Thu, 08 Jan 2026

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 Inside the sub-zero lair of the world's most powerful computer

Faisal Islam gets rare access to Willow - Google's quantum computer.

* Google's quantum computer "Willow" has achieved two significant milestones: it can perform tasks that classical computers cannot and it solved a complex problem in minutes that would have taken the world's best computer over 10 septillion years.
* Willow uses a technology called superconducting qubits to achieve its capabilities, and it is currently the most powerful quantum computer in the world.
* Google's chief executive believes that quantum processors will eventually be added to computers, and Nvidia's CEO agrees, stating that it won't pose a threat to their business model.
* China has invested heavily in quantum technology, committing over $15 billion (£11 billion) to its program and publishing more scientific papers on the subject than other countries since 2022.
* The UK is also investing in quantum research, with plans for a significant investment in the coming weeks, aiming to become one of the leading powers in the field.
* There are concerns that quantum computers could be used to decrypt encrypted data, including state secrets and cryptocurrency transactions.
* Some scientists believe that Willow's capabilities could be explained by the concept of parallel universes or multiverses.
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