Quantum Computers, explained with MKBHD

Quantum computers aren’t what you've been told.

You’ve heard about quantum computers. Maybe you’ve seen the “race for quantum supremacy” between governments and companies, or read that quantum computers will break all encryption, or heard terms like “qubits” or “superposition” or “quantum mechanics” in a confusing tv segment. But you might be wondering… what does a quantum computer actually DO? And how could it actually affect my life?

@mkbhd and I had the same questions. Marques and I both realized quantum computing was this big important technology… that we didn’t really understand. So we decided to go on an adventure to learn the truth about quantum computers. And we're taking you with us, to show you what we learn as we learn it. But more importantly, to show you how these crazy computers might actually impact YOUR life... sooner than you think.

Chapters:
00:00 What is a quantum computer?
02:00 Why is quantum computing important?
04:00 The Quantum Video Game analogy
06:33 Thank you Surfshark!
07:40 What does a quantum computer look like?
09:38 How does a quantum computer work?
12:00 What is a quantum computer good for?
13:21 Will quantum computers break all encryption?
15:22 What's the future of quantum computing?
16:27 Updating the Quantum Video Game analogy

Bio:
Cleo Abram is an Emmy-nominated independent video journalist. On her show, Huge If True, Cleo explores complex technology topics with rigor and optimism, helping her audience understand the world around them and see positive futures they can help build. Before going independent, Cleo was a video producer for Vox. She wrote and directed the Coding and Diamonds episodes of Vox’s Netflix show, Explained. She produced videos for Vox’s popular YouTube channel, was the host and senior producer of Vox’s first ever daily show, Answered, and was co-host and producer of Vox’s YouTube Originals show, Glad You Asked.

Additional reading and watching:

Gear I use:
Camera: Sony A7SIII
Lens: Sony 16–35 mm F2.8 GM and 35mm prime
Audio: Sennheiser SK AVX

Music: Musicbed

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Welcome to the joke down low:

There are 3 types of people in this world:
Those who understand quantum computing
Those who do not understand quantum computing
And those who both simultaneously do and do not understand quantum computing ;)

Use the word “type” in a comment to let me know you’re a real one who read to the end!

[mkbhd]

I could live in this analogy forever. What’s in the water? How deep is the water?! Are there other islands we haven’t discovered yet? Still processing everything we learned 🤓

[raviahuja]

MKBHD in his next video: "So.... I've been using quantum computer for about 15 years now.. and here are my initial thoughts"..

[TealLynchj]

I love how you do your ad's. The counter in the corner makes it so much easier to skip if you want to. Thank you for that.

[mattmarlborough]

I’ve seen your shorts for a while, but this is my first full length video. Absolutely love it! You’re doing amazing work, Cleo!

[farhanraflyfahrezis]

As an engineers i love the way she said

"If the physics says it is allowed, the engineers will find a way."

I dunno why but it feels like so mesmerizing. Beautiful words ✨✨✨

[joey]

“If the physics say it is allowed, the engineers will find a way.”
Love this

[dwightschrute]

She looks like Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts and Keira Knightly all at the same time.

[JustinPooreVlog]

Marques... check. Insane 3D animation... check. Crazy complex tech that could change the world... check. Published on a completely free platform so everyone can access... check. This episode slaps! The future of media is amazing.

[CR-rbfx]

“If the physics say it is allowed, the engineers will find a way" - that gives me a whole new level of RESPECT for the Engineers who make our improbable world function seamlenessly. Super excited for the future but not sure if I live long enough to witness all the amazing things that will unfold. Thank you Cleo. Subscribed.

[DarienShield]

I learned nothing about Quantum computing in this video

[theoortcloud]

I can't even fathom how much of an honor this must've been. I'm sure that there will be people living centuries from now who would give anything to travel back in time to witness the earliest stages of development of this new technology. Thank you for so much sharing this with us.

[Lizlodude]

Olivia seems like the kind of person you could randomly meet at lunch and just talk about awesome stuff for _hours._ That's gotta be such a fun job.
Also that animation was great, whoever made it, *applause*

[rcafinlandia]

Your expert guide should have her own podcast or Youtube channel. She’s a really great communicator.

[bruceschena]

I've been in engineering and tech for all of my adult life, and videos like this make me excited for our future, once again. I just realized that I had long forgotten what that felt like. I'm embarrassed to say I actually got emotional seeing that genuine, curious excitement on the faces of Cleo & Marques, and also the people being interviewed.

I also LOVE how many technically brilliant women are showing up in Cleo's videos! Brava, Cleo!

Cleo & Marques - what a YT dream team!

[ShaharHarshuv]

We did a Quantum Algorithms course in my CS degree. The entire course was basically understanding Shor's algorithm. I remember almost nothing of the math, but I do remember that I'd sooner believe that unicorns are real before believing that Quantum Mechanics is really how nature works. This is just nuts.

[milanturk]

As an engineerings student, I wish I could see more videos of engineers explaining their own creations.

[CrookDanny]

I’m blown away by how steampunk the entire thing still is. Amazing to think how much more will be understood 100 years from now.

[sethender]

Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman mixed together, what the heck😂

[Degenversity]

Update Analogy: we already have submarines and Airplanes made with classical computing. Quantum Computers would be intergalactic space travel

[zayyanusmani]

"If the physics say it's allowed, engineers will find a way." 🤯🤯

what an episode!!