The article Quantum Echos: Google is once again celebrating the quantum revolution appeared first in the online magazine BASIC thinking. With our newsletter UPDATE you can start the day well informed every morning.
Whether “breakthrough”, “revolution” or “historical milestone”: Google is celebrating a new AI algorithm for quantum computers that is said to be 13,000 times faster than classic supercomputers. Critics are regarding Quantum Echoes but they are skeptical and doubt the practical benefits – also because the company has recently been proclaiming revolutions more frequently, some of which have been refuted.
New AI Algorithm: What is Quantum Echos?
- Google subsidiary Quantum AI has a new AI algorithm on the special chip Willow got it running. It is said to be 13,000 times faster than the best algorithms on the world’s fastest supercomputers. The special thing: Quantum Echoes can apparently do it too can be made to run on other computersto check results.
- Google Quantum AI already made headlines in 2019. One was announced back then too Breakthrough in quantum computing. A 54-qubit quantum processor had solved a task in 200 seconds that would reportedly take supercomputers 10,000 years to complete. competitor A short time later, IBM dampened the euphoria. The company demonstrated that a supercomputer with the right algorithm only takes 2.5 days.
- For years, Google had tried to demonstrate a so-called quantum advantage using specially designed problems. Critics criticized one Waste of time and resourcesthere artificially generated problems have no practical use would have. This could change with Quantum Echoes, as the results could have practical applications, according to Google. So far it is a theoretical model.
An echo in the research laboratories
Despite the announced revolution, adorned with numerous superlatives, Quantum Echoes does not represent a leap into a new era – at least not at the moment. Rather a loud echo echoes through the research laboratorieswhose theory could be used in practice for the first time.
However, proof of a quantum advantage is not needed to overcome complex problems. Because some companies are already making progress with quantum computers. It doesn’t really matter whether classic supercomputers can keep up.
However, there is a gap between laboratory performance and economic application Questions about cooling technology, error correction and enormous energy requirements. While many headlines suggest that this has already been overcome, Quantum Echoes only gives a glimpse of what could one day be possible.
The Google algorithm represents the beginning of a possibly long process of convergence between theory and practice. The fact that Google wants to make its results reproducible is less marketing than a methodological maturation process. After years of self-dramatization Quantum research is apparently returning to sobriety.
Voices
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai in one Post on X (formerly Twitter): “This algorithm can explain interactions between atoms in a molecule and paves the way for applications in drug discovery and materials science. The result is provable, meaning it can be confirmed through experiments. This breakthrough is a significant step towards the first real-world application of quantum computing.”
- Winfried Hensinger, Professor of Quantum Technologies at the University of Sussex, classifies: “It’s important to understand that the performance achieved by Google is not quite as revolutionary as some of the world-changing applications expected for quantum computing. However, it is further compelling evidence that quantum computers are gradually becoming more powerful.”
- Dries Sels, quantum physicist at New York Universityis with a view to the Google release far more skeptical: “The burden of proof should be high. Personally, I don’t think that’s enough to make such a far-reaching claim.”
Quantum Echos: Google could have made real progress
Compared to previous supposed revolutions, Google Quantum AI seems to have made real progress with its new algorithm – especially because Theory could find practical applications. However, it is questionable whether and how this computing power can be meaningfully applied to real problems.
To ensure that expectations do not grow faster than actual solutions, one would have to Avoid repeating the AI hype. Quantum Echoes could then become a breakthrough that impresses in practice and not only shines with its theoretical performance.
If the Race of superlatives developed into a scientific understanding of progress in which it is no longer the loudest thing that convinces, but rather the comprehensible thing, this could change the discourse in the technology industry for the better. Away from hype and towards social benefit. But even that will probably take a few years.
Also interesting:
- More and more errors: AI can’t do news
- Vandalism against charging stations – an ideologically motivated act
- New e-car funding – just not for everyone
- Chat control: Germany torpedoes EU plans
The post Quantum Echos: Google celebrates quantum revolution again appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard or subscribe to our newsletter UPDATE.
As a Tech Industry expert, I am excited to see Google celebrating the quantum revolution with Quantum Echos. Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize the way we solve complex problems and push the boundaries of what is possible in technology.
Google has been at the forefront of quantum computing research and development, and their dedication to advancing this field is commendable. Quantum Echos is a great way to showcase the progress that has been made in quantum computing and to inspire others to explore this cutting-edge technology.
I believe that quantum computing will have a profound impact on various industries, from healthcare to finance to artificial intelligence. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with quantum computing, I am excited to see the innovative solutions that will emerge and the ways in which it will shape the future of technology.
Credits