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PsiQuantum’s Ambitious Vision: Giant Quantum Computers Powered by Light
The revolutionary machines that could reshape our future are currently stored in a facility resembling both a data center and an ice cream factory.
Inside, approximately 100 stainless steel compartments each hold hundreds of chips. These chips are alive with thousands of light particles maneuvering through intricate optical switches and beam splitters. Each photon is meticulously tracked, as pinpointing its destination could resolve issues that would take traditional computers millions of years to tackle.
It’s important to note that this ground-breaking computer is still in conception. Founded in 2016 by four physicists from British universities, PsiQuantum aims to be the world’s first to produce a functional quantum machine amidst fierce competition from well-funded rivals sharing similar visionary aspirations.
Read the full story about the company’s innovative endeavors.
— James O’Donnell
MIT Technology Review Narration: Exploring the World’s Deepest and Longest Undersea Road Tunnel
— Nile Firth
Right now, I’m situated in a shadowy cave about 1,000 feet beneath the North Sea’s surface. The atmosphere is unusual, compounded by the immense pressure from millions of tons of seawater overhead.
I’m beneath Norway’s famed fjords, exploring what will soon become the longest and deepest undersea road tunnel in the world. This architectural marvel sends motorists plunging into the depths of the North Sea.
This experience sheds light on how we can construct a 26.6-mile highway situated 480 feet below sea level at its deepest. It serves as a reminder that ambitious engineering feats are still achievable in an era that often feels stagnant in terms of progress. We can indeed create remarkable works.
Check out our latest story, published weekly as a narrated podcast by MIT Technology Review. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to stay updated with new content as it’s released.
Must-Read Content
We’ve sifted through countless sources to bring you the most entertaining, crucial, and intriguing technology stories currently trending.
1. Allegations of AI Usage in Meta Inc.’s Layoff Decisions
Legal claims suggest Meta utilized AI to compile its layoff roster. (The Guardian)
+ Identification of employees on maternity or disability leave. (Reuters $)
+ One individual was reportedly notified just before going into labor. (Ars Technica)
+ Layoffs intended to balance Meta’s AI expenditures. (Gizmodo)
+ AI agents are not your “colleagues”. (MIT Technology Review)
2. OpenAI’s First Consumer Tech: A Mobile Smart Speaker
screenless tools serve as “AI companions”. (Bloomberg $)
+ Interaction with ChatGPT is now possible. (The Verge)
+ Equipped with sensors to navigate its surroundings. (Reuters $)
+ Expected release next year. (Engadget)
3. U.S. Military’s Maiden Deployment of Explosive Drone Boats
Actions against Iranian submarines and military installations. (Ars Technica)
+ Underwater drones may escalate tensions in Taiwan. (MIT Technology Review)
4. DeepMind’s CEO Advocates for a U.S.-Led Initiative to Assess Advanced AI Models
Demis Hassabis seeks oversight on national security risks. (Financial Times $)
+ Adjustments anticipated if risk factors rise. (Axios)
5. Rising Power Costs Expected for Data Centers Across 13 States
Electricity auctions may lead to $6.3 billion in additional fees. (New York Times $)
+ Australia is strategizing on resource management for AI. (WSJ $)
6. Elon Musk’s xAI Accused of Causing Pollution to Impact Black Communities
Unpermitted gas turbine installations continue by xAI. (Reuters $)
+ Emphasis needed on Big Tech’s energy footprint. (MIT Technology Review)
7. Stripe and Advent Collaboration to Acquire PayPal for Over $53 Billion
A private equity firm partners with a payment giant for a major bid. (Reuters $)
+ Apple and Google Pay are affecting PayPal’s market dominance. (Bloomberg $)
8. DeepSeek Set to File for IPO This Year
China’s AI trailblazer may list in Shanghai. (WSJ $)
+ Insights on why DeepSeek’s latest model matters. (MIT Technology Review)
9. Discovery of Hard and Lightweight “Biometal” in Sea Insects
Potential applications could extend into engineering. (New Scientist $)
10. $3,000 Fitness Suit Promises Electric Shock to Boost Workout Efficiency
Though popular among celebrities, its reception is mixed. (404 Media)
Quote of the Day
“When evaluated through economic and engineering lenses, generative AI may emerge as the most detrimental technology introduced.”
— Alex Reisner, Staff Writer The Atlantic discusses the engineering flaws haunting GenAI.
One More Thing
Hackers’ Mistake: Targeting a Fearless Security Researcher with Death Threats
In April 2024, a faceless hacker initiated a wave of death threats against prominent cybersecurity researcher Alison Nixon via Telegram and Discord channels. Soon, others followed suit. Someone even shared an AI-generated image intended to demean her.
They chose Nixon, the lead researcher at Unit 221B (a company named after Sherlock Holmes’ fictional residence), because of her formidable reputation in tracking down cybercriminals.
For years, Nixon operated under aliases in online forums to engage with and bring offenders to justice. But now, she’s set on unveiling the identities behind these threats and holding accountable those who have hinted at their harmful actions.
Find out why their choice of target was a grave error.
— Kim Zetter
We Still Have Good Things
A source of comfort, excitement, and distraction to brighten your day. (Have ideas? Contact us.)
+ A musician reveals the true master of heavy metal: Bird.
+ Photographer Fontanesi’s surreal images reinvent the ordinary: Unique hybrid scenes.
+ Discover how Steven Spielberg broke into Hollywood through the words of more than 30 actors and filmmakers: Read this compelling article.
+ Factors beyond soccer like life expectancy and happiness could decide the 2026 World Cup champion? Challenge your knowledge with this game.
Source: www.technologyreview.com