Quantum computing may either be seen as a buzzword or the real future of computing. Able to handle data in a completely different way than standard computer systems, quantum computing promises to help us solve challenging problems across various fields. Now, IBM, one company that is invested in the future of quantum technology, has unveiled what it calls the first fully integrated commercial quantum computer, the Q System One, at CES 2019. The system is the first to fully integrate high-precision electronics and cryogenic cooling into a stand-alone system
The Q System One designed by IBM allows quantum computing to be run outside of the confines of a lab environment — a first for quantum computers, which typically require particular environmental conditions to operate. Working together with a team of industrial designers, architects, and manufacturers, IBM sealed the machine within an airtight environment suited to running the needed hardware. Without a tightly controlled environment, the quantum bits (qubits) used to perform computations can see a drop in performance.
Everything from vibrations caused by ambient noise to temperature fluctuations to electromagnetic waves can cause qubits to lose their needed properties for computation, all within 100 microseconds. As a result, the Q System One uses a series of independent frames, made from both aluminum and steel, to unify specific aspects of the machine while also isolating the system’s cryostat, electronics, and exterior casing.
IBM designed the Q System One in partnership with industrial and interior design studios Map Project Office, Universal Design Studios, and Goppin. Q System One is 9 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and is protected by a borosilicate glass enclosure. If access to the system is needed for maintenance, a motor-driven system can unseal the enclosure — IBM touts this as an integral feature for commercial environments.
IBM has also announced that it will be opening a Q Quantum Computation Center later this year in Poughkeepsie, New York. The center will allow members of the IBM Q Network to access some of the most advanced cloud-based quantum systems in the world. If you’re interested in playing around with quantum computing yourself, be sure to check out IBM’s website for a demo.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.