Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the development of a new quantum computing chip, dubbed Ocelot, which it believes could shave up to five years off its timeline for building a commercially viable quantum computer.
The prototype, unveiled on Thursday alongside a peer-reviewed paper in Nature, represents a significant technological leap despite currently possessing only a fraction of the computing power required for a fully operational quantum system.
Quantum computers promise to perform calculations that would take conventional machines millions of years, potentially revolutionizing industries ranging from materials science to pharmaceuticals. However, the fragile nature of qubits—the fundamental building blocks of quantum computing—necessitates robust error correction mechanisms. Traditional industry estimates have held that around one million physical qubits are needed to produce a sufficient number of reliable logical qubits for practical computing tasks.
AWS’s Ocelot chip, however, employs an innovative "cat" qubit approach, inspired by Schrödinger’s famous thought experiment, which allows the system to yield one working logical qubit from just nine physical qubits. Oskar Painter, AWS Director of Quantum Hardware, explained that this breakthrough could eventually enable useful quantum computers to be built with only 100,000 physical qubits—a reduction by a factor of five to ten compared to conventional estimates.
Constructed using standard semiconductor techniques and the material tantalum, the current prototype serves as a proof-of-concept. Painter noted, “We hope to customize these techniques further, making improvements at the materials and processing levels that will simplify the underlying technology and accelerate our development timeline.”
The announcement comes as major industry players, including Google, Microsoft, and startup PsiQuantum, also make strides in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing. AWS’s latest venture underscores its commitment to remaining at the forefront of quantum innovation as it races to transform theoretical promise into commercial reality.
Amazon is set to roll out Alexa+, a next-generation update to its popular voice assistant powered by generative AI, with early access scheduled to begin in March.
Amazon removes diversity references from annual report, shifting DEI focus to "proven outcomes". Meta, Google and Disney are among those rolling back DEI initiatives and programs.
Amazon Music Unlimited is raising its subscription prices again, with new rates already in effect for new subscribers as of January 29. Existing users will see the changes reflected in their billing cycle on or after March 5.
OpenAI plans to restructure as a public benefit corporation, aiming to attract major investments while balancing AI innovation, social good, and shareholder interests.
Amazon workers have gone on strike at several facilities across the country in efforts to pressure the retailer into contract talks with their union. This comes as the company is in the crucial final days of the holiday season.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Eight OPEC+ countries meeting on Thursday will focus debates on how to convince Kazakhstan to stop exceeding its output quota and its plans to compensate for overproduction as the group steps up gradual production hikes.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Neuralink plans to implant its first Blindsight vision chip in a human by the end of the year, enabling vision for those born blind, according to Elon Musk. The device could eventually surpass natural vision, allowing users to see in infrared, ultraviolet, and radar ranges.
Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of strange metals—materials that defy conventional understanding of electricity and magnetism
Airbus UK wins a £150 million-contract to engineer landing platform that will safely deliver the first European rover on Mars. First British-built rover will explore the red planet in 2030 for signs of present and past life on Mars.
The model aims to enhance Alibaba’s presence in the generative AI sector and is available as open-source.
OpenAI has asked the US government to permit AI companies to use copyrighted material for training to maintain America's leadership in AI development, as part of a proposal aligned with President Trump's upcoming "AI Action Plan."
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Eight OPEC+ countries meeting on Thursday will focus debates on how to convince Kazakhstan to stop exceeding its output quota and its plans to compensate for overproduction as the group steps up gradual production hikes.
During a high-level meeting, officials from Kyrgyzstan and Russia emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two nations, highlighting a 14.5% increase in mutual trade and reaffirming their commitment to further expansion.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment