TechCheck TechCheck Takes: I Held Google's Willow Chip — What Quantum Means for the Future of AI 5/7/25
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May 7, 2025 
Julian Kelly, a veteran from Google's quantum unit, shares insights from their secretive lab in Santa Barbara. He dives into the groundbreaking Willow chip and its potential to redefine AI capabilities. The discussion also contrasts Google's advancements with those of competitors like Amazon, hinting at a technological rivalry. Kelly sheds light on the balance between hype and reality in quantum computing, showcasing the excitement—and skepticism—surrounding its future impact on artificial intelligence and beyond.
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Willow Chip Breakthrough
- Google's Willow chip solved a benchmark problem far beyond classical computers, taking only minutes versus 10 septillion years.
- This shows practical quantum computing progress with significantly reduced error rates, enabling future scalable applications.
First Hands-On With Willow
- Deirdre Bosa was the first reporter to hold Google's Willow chip at their Santa Barbara quantum lab.
- She saw firsthand the technology and Google's ultra-cold dilution fridge used to operate the chip.
Market Reacts to Willow
- Google's Willow breakthrough caused a surge in Alphabet's stock and interest in quantum computing stocks.
- Investors see Google as having tangible progress others don't yet demonstrate.