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August 5, 2015
Greetings: In this issue: Quantum computers. Car hackers. Plans for Windows. Space robots. The Rise of Quantum ComputersOn the horizon: Powerful computers made possible by quantum physics. Several technology firms are exploring the potential of quantum computing, which uses the unique behaviors of subatomic particles to transmit more information than traditional computer chips can. Though building a quantum computer is incredibly challenging, recent tests are encouraging, showing the promise of giving a variety of business sectors -- from energy exploration to health care -- access to vastly more robust computing prowess. Quantum computers have the potential to speed up compilations of huge amounts of data. "For example, let's take a hypothetical database of all the genomes of all the human beings on earth," Seth Lloyd, professor of mechanical engineering and engineering systems at MIT, told a conference in May. "This is a lot of data. [But with quantum computing,] we could easily have such a database in 20 or 30 years." Quantum computing will also excel at image and pattern recognition, vital to Internet search engines that make sense of Web images. Researchers are currently running tests on the most advanced machine made by the Canadian company D-Wave Systems, using a tiny computer chip housed in an expansive refrigeration system. The chip is kept at minus 459 degrees Fahrenheit to protect its fragile subatomic states. Interest in quantum computing is widespread, with Facebook, Google, Lockheed Martin and other firms investing in the technology. Many countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, are also putting up research money. They recognize that faster computing power would be invaluable for espionage and defense purposes. Moreover, computer chip companies, such as Intel and IBM, plan to build an entirely new line of chips to harness quantum technology. "Over the next few years, there's really an opportunity to make it ready for commercial prime time," says Michael Brett, cofounder and CEO of QxBranch, a quantum computing start-up based in Washington, D.C. Brett predicts that companies, governments and eventually consumers will tap quantum computers in remote data centers through Internet links, seamlessly creating quantum cloud computing. Meanwhile, quantum technology is being put to work to enhance computer security. For example, it can detect whether someone is eavesdropping on digital communications. (Harnessing quantum properties for cryptography is easier than building a working quantum computer for data crunching.) Companies such as Swiss-based ID Quantique are selling commercial quantum cryptography systems, and they're already in use in financial circles. Though expensive, they're sure to get cheaper and more widespread in coming years. ID Quantique is working with Battelle, an Ohio-based nonprofit technology organization, to build a nationwide, coast-to-coast quantum network. To be sure, much work lies ahead. Engineers will have to write new software to run on quantum computers, since quantum systems can't run today's software. (They'll build quantum apps, or "quapps.") Privacy concerns will remain a challenge when it comes to personal data such as social media photos and human genomes. And researchers will need to pinpoint the areas in which quantum machines can excel because they won't be good at every type of computing. (Scientists expect few or no benefits in some areas of artificial intelligence, for instance.) But one thing scientists don't question: The breakthrough potential of the nascent technology. The White House wants to help with a new push to spur supercomputers, including quantum computing as well as photonics -- technology that transmits data via light. Accessing supercomputers through cloud computing is a fast-growing market for providers such as Amazon, IBM and Penguin Computing. Bragging rights to the world's most powerful supercomputer currently belong to China; the U.S. sits at number two. Cyber-hijacking Vehicles on the RoadRecent reports about hackers taking remote control of a Jeep Cherokee and driving it off the road are alarming car buyers and regulators. Though it's the first known case of a hacker taking control of a vehicle remotely, other car hacks have given attackers physical access to a vehicle's electronics. Such hacks display the vulnerability of vehicles connected to wireless networks. Today's cars and light trucks are connected whether buyers want them to be or not, says Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. More than three-fourths of U.S. consumers think vehicle security issues will be a frequent problem in the next three years, according to a new Kelley Blue Book survey. And more than half of consumers surveyed by Kelley Blue Book said they would pay an average of $8 per month to ensure that their car couldn't be hacked. With 27 million cars currently connected to the Internet, and more on the way, automakers and others will race to address cybersecurity. Note that high-speed Internet in cars is a fast-growing business for AT&T, which connected 1 million cars last quarter. And antenna maker Kymeta is in talks with Toyota to beam down a terabyte (1,000 gigabytes) of wireless data per month in cars. "Consumers will be fixated on this, expecting manufacturers to take a more active role," says Brauer. Recently, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, maker of Jeeps, recalled 1.4 million vehicles to update the exposed software glitch that led to the cyber-hijacking of the Cherokee. To limit the threats, carmakers are investing in technology that sends security updates wirelessly over Wi-Fi, cellular or satellite links. Remote updates could swiftly and automatically fix security flaws while cutting recall costs. Looming threats also involve connected traffic light signals, which are riddled with security flaws and can be hacked remotely to create roadway chaos. With driverless cars on the way, solving security issues with wirelessly connected cars and traffic signals will be a top priority for automakers, traffic engineers and cybersecurity firms. What's Next for WindowsMicrosoft's new operating system already has businesses making plans through 2020. As expected, the number of people downloading Windows 10 is massive, using 10% to 20% of bandwidth on some Internet networks as tens of millions of folks around the globe upgrade. Still, most companies won't start upgrading computer fleets until 2016, and many will wait until 2020, when Microsoft stops supporting Windows 7. App developers will have an easier time making software for a wide range of Windows devices, from tablets to augmented reality goggles. Eventually, operating systems will be able to seamlessly toggle between mobile and desktop versions, blurring the line between different devices. For individual users, the first computers to take full advantage of Windows 10 will be available this month. The latest version of Windows requires high-end hardware for some of its key features, including a better camera for facial biometrics and a better microphone for its voice assistant. If you're interested in the free upgrade on the computer you currently own, considering waiting six months or so. By then, many bugs will be worked out. Space RobotsRobots that fix satellites and help clean up space debris are on the way. "We launch satellites and can't diagnose failures and can't upgrade them," says Pamela Melroy, deputy director of the Tactical Technology Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. In the works are robots designed to repair satellites, plug in new hardware and even tug satellites into higher orbits, lowering launch costs. Researchers are also working on a system that can collect old satellites to cut down on space junk. Sincerely, View the archive of past Alerts issues
Copyright © 2015, The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. |
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