Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson
(Preview) Google’s Willow Chip, Drones as a Platform and Anduril Follow-Up, Building Inside and Outside Silicon Valley
Dec 16, 2024
Dive into Google's groundbreaking Willow chip and its potential in quantum computing. Explore how quantum tech stands apart from classical computing, revolutionizing data processing. The discussion also touches on the balance between innovation and antitrust, examining Google’s tech advancements against historical benchmarks. Discover the contrasting strategies of tech giants like Google and Apple. Plus, insights into the future and evolving perceptions of drone technology, from civilian uses to military applications, keep the conversation buzzing.
22:12
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Quick takeaways
- Google's Willow chip marks a breakthrough in quantum computing by significantly improving error correction and processing capabilities compared to classical supercomputers.
- The discussion highlights the philosophical debate on the balance between private innovation by tech giants and the public accessibility of groundbreaking advancements.
Deep dives
Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing with Google's Willow Chip
Google's Willow chip represents a significant advancement in quantum computing by addressing key challenges related to quantum error correction. This new chip reduces errors exponentially as more qubits are used, a notable breakthrough compared to previous attempts in the field that spanned nearly three decades. Additionally, Willow completed benchmark computations in under five minutes, a task that would take conventional supercomputers an astonishing 10 septillion years, thereby showcasing the chip's potential for processing power. This capability hints at the possibility of quantum computation operating across multiple parallel universes, although the practical implications of this remain speculative at best.
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