Earlier this month, we explored a brief history of computers and how they’ve changed over time. Our current standards predict that Moore’s Law is on its way out, which leaves the future of computers fairly uncertain. Currently, computers run on quartz crystals – similar to your wrist watch – but we’re making strides in quantum computing research, which may totally change how we approach building and maintaining our machines. Let’s take a look at the possible options of future computers:
Will Quantum Take Over?
Quantum computers will be more powerful than our current machines could ever be. Currently, quantum computers excite scientists and researchers, as they will be able to perform and execute massive calculations in a fraction of the time our modern technology can. Right now, and throughout much of computer history, our machines work by interpreting binary code – 1s and 0s, on or off respectively – but quantum computers will add to this by having what’s called a qubit, which can be a 1, a 0, or some form of both at the same time. This phenomenon is known as superposition, the ability to be both on and off at the same time. A qubit equates to much more than our current bits, which explains how we can perform more complex calculations faster on a quantum computer than with even the most powerful modern supercomputer. A few years ago, it seemed that we were far off from a hopeful future of quantum computers, but every year we are making strides toward making this technology a reality. Google has announced in recent months that they will unveil the fruits of quantum labor by the end of this year. We’re very excited to see what they have in store for the future of computers!
Integrated Technology
Virtually anything that has a chip can be classified as a computer – your fridge, TV, car, etc. Thus, we may be able to incorporate computer technology in every part of our lives. This means that our houses, cars, and workplaces would be fully computerized and automated. However, this is where we get into gray area; technology and software commonly have bugs in the code. Imagine having a fully integrated home with buggy software. From simple issues like “would my alarm clock go off at the right time every morning?” to the more dangerous “what if the smoke and fire detection system falters?” I’m not too worried about robots taking over – they’re operated by code, and if there’s no language stating to take over the world written in their code, they won’t be able to. Computers work much the same way – they don’t make mistakes, they just follow commands, which are outlined in formulaic code.
Fiber Optics
Maybe the future of computers lies in fiber optics, which uses light to carry information versus normal cables and wires that are prone to electromagnetic interference. You may already be familiar with the term “fiber optic”. Verizon FiOS uses light to transmit data to a box outside the home, which then translates it into an electric signal picked up by your router. The router then emits the signal as a WiFi connection, a network to which all your devices can wirelessly connect. Similarly, computers could one day have an optical transistor that works much faster than our current electronic transistor. In fact, an optical transistor was built in Zürich, Switzerland the size of a single molecule. However, the team had to bring down the temperature to 1° Kelvin (-272 °C) for the transistor to work properly. Doing so requires a lot of energy, which almost nobody can afford for personal use.
At M&H Consulting, we’re constantly anticipating the future of computers and related technology. Of these three possibilities outlined above, we believe that quantum computers offer the most realistic approach to future technology. Integrated technology may interfere with people’s lives, and fiber optics may be too costly. What do you think the future of computers will be? Let us know.
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