Wed, 19 Feb 2025

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 Powerful quantum computers in years not decades, says Microsoft

It says a new chip it has created could end up being as important a breakthrough as the semiconductor.

* Microsoft has unveiled a new chip called Majorana 1 that can enable quantum computers to solve "meaningful, industrial-scale problems" in years, not decades.
* The chip uses a topological conductor based on a new material developed by Microsoft, which has the potential to be as revolutionary as the semiconductor was in computing history.
* Experts are cautiously optimistic about the development, but note that more data is needed to fully assess its significance and impact on quantum computing.
* Microsoft's approach differs from its rivals, who have been focusing on developing qubits, the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers.
* The company claims it has a path to scaling up its chip to a million qubits, which would create immense computing power.
* Other experts are skeptical about Microsoft's claims and warn that there is still much work to be done before practical applications can be developed.
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