4 general manager, in a statement. It is so important right now that we continue to help our students to have meaningful music experiences.

The Denver Music Advancement Fund is accepting grant proposals from August 28 through October 2. The effort is being funded by Denver Arts & Venues and partners at Illegal Petes and Take Note Colorado and will provide grant opportunities of up to $7,500 per grant to individuals and organizations supporting Denvers music ecosystem.

And that ecosystem has been hit hard by the coronavirus. A recent study by Denver Arts & Venues in partnership with Colorado Creative Industries and Colorado State University estimates that 4,525 jobs and $213.7 million in sales revenue have been lost in Denvers music industry since the start of COVID-19 pandemic.

While this year has been as challenging a year as the restaurant industry has ever seen, its been equally or more challenging for our music and arts community, says Pete Turner, founder and owner of Illegal Petes, in a statement. Though Illegal Petes is fighting the existential threat we are all fighting, were proud that we will still be able to partner in presenting the 2020 Denver Music Advancement Fund. Our creative communities need all of the support that we can offer right now; it is even more important now to celebrate the light and breath that these communities provide.

Denver Music Advancement Fund applicants can be individuals, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit or community organizations located in the City and County of Denver, or entities outside of the City and County of Denver collaborating with Denver-based applicants or supporting City and County of Denver residents through their programming. Denver Arts & Venues encourages proposals that do one or more of the following:

Respond to current COVID-19-related programming gaps Advance positive change in societal inequities Use music to create a more empathetic and equitable society Demonstrate a clear understanding of a population that lacks access to music Address a specific need with inclusive and culturally relevant programming Explore a broad range of musical genres Engage and benefit diverse and historically marginalized communities Provide student-centered and culturally relevant instruments and instruction Have potential for significant artistic and cultural impact on a community Support career growth and capacity-building to help build workforce in difficult times Explore global and culturally diverse connections Emphasize sustained music-making and other experiential approaches to music instruction Devise and test new ideas to address emergency preparedness and planning

Funded projects must take place in 2020-2021 calendar years and demonstrate financial, time and/or in-kind resource matches. For full guidelines, criteria and application instructions, please visit http://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/denver-music-advancement-fund.

Jon Solomon writes about music and nightlife for Westword, where he's been the Clubs Editor since 2006.

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Denver Arts and Venues Music Advancement Fund Open for Applications - Westword

The finish line of a big client initiative was in sight for Cognite Project Manager Katherine Cao, but one obstacle remained that required the skills of someone who knew the ins and outs of React, an open-source JavaScript library for building user interfaces.

However, a solution appeared: A recently hired full-stack developer, who recounted his knowledge of the programming language on his first day of the job, was quick to lend a hand after Cao approached him for help.

In a week, the problem was solved.

Without even having completed onboarding, he responded, Of course, why not? Literally, in a week, he was able to get it working, Cao said. We were able to deliver that part of the project, and our end user was extremely happy.

According to Cao, a University of Texas engineering alum, the episode illustrates a culture at the Norway-headquartered company where teammates jump to lend their expertise.

Her fellow Houston-based colleague, Data Scientist Darius Alix-Williams, expressed a similar sentiment when he recently consulted with an overseas colleague on a valve project.

Being able to move quickly, tap into our talent pool and work inan environment where its OK to not understand something has been a big enabler of growth, Alix-Williams said. Knowing that theres someone around you who knows more than you do, and is willing to share that, has made the experience really positive.

As teammates in Cognites first North American locations the company, founded in 2016, opened its Austin and Houston offices in early 2019 being able to tap a vast network of intelligence is crucial as the company expands its footprint. In turn, that allows them to chart an industry where colleagues say new challenges are ample.

Oil and gas, manufacturing and utility companies dont just produce a commodity with their efforts comes troves of data, too. Teammates at Cognite help make sense of that information to equip clients with actionable insights, such as forecasting when a piece of machinery might require maintenance.

Alix-Williams: I started out in academia. You dont see the fruits of your labor for a while. Here, thats not the case. Your challenges are complex and fast-paced; youre interacting with many different pieces. At the same time, youre rewarded. When you make an impact on the project, its conveyed pretty quickly. You know that youre making a difference in the company early on at every stage.

Cao: I came from two very large companies, and in those very structured environments, there are certain expectations and tasks dealt to you. Here, if you want to do something, you can and are encouraged to initiate it.

COO TrygveRnningen: Togetherness and impact are what we aspire to live by. Our CEO in Norway says,Just do it, and well correct it if its wrong. If it fails, we fail quickly and we can correct it. I think thats the pace weve adopted in the U.S.

Alix-Williams: We each have a people manager, who we meet with to set career goals. On a project team or pod level, were moving at a really fast and agile pace. We have standup meetings where we actually talk to each other and figure out whats going on.

Cao: I think we have a very flat hierarchy structure. Were not only encouraged, but expected, to voice our opinions and concerns. Senior management is willing to address any questions that any of the staff has. Its a very open culture.

Rnningen: Our Friday meetings are very open and frank. There are very few things that you cant ask if you feel thats important for you.

I think we have a very flat hierarchy structure. Were not only encouraged but expected to voice our opinions and concerns.

Rnningen: Theres always a yes, lets try it mentality. Its never starting in the defensive position. What motivates me to do better is the people around me who are coming up with things that I never even thought would be possible.

Cao: Beyond technical aspects, Ive been able to learn a lot from the people Im working with because the team is so diverse. Its been really awesome to learn how to fit those pieces together and how everybody can contribute to a project in their own way.

Alix-Williams: The talent pool here blows my mind. Recently, I was working on measuring drift and sensors, something Id never done before. Having someone in our company in Norway whos a valve expert that I could have crash course sessions with was amazing.

Successfully ingesting, synthesizing and applying big data in a customer-facing capacity also hinges on fluid sharing of intelligence internally. To do so, the company embraces integrated and cross-functional team models while championing transparency for company OKRs, said Head of Internal Communications Audrey Camp. By creating and implementing OKRs, weve helped give every team member clarity, purpose and direction, Camp recently told Built In Austin.

Rnningen: As we mature as a company, well formalize these things more. I like having some guidelines, but I also like being able to make my own. I feel it fits well with the customer, project or the objectives that were trying to accomplish. Its not for everyone but, personally, I feel thats better for me.

Cao: I come from large companies with a very structured framework. Some people enjoy that, but I think that many people enjoy exploring what they like doing and finding out what theyre good at. I like being able to rotate through different departments. Not having those limitations really helps take your career where you want it to go.

Alix-Williams: Ive seen peoples careers go down really interesting paths that even they hadnt anticipated, because they realized they had a skill that Cognite didnt have yet. Youre encouraged to explore, like a create-your-own-adventure story. I like the ability to learn what I want to do as I go, versus following a set framework.

Rnningen: I want Cognite to be remembered as a companythat changed the waythe industry works and made it a more sustainable business than what it is today. Its an opportunity I havent had before and I will never have again.

Cao: I want to expand on different parallels within my client and in this company, as well as explore different projects within renewable energy and other up-and-coming industries. Im excited to showcase additional use cases and present how we can change the way they work.

Alix-Williams: Before this, I was working in a research lab using computational methods to model materials. Id like to use physics-based modeling in some capacity, maybe for predictive maintenance. I havent figured out exactly how my background is going to fit into our ethos, but Im sure once I figure it out, the companys going to support me.

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As This Global Software Company Expands, Here's How It Preserves a High-Growth Culture - Built In Austin

In yet another marriage of sports media with the rising tide of legalized sports betting in the US,NBCUniversal and PointsBet today announced a multi-year partnership by which PointsBet becomes the official sports betting partner of NBC Sports.

As part of the agreement, NBC Sports will provide PointsBet with year-round, multi-platform media and marketing opportunities across its portfolio of events. The companys sports programming includes NBC Olympics, the Golf Channel, NBC Sports Regional Networks, and the Olympic Channel.

The deal is part of a trend among network sports entities. ESPN has partnered with Caesars Entertainment and has a new Daily Wager program, while Fox has an ownership stake in betting service FoxBet via a deal with The Stars Group, a Canadian developer of online and mobile gaming technology. Sports betting is now legal in 18 states plus Washington, DC.

NBC Sports Group serves sports fans 24/7 with live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. The sports media company consists of NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBCSN, Golf Channel, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBC Sports Audio Network and NBC Sports Digital, which includes NBCSports.com, NBCOlympics.com, GolfChannel.com the digital assets of the NBC Sports Regional Networks, Rotoworld, the NBC Sports Talk franchise, multiple apps, two transactional sports businesses, GolfNow and SportsEngine, and a direct-to-consumer product NBC Sports Gold.

NBC Sports Group broadcasts programming from the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, IndyCar, The PGA Tour, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, and the French Open, among other properties.

Additional highlights of todays agreement, which will take effect immediately:

We are excited to begin this partnership with PointsBet, which will deliver unmatched sports betting engagement opportunities across multiple platforms, saidDavid Preschlack, president, NBC Sports Regional Networks, and EVP content strategy, NBC Sports Group. For NBCUniversal and PointsBet, this agreement provides considerable opportunities in the fast-growing sports betting marketplace, which is unique to this extensive and robust, multi-year arrangement. Looking ahead, were also excited about the significant activation opportunities that will come to fruition as sports betting continues to proliferate across the U.S.

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NBC Inks Partnership Deal With Sports Betting Platform PointsBet, Will Integrate Into Programming - Deadline

In the Python world, people are very much familiar with the amazing tools it provides and the different alternatives to native Python-like Anaconda. Also, the diversified tools and the easiness this language provides are unmatched with any other programming language. But, for a beginner, it is very much confusion as to what to choose and when. I am trying to convey that people who are new to Python fail to differentiate a few things and therefore always are in a confusing situation. Talking in the context of the topic, many people dont know the difference between Anaconda and Spyder. This article will help you all to know the difference between the two and clear all your doubts.

Anaconda is an alternative to the normal Python that we download from the python.org. This is an open-source platform provided by the Anaconda community for the developers out there mainly concerned with developing things with the help of Python and R programming languages. The download can be made through the official website of Anaconda that is anaconda.com and then can be utilized for development purposes.

The Anaconda installation is compatible with any operating system whether Windows, Mac, or Linux and comes under executable file for installation. The setup is a 3 to 4 step process and can be easily understood by any nave person. Also, being an open-source platform people around the globe can contribute their part in building Anaconda more robust and user friendly. The environment of Anaconda (Anaconda Navigator) contains various necessary packages that we download for carrying out Python operations and also it contains different text editors and data visualization tools. One such text editor that it provides is Spyder.

Spyder is a very powerful editor that provides all the necessary features starting from code framing to its deployment. It runs on top of pyqt5 and is a very handy tool for writing Python codes in a very clear and beautified manner. The text editor is highly preferred by Data Scientists and Application developers related to Python. Also, there is a provision to use this Spyder as a kind of Jupyter Notebook with little tweaking process.

This means the difference between Anaconda and Spyder is we can use Spyder just like Jupyter that is running separate code blocks at a time to avoid any kind of errors. There is also a provision to download Spyder separately and not using Anaconda at all. This can be done through the pip installation of pyqt5 and then Spyder. Whereas Anaconda is a complete platform that not only provides the Python but more than 180 scientific packages and libraries to develop various programs.

Make sure the Python or Anaconda is already installed on your system. After that open Command Prompt or terminal either on Windows, Linux or macOS and type the following things:

Once these all steps are done to run the Spyder just type spyder3 in the Command Prompt and it will take you to Spyder text editor. Although this is the way to download Spyder separately, however, it is highly recommended to use Spyder through Anaconda environment because the bindings for Spyder installation may create problems if installed separately and a beginner may find it difficult to rectify the errors.

By looking above we can conclude that Anaconda is the main package that contains Spyder IDE (Integrated Development Environment) embedded in it. Also, if you want to work in Spyder then it is highly preferred to do so through Anaconda as it provides a highly stable version of Spyder rather than going with the pip installation.

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What is the difference between Anaconda and Spyder? - H2S Media

40531

Whats that?

The number of Java Full Stack Developer job openings in India, listed on naukri.comThats huge. Isnt it?

So, what if you add a full stack java developer certificate in your resume? It will make you stay at the top of the list of preferred candidates. To achieve the certification, the most sensible move is to take up a full-stack developer training online, that will make your dream of being a full-stack developer come true.

Regardless of the size of the industry, a start-up, or an established one, every organization is looking for java full-stack developers. The reason is that a full-stack developer continuously delivers advantages over restricted task professionals.Another reason for the huge increase in demand for full-stack developers is that the companies now wish to have smaller teams to save time and cost. If the company is product-based, whether it is a start-up or elsewhere, hiring a full-stack developer becomes crucial.There has been a 20% growth in the demand for full-stack developers in the last few years, with companies willing to have multi-talented professionals with a varied skill set on board.

Who is a Full-Stack Developer?The simplest way to define a full-stack developer is a candidate who can develop both client and server software. If a developer works on full-stack, it implies that he/she is performing all the tasks regarding Front-end, Back-end, the database, and finally the integration process. As a full-stack developer, you need to care about coding the server-side API, programming languages for back end development, executing the client-side of the application using JavaScript, querying databases, and version control systems as well.

A full-stack developer adds value to the organization and team, owing to developing a varied skill-set and the ability to work on a project independently, thereby reducing the operational costs.

You need to interpret the requirements of the user into the overall architecture and implement it accordingly. You are required to work on both client-side and server-side, and understand the whole process of application development. A full-stack developer can switch from one part of an application to another without any problem. You also need to design the web-pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Skills Required To Become a Full-Stack DeveloperThough there are many skills you need to master to become a full-stack developer, some of the most important ones are listed below.

1. HTML/CSSYou need to have a thorough knowledge of HTML or HyperText Markup Language, and CSS or Cascading Style Sheets. These are required to design web pages, building blocks of web development, and add and style content to create an effective web presence.To define the structure of web pages using markup, HTML assists you well. On the other hand, with CSS you can deal with the presentation of HTML elements. Both the programming languages are essential for creating an effective front-end, hence you need to master both of them.

2. JavaScriptIt is mandatory to master JavaScript as it is a popular object-oriented scripting language used to add features to an application using HTML. it can be used to write client-side, front-end, and back-end code for servers.It is the only language that can be executed on the server-side with Node.Js, and natively in the browser too.With the javascript features like Angular or React, you can make your web page dynamic and responsive.

3. Back-end Languages like Python, PHP, Ruby, etc and back-end frameworks like Node.JSAfter knowing front-end requirements, you also need to master back-end technologies in order to accomplish full-stack development. There are back-end programming languages like Python, Java, PHP, Ruby, etc which are required to code the server-side.Today Python is most in demand by clients across the globe; the language with a large framework (eg Django), and the syntaxes are refined and simple.

4. Git, GitHub and SourcetreeOne of the highest-ranked version control systems, Git aids you with effective management of changes that are made in an application, document, code, website, and other information regarding application development.It serves as an open-source web-based repository that provides hosting services. You need to have a profile on GitHub and be proficient in Git so that you can keep track of the smallest possible change in an application.

5. Databases and Web StorageAfter concentrating on front-end and back-end, you need to focus on a data repository where you can store it for further access. You must have a clear understanding of relational databases and memory storage, and be capable of creating, understanding, and manipulating the database query.Also, you need to understand the concepts of relational and non-relational databases.To store the data effectively, you are required to clearly understand the peculiarities of relational data, NoSQL databases, and web storage. You also need to know how to link a database and the back-end.

6. Web ArchitectureApart from the knowledge of front-end and back-end, as a full-stack developer, you are expected to have the knowledge of structuring the code and separating files. When you separate the files, you have to keep track of its location along with structuring the data in databases and perform computational tasks.

7. HTTP and RESTAs you already know that HTTP (HyperText Transmit Protocol) lets the server communicate with the client. REST or Representational State Transfer acts as an interface between systems that leverages HTTP to fetch the data, or perform necessary operations on the data in any format. So, to be clear, REST API acts as a translator that lets the back-end understand the front-end. As a front-end developer, it is crucial for you to gain expertise in these technologies.

Salary of a Full-Stack DeveloperYou will be amazed to know that the salary of a full-stack developer, according to a survey by PayScale, ranges from $46,000 to $115,000. However, the salary may vary with the company, geographic location, experience, and skills.

ConclusionNow you have come across the skills required to become a full-stack developer. To develop these skills, you can take up an online training course and get yourself certified in the domain.An online training course gives you choices in learning hours and mode of learning along with the doubt sessions carried out by industry experts.

All you need is to register yourself.

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What Are The Skills Required For Java Full Stack Developer? - The Citizen

My kids love laptops. They especially love laptops that play Minecraft and let them watch YouTube for hours at a time. But, I wondered, would they like a laptop that features a four-segment LED display, motion sensor, and RFID programmer? Further, would they like a laptop that looks, at first glance, unlike any other laptop theyve seen?

That laptop is the $US270 ($368) CrowPi2 ($US450 ($613) in the configuration I tested), a STEAM learning platform that consists of a screen, a built-in Raspberry Pi, and a large breadboard like I/O system that lets you run experiments and test components using a wireless keyboard and mouse. Its just like those 100-in-1 electronics kits you probably had as a kid, but far more powerful.

At its core, the CrowPi2 is simply a case for a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, the latest open-source, single-board educational computer. In addition to the included accessories joysticks, a keyboard, a wireless mouse, IR remote control you get an 11-inch, 1080p screen and a built-in 2-megapixel camera. The model I tested came preloaded with Raspbian, a powerful Raspberry Pi OS that gives you a simple, usable desktop OS without much hassle.

The OS includes Scratch for simple programming, a Python IDE for coding experiments, and an Arduino IDE for more granular device coding. It also includes Minecraft Pi, a slimmed-down version of Minecraft for smaller computers, and a Chromium web browser.

The case itself is mostly hollow since the raspberry Pi resides in a slot at the bottom left corner of the laptop. There is no battery and it runs off power that plugs directly into the side of the laptop. Aside from the open USB ports on the Raspberry Pi, it has one micro USB port and a headphone jack. The keyboard fits into a slot on the case and is removable, allowing you to access the sensors and buttons underneath.

A Raspberry Pi-powered laptop intended to teach kids how to code.

$US270 ($368); Tested at $US450 ($613)

Great 22-in-1 electronics kit built in, and super intuitive software to teach kids coding.

There are much cheaper alternatives if you just want use a Raspberry Pi as a computer. It's definitely too advanced for younger kids.

There are two ways to interact with the CrowPi2 software. The default is a simple kiosk mode that lets you perform experiments and learn about the laptops various features. You can close this kiosk mode to access the operating system itself and even open a terminal so you can code using more traditional editors like Vim and Emacs.

My eight-year-old immediately clicked the Minecraft button in Kiosk mode and then played some games in Scratch. My older son looked at the laptop and went back to his gaming PC. He knows nerfed hardware when he sees it.

Frustrated, I asked the kids to run through a few tutorials, which they begrudgingly did.

Based on my testing, I found that this laptop is for older kids. While its nice to imagine a precocious eight-year-old coding and hacking Arduino using this thing, its definitely aimed at a pre-teen to High School demographic. While Scratch, the grade school programming language, is front and centre in the Kiosk mode, most of the more complex features are aimed at older kids who can program Python or in Arduinos own scripting language.

For example, the kit comes with cardboard cutouts that contain RFID chips. When you move these cutouts to the RFID reader, you can automatically build houses and TNT boxes in Minecraft. The whole thing would be a great project for your youngest Minecrafters but its not a solo project for anyone under twelve.

Once you begin exploring the whole package, however, you discover a wealth of sensors and controls.

The kit features 22 components on a nicely-laid out board. It has tilt sensors, ultrasonic distance sensors, an even a few LCD and LED readouts. You can program an included RFID dongle wirelessly and it even supports AI-based camera APIs for facial recognition. The board works seamlessly with the Raspberry Pi, which means you can access these controls from almost any part of the operating sytem.

A very cool state LED readout shows you what pins are active on your Raspberry Pi and you can even control higher-voltage systems with a switching relay. In all, its a surprisingly powerful package.

Thankfully the system includes a number of tutorials that let you walk through simple to complex coding examples step-by-step. As a test, I asked my eight-year-old and fourteen-year-old to make the LCD screen do something without my help. In a few minutes they ran through a tutorial and made the machine say You really smell like a farts. Mission accomplished.

But thats not all! Because this runs a Raspberry Pi you can easily load video game emulators, robotics controllers, and even mine bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. And because it doubles as a real laptop you can use LibreOffice, a free MS Office clone, and visit web pages as you would on any other laptop. The Raspberry Pi is surprisingly powerful and the whole system works surprisingly well.

That word surprisingly is key. In all the years Ive built DIY Raspberry Pi powered-hardware, Ive always been disappointed in the quality and the utility. Elecrow, in the case of the CrowPi2, offers both.

But who exactly is this laptop for? At $US450 ($613) with built-in Raspberry Pi, youre definitely getting into cheaper laptop pricing. Further, all of the features this system includes are available as separate components from sites like Adafruit. Finally, as a STEAM system for kids this thing is worryingly complex and potentially fragile. You wont be sticking this into a book bag and dragging it to school.

That said, if you want to teach your kids advanced electronics and let them try Linux, I havent seen anything better. While you can easily get a Raspberry Pi, keyboard, and mouse, having all these things in one package is a superior proposition. Elecrow did a good job with the case and the accessories, essentially taking the best of the Shenzhen electronics markets and putting them together, shanzai-style, into a working product.

The system is very specifically for a kid between the ages of ten and fifteen who shows some interest in deep coding. I imagine anyone who tries this thing will eventually move onto more complex systems and probably assemble their own breadboard based electronics, but this is definitely a nice introduction.

I rarely recommend STEAM toys because the creators seem to neither understand technology or the needs of young students. Elecrow, quite surprisingly, has done both and I really enjoyed the features, the usability, and the educational software included in this clever, compact learning computer.

CrowPi2 is a clever little laptop for kids

Powerful Raspberry Pi computer with lots of features

A 22-in-1 electronics kit built-in

Plays Doom

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It Wont Replace a Laptop, But the CrowPi2 Is a Powerful Learning Tool - Gizmodo Australia