Yazılar

IBM Targets Practical Quantum Computer by 2029, Reveals Roadmap for Larger Systems

/in /tarafından

IBM announced on Tuesday its goal to deliver a practical quantum computer by 2029, detailing the steps it will take to achieve this milestone. The company also plans to develop a much larger quantum system by 2033.

Quantum computers utilize principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that classical computers could take thousands of years to address. However, current quantum machines dedicate significant resources to error correction, limiting their overall speed advantage.

IBM aims to build the “Starling” quantum computer at a new data center under construction in Poughkeepsie, New York. The system is expected to feature about 200 logical qubits—units of quantum information—enough to demonstrate computational advantages over classical systems.

Competing alongside tech giants Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and various well-funded startups, IBM confronts the challenge of qubit errors by innovating in error-correction algorithms. Since 2019, IBM has adopted a novel approach by designing error-correction methods suited to practical, buildable chips rather than purely theoretical designs.

Jay Gambetta, IBM’s vice president of quantum initiatives, emphasized that the company has resolved the fundamental science questions and now faces a significant engineering challenge to scale up quantum systems. “We’ve answered those science questions. You don’t need a miracle now,” he said. “Now you need a grand challenge in engineering.”

IBM plans to release a series of quantum systems between now and 2027, paving the way toward the more powerful machines targeted for 2029 and beyond.

Russian Parliament Supports New State Messaging App to Rival WhatsApp and Telegram

/in /tarafından

Russian lawmakers voted on Tuesday in favor of developing a government-backed messaging app aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app will be closely integrated with state services, reflecting Moscow’s ongoing push for digital sovereignty.

Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the parliament’s information policy committee and author of the draft legislation, said the new platform will provide messaging, voice calls, and other features beyond those offered by Telegram and Meta’s WhatsApp. “The main competitive advantage of the platform will be the deep integration with government services,” Gorelkin wrote on Telegram.

The legislation still requires approval by the upper house of parliament and the signature of President Vladimir Putin to become law.

Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev recently proposed integrating government services with a national messaging app during a meeting with Putin, highlighting Russia’s lag behind other countries in this area. State-controlled tech firm VK, operator of the VKontakte social network used by nearly 80 million Russians daily, has been investing heavily in homegrown services like VK Video, a local alternative to YouTube.

VK reported a significant loss of 94.9 billion roubles ($1.21 billion) in 2024 amid efforts to expand content and improve technology.

Meanwhile, YouTube’s daily audience in Russia plunged from over 40 million users in mid-2024 to fewer than 10 million recently, partly due to slower download speeds. Russian officials blamed Google for neglecting investment in local infrastructure and not restoring blocked Russian channels. Google denied causing any technical issues.

Mikhail Klimarev, director of the Russian Internet Protection Society, warned on Telegram that the government might deliberately slow WhatsApp and Telegram to boost the new app’s adoption, raising concerns about potential infringements on personal freedoms.

Google Faces Potential Major Fine in Mexico Over Antitrust Allegations

/in /tarafından

Mexico’s antitrust authority, the Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece), is expected to deliver a ruling by June 17 on whether Google engaged in monopolistic practices in the country’s digital advertising market. If found guilty, the tech giant could face a fine of up to 8% of its annual revenue in Mexico, which would represent one of the largest penalties Cofece has ever imposed.

Although Google’s parent company, Alphabet, does not disclose country-specific revenues, its “Other Americas” segment, which includes Latin America, generated $20.4 billion in revenue in 2024. This makes Google the most significant company yet targeted by Mexico’s competition regulator.

Cofece’s investigation into Google Mexico began in 2020 and moved into its trial phase in 2023, allowing Google the opportunity to present counter-evidence. The regulator alleges that Google effectively built a monopoly in Mexico’s digital advertising sector. As part of its investigation, Cofece also sought Google’s financial information from Mexico’s tax authority (SAT). An oral hearing with Google, considered one of the final steps in the process, was held on May 20.

Under Mexican law, the maximum fine for monopolistic conduct is capped at 8% of a company’s annual revenue. Should Cofece rule against Google, the company may seek an injunction to delay the penalty while a specialized court reviews the decision.

This case aligns with broader global regulatory scrutiny of Google’s business practices. In the United States, Google has faced multiple antitrust cases. Last year, a U.S. district judge ruled that Google holds an unlawful monopoly in online search and search advertising. In another case, the U.S. Justice Department accused Google of illegally dominating online advertising technology markets and has suggested the company divest parts of its Google Ad Manager business.

Domestically, Google has also faced political friction in Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum has filed a lawsuit against Google over its renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” for U.S. Google Maps users following a decision under former U.S. President Donald Trump. Mexican lawmakers from the ruling Morena party have been urging Cofece to resolve the antitrust case against Google since last year.

Cofece and Google have declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.