Google Unveils 'Willow' Quantum Chip with 97% Error Correction, Solves 10 Septillion-Year Calculations

Dec 11, 2024, 11:40 AM

Google has unveiled its latest quantum computing chip, named 'Willow', which significantly outperforms the fastest supercomputers. The company claims that Willow is capable of performing in five minutes a mathematical equation that would take a classical supercomputer 10 septillion years—longer than the entire history of the universe—to solve. This breakthrough comes from advancements in error correction, achieving rates up to 97%, making quantum computations more practical. The new chip aims to accelerate the future of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and encryption. There are discussions about the potential impact of Willow on areas such as drug discovery, material science, and the security of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Analysts suggest that this development could build a new technological moat for Google, potentially affecting the tech industry and markets significantly. Bank of America has reiterated a Buy rating on Google's stock, assigning a price target of $210.