Google’s Tough Search: A Quantum Leap in Computing Power - Digits - WSJ

Aiming to reset Moore's Law; also see Why Google’s new quantum computer could launch an artificial intelligence arms race (The Washington Post)

"In a blog post, Google also acknowledged that some classic computing techniques can solve the problem in its test “faster than the current quantum hardware,” but said it’s working on improvements.

Google also described the limitations of the 2X at press conference​ earlier this week. It can only be designed to perform a single, specific task; it needs near-absolute zero temperatures to work and was at risk of blowing up when it had to be cleaned recently.

However, Google’s quantum researchers — and other experts — think this type of quantum computer could solve complex problems with many variables that conventional machines can’t handle. Dr. Farhi said it could help airlines cut delays by picking the best locations for aircraft and crew.

Google thinks this type of quantum computing will first be useful in machine learning, a field of artificial intelligence that uses data to teach computers to be smarter."

Google’s Tough Search: A Quantum Leap in Computing Power - Digits - WSJ