Google's new quantum chip Willow solves problems in minutes

Google's Quantum AI team has introduced its latest quantum computing chip, Willow, which can solve complex computational problems in under five minutes. 

This capability is a stark contrast to the estimated 10 septillion years it would take the most advanced supercomputers to tackle the same issues.

Hartmut Neven, the head of Google's Quantum AI, emphasized the significance of this advancement in a blog post on December 9. 

“This mind-boggling number exceeds known timescales in physics and vastly exceeds the age of the universe,” he stated.

Neven also highlighted Willow's ability to exponentially reduce errors, a critical challenge in quantum computing that has been pursued for nearly three decades. 

The chip achieves this by effectively doubling the number of qubits while maintaining lower error rates, a milestone referred to as being "below threshold."

A qubit, or quantum bit, is essential for quantum computing; increasing their number enhances computational power but also raises the risk of errors.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai remarked that Willow represents a crucial step toward creating a "useful quantum computer" with potential applications in various fields such as drug discovery and energy solutions.

Despite these advancements, experts are cautious about the implications for cryptocurrency encryption. 

Kevin Rose, a tech entrepreneur and former Google product manager, noted that while Willow is a significant development, it is not yet a threat to crypto security. 

He explained that breaking Bitcoin's (CRRYPTO:BTC) encryption would require approximately 13 million qubits, whereas Willow currently operates with only 105 qubits.

David Marcus, CEO of Lightspark, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that there is a need for increased awareness regarding post-quantum cryptography.

Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed strategies to mitigate quantum risks for Ethereum users through potential system updates.