Imagine if the computers we know today changed tomorrow ushering in a massive increase in computing power. Computers used today work on the basic concept of the binary system, 1’s and 0’s. Quantum computers work on the qubit which have a third state called superpostion allowing for a third option of representing a 1 or 0 at the same time.
Admittedly, there are some things that modern computers do better than what a quantum computer would. They are not meant to replace modern computers but to offer different ways to solve problems. Because of the massive computing potential, they are better suited optimizing present operations such as flight paths of planes or traveling directions for a transport freighter.
There are some fundamental problems that restrict quantum computers from becoming a tool everyone can use. For one thing, they need to be kept very cold. Negative 460 degrees to be precise. Not everyone can afford to purchase or upkeep the equipment required to maintain that temperature so quantum computing cannot become the new form of personal computing.
With not surprise, Google has announced that they have a quantum computer that is 100 times faster than any computer at their disposal. Only large corporations like Google can afford to make and up keep a quantum computer. Perhaps as technology advances, new ways of quantum computing will become available that is accessible to the general public. Since they have such expensive operating conditions, only large corporations have them today.
What are your thoughts on quantum computers? What would their use best be spent computing?
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