Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe How long will Moore's Law continue boosting computing power? (featuring Dr. Adam Becker)
Sep 4, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Adam Becker, an astrophysicist and author known for his insights on quantum mechanics and technology's societal effects, dives into the future of computing. They explore the evolution of Moore's Law and its ramifications, considering the limits of current transistor technology. Adam discusses the double-edged sword of rapid advancements, touching on how these changes affect global issues and personal well-being. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to technology in solving complex societal challenges.
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From VIC-20 To Smartphones
- Daniel Whiteson recalls his first computer as a Commodore VIC-20 with ~20 kilobytes of RAM and cassette storage.
- He contrasts that era of punch cards and tapes with today's smartphones that vastly outperform earlier research machines.
What Moore's Law Actually Said
- Moore's Law originally described transistor density roughly doubling on a fixed cadence, which fueled rapid computing gains.
- Gordon Moore revised his prediction from yearly to roughly every two years, and that guided industry targets for decades.
Transistors Are The Fundamental Switch
- A transistor is a tiny programmable electronic switch that implements digital bits and enables all logic gates.
- NAND gates built from transistors are universal, letting engineers construct any digital computation from switches.
