Microsoft has made significant strides in quantum computing with its “topoconductor” chip, a new type of matter that can form the core of Majorana 1, its new quantum chip. According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, this breakthrough could lead to creating a truly meaningful quantum computer within years, rather than decades.
The topoconductor, or topological superconductor, is a more stable qubit, or quantum bit used for processing information in quantum computers. This is opposed to today’s “classical” computer bits of 1s and 0s that are manipulated to perform computations.
Google recently unveiled its new Willow chip, which can reduce errors exponentially as it scales using more qubits. Google’s chip was able to complete a benchmark calculation in under five minutes that would have taken the world’s fastest supercomputer 10^25 (septillion) years to do.
Meanwhile, robotic AI startup Figure has unveiled Helix, a generalist vision-language-action model that enables robots to see, understand language and exercise control. Figure’s humanoid robots can now pick up anything, including small household objects they have never encountered before.
In other news, HP has acquired startup Humane, the company behind the failed AI Pin device, for $116 million. The deal includes Humane’s technology, technical staff, and patents.
The rise of malls is also being driven by Gen Z’s desire for in-person connections. Malls are evolving to include pop-up shops, skateparks, and even co-working spaces, making them a hub for social activity and commerce.
Source: https://www.pymnts.com/artificial-intelligence-2/2025/this-week-in-ai-microsoft-sees-quantum-breakthrough-as-ai-pin-deflates