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Google's 105-qubit Willow Quantum Chip Solves Problems in Minutes, Threatens Bitcoin Security in 2-5 Years, Shares Rise 6%

Dec 14, 2024, 04:24 AM

Google has unveiled its latest quantum computing chip, named Willow, which is capable of performing complex calculations in under five minutes—tasks that would take classical supercomputers approximately 10 septillion years to complete. This breakthrough is seen as a significant advancement in quantum computing, potentially addressing long-standing challenges such as error correction. The 105-qubit chip has sparked discussions about its implications for various fields, including artificial intelligence and encryption. Notably, experts have raised concerns regarding the chip's potential to compromise Bitcoin's security, with predictions suggesting that it could take around 2 to 5 years for quantum computers to reach a level capable of breaking current encryption methods. Google claims that Willow's capabilities might even suggest the existence of parallel universes, further igniting debates within the scientific community. Following the announcement, Alphabet's shares rose by 6%, reflecting investor optimism about the company's advancements in quantum technology.