Microsoft Spends Big to Build a Computer Out of Science Fiction - The New York Times

Compute different; also see Microsoft doubles down on quantum computing bet (The Official Microsoft blog)

"There is a growing optimism in the tech world that quantum computers, superpowerful devices that were once the stuff of science fiction, are possible — and may even be practical. If these machines work, they will have an impact on work in areas such as drug design and artificial intelligence, as well as offer a better understanding of the foundations of modern physics.

Microsoft’s decision to move from pure research to an expensive effort to build a working prototype underscores a global competition among technology companies, including Google and IBM, which are also making significant investments in search of breakthroughs."

Microsoft Spends Big to Build a Computer Out of Science Fiction - The New York Times