Explaining Quantum Computing

Quantum computers store and process information using quantum mechanical states. This video by futurist Christopher Barnatt explains what this means and the future implications.

[ExplainingComputers]

Exactly right. This week NASA and Google invested in a new D-Wave quantum computer from D-Wave Systems, so things are starting to progress. Though my guess is that domestically we will access this kind of computer power via the web, rather than having it in our tablets, phones, tablets or desktops. It will be the ultimate in cloud computing. :)

[ExplainingComputers]

@tonybeir Thanks Tony. This is probably the hardest video I've ever done! I've never gone back and re-written and re-recorded so many times. Hopefully I've got the balance right -- and its my first video in HD! :-)

[ExplainingComputers]

Your understanding above is spot-on -- the potentially really is incredible.

[vayshah]

saw this for my grade 12 computer science class, very cool. It's unimaginable what wonders lie ahead if scientists perfect the quantum computer. Great video!

[ExplainingComputers]

Yes, this is a very complex area. If you look at the "quantum" section on the explainingcomputers website (link above) you will find links to a range of resources towards the bottom of the page.

[ExplainingComputers]

@tonybeir Thanks Tony. I found this video a real challenge -- even though I recently did a book chapter on the subject! It is so hard to get the balance right on a topic like this and yet keep things accessible and accurate. And it's my first video in HD. :)

[ExplainingComputers]

Yes, I totally agree with this. I never say in the video that quantum computers will replace PCs. But they are one option for next-gen AI, vision recognition, Big Data analysis, etc.

[ExplainingComputers]

We are probably in 20 years talking about storing exabytes or even zettabytes. However, the big thing about quantum computers is not really how much data they could store, but the quantity of data they could process simultaneously. In a couple of decades a quantum computer may be able to process many petabytes or even exabytes simultaneously -- a feat that conventional computers are unlikely to acheive, even if they can store this volume of data. Watch out for my forthcoming video on Big Data!

[ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this feedback, and what you suggest is a really good idea. I have never done a video called something like "Explaining Computer Hardware", so will add this to my production list. :-)

[ytjessaie]

As a amateur, fan of physics and computer analyst. This is truly an amazingly well made video, you manage to reconcile the bit of knowledge I already have and explain a lot more out of it. Thank you very much, keep at it good luck !

[farmerjamesfergus]

I just want to say, that you deserve so much more praise. I have been on your channel quite alot and I find all your content amazing. Your passion for technology is most inspiring. Thank you <3

[ExplainingComputers]

Oh so true! It was a tricky judgement call. But I have a quantum computing section on the ExplainingComputers website, so it ended up here! :)

[KrayzeMusic]

This is a very impressive presentation. Thank you for your time and effort to contribute to my knowledge and happiness.

[ExplainingComputers]

@melis256 Thanks for this. I think most quantum computers are likely to be very powerful but large machines confined to data centres (especially if they require super cooling). However, we will all be able to access their incredible power over the Internet. In other words, one reason to move to the cloud will be to access quantum computing AI and other resources. Turning your comment around, I think nanotech developments will be significantly speeded up by quantum computing modelling.

[ExplainingComputers]

On your broader point about consciouness I can only agree that the statement is unfounded. However, my narrower justification is that we are pretty sure human intelligence and consciousness are not digital, but based on neural networks that process strengths of interconnection in shades of grey -- and that is what quantum computers (will) do. I also make the point on the basis of the sheer quantity of processing power that will be needed to complete works like the Blue Brain Project.

[ExplainingComputers]

I think because they are massively parallel -- hence able to check if a number is prime by checking a great many divissibles simultaneously.

[ForViewingOnly]

I feel like the Cat in Red Dwarf. Every time I finish watching a video explaining quantum computing I find myself saying "What is it?"

[ExplainingComputers]

While I accept your scepticism -- and the great debate about whether D-Wave are really doing quantum computing or not -- the investment going into Quantum computing research (eg by IBM and the NSA in the US) does I think leave the door open . . .

[ExplainingComputers]

@ispinsincity I think you are right -- quantum computing power will be delivered from the cloud, and both the home and office hardware market will be for low-power (thin client) screen and keyboard/rodent units -- or connected TVs, or tablets, or whatever -- that will allow us to access the quantum power. Cloud is so much the future! :-)

[irishgunner]

your videos are great. you boviously know your stuff. you deserve more views than most of the current big youtubers.