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Researchers In Abu Dhabi To Receive The Middle East’s First Quantum Computer

A quantum computer doesn’t rely on traditional bits. Instead, it encodes information using qubits, which can have the value of “0” and “1” at the same time.

Published

3 years ago

August 26, 2021

Joanna Melki

researchers in abu dhabi to receive the middle east's first quantum computer

IBM

If there’s one emerging technology capable of single-handedly ushering in a new era of information technology, it’s quantum computing. Soon, researchers working at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi will get their hands on the Middle East’s first quantum computer, allowing them to solve incredibly complex problems by harnessing the phenomena of quantum mechanics.

“This will put the UAE on the map to be a known entity for research on such a topic. And that’s a big achievement for the entire Arab world,” said Boulos Alfakes, a senior researcher at the TII. “There will be a dramatic difference between the countries that own the technology and the ones that depend on the technology, believes Professor Jose Ignacio Latorre, chief of research at the TII’s Quantum Research Center.

One of the biggest challenges associated with quantum computing is cooling. The small quantum microchip at the heart of the computer is designed to operate at very low temperatures (near absolute zero). If the microchip gets too hot, it becomes unstable, rendering the whole computer useless.

To address this issue, researchers ordered two dilution refrigerators from Finland. The refrigerators are complex and expensive, but less sophisticated cooling methods are not up to the task.

Also Read: Saudi Researchers Use Quantum Computing To Design More Efficient Airplanes

Just like all quantum computers, the one that will soon be in the hands of researchers at the TII doesn’t rely on traditional bits (combinations of zeros and ones). Instead, it encodes information using qubits (or quantum bits), which can have the value of “0” and “1” at the same time.

Thanks to this and other unusual properties, quantum computers can solve certain difficult problems much faster than traditional computers. For example, some cybersecurity experts fear that quantum computing could break traditional cryptography in the near future, potentially forcing millions of organizations around the world to implement quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.

Related Topics:Abu Dhabi Quantum Computing United Arab Emirates

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News

Samsung Smart Glasses Teased For January, Software Reveal Imminent

According to Korean sources, the new wearable will launch alongside the Galaxy S25, with the accompanying software platform unveiled this December.

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2024

Nour Nasir

samsung smart glasses teased for january software reveal imminent

Samsung appears poised to introduce its highly anticipated smart glasses in January 2025, alongside the launch of the Galaxy S25. According to sources in Korea, the company will first reveal the accompanying software platform later this month.

As per a report from Yonhap News, Samsung’s unveiling strategy for the smart glasses echoes its approach with the Galaxy Ring earlier this year. The January showcase won’t constitute a full product launch but will likely feature teaser visuals at the Galaxy S25 event. A more detailed rollout could follow in subsequent months.

Just in: Samsung is set to unveil a prototype of its augmented reality (AR) glasses, currently in development, during the Galaxy S25 Unpacked event early next year, likely in the form of videos or images.

Additionally, prior to revealing the prototype, Samsung plans to introduce…

— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) December 3, 2024

The Galaxy Ring, for example, debuted in January via a short presentation during Samsung’s Unpacked event. The full product unveiling came later at MWC in February, and the final release followed in July. Samsung seems to be adopting a similar phased approach with its smart glasses, which are expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2025.

A Collaborative Software Effort

Samsung’s partnership with Google has played a key role in developing the smart glasses’ software. This collaboration was first announced in February 2023, with the device set to run on an Android-based platform. In July, the companies reiterated their plans to deliver an extended reality (XR) platform by the end of the year. The software specifics for the XR device are expected to be unveiled before the end of December.

Reports suggest that the smart glasses will resemble Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in functionality. They won’t include a display but will weigh approximately 50 grams, emphasizing a lightweight, user-friendly design.

Feature Set And Compatibility

The glasses are rumored to integrate Google’s Gemini technology, alongside features like gesture recognition and potential payment capabilities. Samsung aims to create a seamless user experience by integrating the glasses with its broader Galaxy ecosystem, starting with the Galaxy S25, slated for release on January 22.