Crypto

Google quantum chip Willow cuts computation errors 40-fold, but bitcoin security threat still distant

Google succeeds in cutting errors in “magic state,” a key resource for quantum computing, to about one-fortieth of the previous level. Its Quantum AI team reports achieving 99.99% logical accuracy using its Willow processor, but the performance remains far from levels needed to crack bitcoin or RSA-2048 encryption. Researchers cite a wide gap in required accuracy and note that Willow has 105 physical qubits, far below estimates for such attacks.

AI & Enterprise

Amazon unveils two always-on \'Bee\' AI devices, wearable and smartphone attachable

Amazon has unveiled 2 new AI devices under the Bee brand that listen to and record conversations, CNBC reported on Oct. 15. The lineup includes a wrist-worn wearable and a credit-card-sized voice recorder. Bee Frontier costs $75 and offers up to 7 days of battery life, while Bee Eclipse costs $100 and attaches magnetically to a smartphone. Amazon said the devices can summarise conversations and review recent days.