Quantum Computing

Computing world always fascinated me. That’s why I did my engineering in Electronics and Communication. I learnt about the microprocessors and learnt about how data transfer so fast from digital circuits.

But today Computing is no longer about transistor based microprocessors. Here comes the Quantum Computing now. Today, over 400 million transistors have been placed in a single microprocessor, thanks to VLSI or very large scale integration process and its development over the. But, today scientists realize that we do not want more transistors in a single microprocessor, rather we want superior computing experience. So, scientists are trying to develop a computer based on quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to perform operation on data. This principle was first proposed by Richard Feynman in 1982.

Faster and convenient

Fundamentally, a quantum computer works on qubits whereas today’s computer works on bits. A single bit can be in a state of 1 or 0, where 1 means positive and 0 means negative. These arrangements of bits give a computer ‘on’ or ‘off’ state, and similarly programs on modern day computers which are also known as the binary system, work on following the same principle. But ‘qubits’ can represent 0, 1 and quantum superposition of various combinations. Thus, two qubits can represent 4 different states and three qubits can represent 8 different states i.e. n qubits can represent an arbitrary superposition of 2n different states simultaneously, whereas a modern transistor based computer can represent any one of this 2n state on any given time. So, theoretically it is possible to work extremely faster using quantum computer, almost at the speed of light. Thus, a quantum computer can work on all the 2n numbers parallel which the present binary system cannot do. Though one may not be able to boost performance while working on word processing or internet browsing, but when one tries to work on cryptography, scientific problems, indexing a huge database, then the real power of a quantum computer can be achieved.

Quantum Dots model

One cannot build a quantum computer using today’s technology, a technology which will enable the existence of qubits in its coherent superposition state. So far no possible model has come out for the quantum computer, but there are various models on which researchers are working on building a quantum computer model. Quantum Dots is one such model where a single electron is trapped inside a cage of atoms. A controlled laser with proper frequency will come and excite the electron and a second burst of laser causes the electron to go to its ground state. The excited state can be defined as 1 and the ground state can be defined as 0 and the controlled laser light work as a NOT gate. If the pulse of laser light is emitted only for half the duration of the NOT function as stated earlier, then the electron will achieve the superposition of both the excited and the ground state and it will achieve the coherent state of the qubits. Using different arrangement of Quantum Dots one can create different logical function and work on them. Quantum dot is one of the main popular models though it has its share of concern. Electron will only achieve the excited state for few microseconds before it goes to the ground state. Constructing the Quantum Dots is very difficult as the size of the Dots is only 1 nanometer. To achieve the superposition and the coherent stage, Quantum Dots need laser of different frequencies and wavelength. This type of technology is difficult to achieve and costly.

Computing liquid

According to a new development and theory, a new building block theory has emerged. As per this model, quantum medium has to be very small and isolated from its surrounding. When a magnetic field is applied to this medium, the electron will start spinning in different directions and this depicts the different state of the qubits. If it starts moving upward, then it will depict 1, and if it will start moving downward, then it will depict 0. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance or NMR can be used to control the spin to get superposition and coherent states of the qubits. In this model, the nucleus of the single molecule works as the qubits and a group or ‘mug’ of the molecules working together. The advantage is that though there is the possibility of crashing with one another but the spin of the nucleus remain unchanged during this process, and thus all the states and coherent superposition will not get affected. Also, the molecules will not go to their ground state so quickly and thus allows researchers to perform a few thousands operations quickly.

Quantum programming

Quantum programming will open a complete new way of programming to the developers. This will help to solve extremely complex problems such as factorizations of large numbers, indexing of large databases very fast. With this application and new way of programming animation industry, gaming industry, image editing industry and 3D applications will get huge benefit as modern day computers are not able to process complex algorithms faster.

Artificial Intelligence

As humans, we have our emotions and own mind to think, feel and make decisions. But machines cannot do that. But, with quantum computing, every piece can be logically given to the humanoid and with the large, complex program, and with extremely faster processing power, the machines can also make different decisions and all this can be achieve with the help of quantum computing. Every physical object from a sand dust to the entire universe is guided by set of rules and principle. We may compare them as Quantum Computers. Considering this phenomena, brain of a human can be considered as a computer and consciousness as the computing power. As per Church-Turing principle, every computer is functionally equivalent and that any given computer can simulate other, therefore, it must be possible to simulate conscious rational thought using qubits as it can exist in different coherent states simultaneously.

Computational complexity theory

Quantum computers are able to solve ‘bounded, error, quantum, polynomial time” problems or BQP with probabilistic approach to get the correct answer. Probability of getting the correct answer is very high as compared to the modern day computer. The time taken to compute is half of the time. This way with BQP, quantum computer can take decisions almost in an instant.

Quantum de-coherence

Qubits are highly controlled but they tend to go the ground state or to a de-coherent state quickly, within nanoseconds to milliseconds. This may create errors while computing large numbers or processing complex data as error rates are directly proportional to ratio of operating time with de-coherence time. This requires gates to operate at a faster rate so that qubits can process before their ground state achieved.

As the quantum computers hold a great potential to resolve the entire complex scientific problem, both the private sector and the government are interested in this technology. Quantum computing is still in its nascent stage but with technical advancement we may see a proper quantum computer within next ten years.

Eight craziest technology concepts

Innovation is one of the key word for technological advancement. Scientists, enthusiasts and like minded people always tries to innovate the existing technology or a device for their betterment or just to test their knowledge with the existing technology. For example, when Steve Jobs introduced the beautiful fonts for his Apple I system back in 1982, it was already with Xerox and Xerox never thought of introducing to the mass market as they were not sure about its popularity or usage. But, Apple showed it to the world and it became a norm for modern computers. This way a lot of today’s technology may be seen as obsolete to everyone as they are OUTRAGEOUS, WEIRD and CRAZIEST out of the existing lot. They may not be a proper fit in today’s world, but may be tomorrow someone get inspired by them and create ground breaking new technology or devices for the future.

This is about such 8 craziest technology concepts that may not worth the real world NOW, but may be tomorrow someone will get inspired from them and innovate completely new gizmos from them.

1. iPhone Steampunk by Karl Vanderbeek

Karl Vanderbeek has designed this crazy iPhone Steampunk model. This design supports 3G with up to 5G connectivity and the touch windows with inboard power plant. Brass, Walnut and leather were used to give this look and it can also take photos at a very impressive resolution. It also supports video call facility with great keyboard and location tracking facility. This was first presented in the iPhone concept contest and already it has got huge positive responses from the users.

2. Ora concept watch by Alexandros Stasinopoulos

You may think this is some sort of measuring tape. But this is actually a watch. Greek designer Alexandros Stasinopoulos designed this most unusual looking watch. He is an award winning designer and famous for product innovation and management. The watch designed in such a way through which the analog time strips will tell the time. The top strip will show the minutes, the second overlapping belt will show the hours, third narrow belt will show the current day of the week. All the strips are pulled through a series of gears to show the exact position of the time and other details. The colors of the strips are vibrant and very youthful.

3. Sling Shot Camera by Sung Young Um & Jung Eun Yim

When have you taken a photograph of some person in their most natural look and form? Most of the time whenever we are taking pictures of our loved one, all of they are conscious about the time and they tries to look great in the pictures. But this is not the real image of the person. If the person is funny in nature how will you capture the same in a photo? To solve this problem, Sung Young Um and Jung Eun Yim designed this crazy camera. The purpose behind this is to free people from their conscious state and let them relax in front of the camera. So whenever you try to take a picture using this sling shot camera, the subject initially thinks what’s going on and surprised in fear. Then in realization of the concept they will give you their most genuine smile. This camera takes picture by the vibration of the elastic band. And then you can transfer the pictures in to your computer with the help of the inbuilt USB port.

4. Switchital Clock by Matthias Pugin

Swiss people are famous for their craftsmanship and their famous clocks and Swiss designer Matthias Pugin is no exception. He was famous for his outrageous designs such as Feltphone, t02 Slide Phone. And now he has come up with Switchital Clock. This is a timepiece with digital letters. The digital letters are consists of small metallic bars which is attached to small magnets under the base. In every minute, the metallic bars rearrange themselves automatically to show the exact time. This is a brilliant innovation using magnets and their bi polar nature.

5. Slice PC Concept

This is one of the most bizarre creations and yet it is so emotional in nature. Each of the small slices is representing the folders in your computer such as My document, Movies, Music, Vacation in Hawaii, etc. So whenever you try to access the information from Vacation in Hawaii folder, you have to select the particular slice and then put it in the Slice Auxiliary Bowl unit to access the particular slice by touching it. All the slices are customizable and can be of different memory size. Also all the slices form a virtual storage space and forms like a ball and the entire information can be access by placing the ball in the Bowl. Also it can be locked by the help of biometric sensor so that no one else apart from the authorized user can access the files. So in a home where there are numerous computer systems, laptops, HD TV, these slices are useful for all these different devices. Father may want to access the information from My Documents folder, while the mother may be working on the pictures taken from Hawaii vacation and the children are ready to watch the animation flick. So all they have to do is to connect the respective slices with the computer/laptop/HD TV and each one can work or have fun at the same time.

6. Toe Mouse by Liu Yi

Designer Liu Yi has developed this Toe Mouse. On the very first look it may seems bizarre and weird, but on learning its purpose it may seems that it is a viable option. This concept mouse was designed by considering all those people whose upper part of the body is disabled and they cannot operate a computer by using the traditional mouse. This inspired by Flip Flop design. Sensors are present at each toe position to do a left click, right click or a double-click actions. The curvy design aims to make the device comfortable to ‘wear’ just like a pair of flip-flop beach sandals. This toe mouse is targeted to the disable person but it may also be helpful for gamers as well those who want some extra maneuverability from the combination of both the mouse in hand and toe.

7. Connection Glass by Priscilla Bernikowicz

One night, designer Priscilla Bernikowicz was in a bar with some friends to have some drink and to have some evening talk. But it was very loud and she was not able to place the order to the bartender nor she was able to communicate with her friends properly as well. Later she came out with the connection glass concept. Connection glass will let the user know about the other people in their vicinity in the bar and users can select others profile to see them. Later he/she can also send them messages using the connection glass. User can also exchange details with someone if he/she find other attractive/interesting by clinking their glass together. This way, people in the bars can talk/communicate with each other while enjoying the loud music.

8. 336 SMS-Controlled Mirror by Robert Stadler

When we go out from home, we leave important instructions or information by using ‘post it’ note or scape pieces of paper. But if Robert Stadler’s SMS controlled mirror become successful, then we may save paper. Whenever an SMS is sent to a user’s mobile, the text message will appear on this mirror as he/she approaches to it and then it will run through the surface of the mirror. Later, after a certain time, it will automatically fade from the mirror.

These are the top craziest product ideas ever have. Though most of them are not worth, these ideas are seeds for other innovative products in the future.

Maximum Pain...

Max Payne is one of the favorite games of mine. I have followed him from his first appearance in video gaming back in 2001. For me, the story of Max was one of a kind in video gaming industry. For me Max is the fallen hero, the last man standing, the guardian angel, the last hope.

I was waiting for Max Payne 3 eagerly for last few months. Max Payne 2 was released in 2002. After that, there was no news for Max Payne 3. So when I first heard of Max Payne 3, I was very excited.

But what have they done with you Max? I do admit, 10 years is a long time, a lot of things have changed. But in the mean time, you have lost control.

Maximum Paine….or Max Payne has a great, dark, gritty, film noir story line. It has bullet time famous by The Matrix. But in its current form, Max is nothing but a ‘gun for hire’.
Max lost his wife and a new born child in Max Payne 1. He started to investigate and took his revenge using the painkiller and the famous bullet time. In Max Payne 2, he found his love in Mona Sax but lost her in the end. In Max Payne 3, he watched at live porn, some strip dance, too much blood and head shot and finally he took a vacation.

In Max Payne 3, developers from Rockstar games were trying to satisfy their carnal desire on screen. There are too many characters, too many small stories, too much killing without the soul in place. They had created a full action game without any proper storyline or without the emotional turbulence that Max Payne series is famous for.

This is an injustice to all of us who loved Max so much.But that’s life. Life goes on and there are memories to cherish on. We can expect the same thing over and over, but people changes with time. So Max has evolved in Max Payne 3.

Whether this change is for good or bad, only time will tell. But for me, Max Payne 3 is a disaster.

Binary Domain – Report Card

Shoot > take cover> shoot> run> help team mate> shoot> reload> collect medkit> take cover> shoot…this is what Binary Domain is all about – a fun addictive third person shooter. You are Dan, a special agent from US. You came in Japan with BO to investigate Amada Corporation.

Amada Corporation is the biggest corporation who runs a lot of research in robotics, advance AI and hollow children. Hollow Childs are robots with advanced AI, so that they have all the natural instinct of a normal human being. Also they are similar in traits, in looks, color and speech. So it is very hard to identify hollow children. But according to Geneva Convention, it is illegal. So DAN & BO came in Japan to investigate this. And here the game starts.

Binary Domain is a game full with action. You cannot take rest or feel safe. Dan hates robots or SCRAPHEADS. He just hates them. So Dan teamed up with British soldiers, Chinese experts, and French team and formed the Rust Crew. All of them bonded together to destroy Amada Corporation and to get enough evidence to scrap the Hollow Children project. During the game, you will earn experiences and money to buy better weapons and upgraed your and your teammates skills. This is all about the game.

For me, the game was better than average. It is a good shooter. But it does not have any replaybility. World is linear, it is going from one point to another, while fighting enormous bosses. Bosses are easy to fight with and they are enjoyable especially when you have to shoot at the boss and at the same time, save other members to gain their trust.

The game has SpeechFX engine through which you can give voice command to your teammates. This is a great addition, though it has its limitation – it has very few set of commands. You can also choose keyboard and mouse options to use those commands. It is a fun way to interact with other virtual teammates.

The game is not very graphics heavy and does not offer all the realistic gameplay. But the gameplay is smooth and fast paced. Especially when you shoot at the robots and their different body parts destroys, it gives immense satisfaction. The PC system requirement is given below:

Minimum:
OS: Microsoft Windows 7/Vista/XP
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.66 GHz or AMD equivalent
Memory: 2GB RAM (XP)/3GB RAM (Windows 7 / Vista)
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT220 (512MB) / ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT (512MB)
Hard Drive: 8 GB free hard drive space

Recommended:
OS: Microsoft Windows 7
Processor: Intel Core i5 @ 2.66 GHz or AMD equivalent
Memory: 3GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 (1GB) / ATI Radeon HD 5750 (1GB)
Hard Drive: 8 GB free hard drive space.

Those who are familiar with the famous Gears Of War, they can feel at home with similar kind of gameplay. But the learning curve is also very good for new-comers as well.

With solid gameplay, fast paced action, SpeechFX functionality and great boss fights, I can give this game A or 6.5/10.

Facts:
Developer(s) Sega (PS3/X360)
Devil’s Details: (PC)[1]
Publisher(s): Sega
Director(s): Toshihiro Nagoshi, Daisuke Sato
Producer(s): Masayoshi Kikuchi, Jun Yoshino
Designer(s): Hiroyuki Sakamoto
Composer(s): Mitsuharu Fukuyama
Platform(s): PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows

Release date(s):
PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360: JP February 16, 2012 ; AU February 23, 2012; EU February 24, 2012; NA February 28, 2012
Microsoft Windows: April 27, 2012

This is the first game I have completed in 2013 and it took 8 hours to complete. Now I have started DMC and will post the review later.
And do not forget to watch the final cut-scene after the credits…