Quantum computing has been talked about for years but the past few months have seen a spate of developments that have the potential to transform our lives. Researchers at Waterloo University recently made a breakthrough in quantum computing by building a system that can solve problems so quickly they have never been done before. This new method is based on a quantum theory that is able to achieve answers in one-fiftieth of the time it takes conventional computers, which means it could crack some of these encryption codes we’ve all grown used to seeing scrambled over our credit cards.

Recent Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing

1. Discovery of “quantum bits” (qubits)

The computing power of quantum computers has been greatly boosted with the discovery that “quantum bits” (qubits) can be made from atoms instead of the conventional electronic bits. This means that a single quantum computer could do the work of a large number of current computers, and therefore solve many more problems.

Quantum computing has also been confirmed for practical use since Keiko Yakouta at the University of Oxford confirmed a proof of principle: two photons are designed to interact with each other, creating an entanglement between them. If one is then measured it is found to be entangled with a photon sent later in time by someone else, proving that it is possible to build a quantum network linking devices together like this in real life. Quantum computers may finally be here since IBM has announced its own breakthrough, after it successfully built and tested several atomic-scale qubits for its new quantum computing microprocessor. This chip is 10 times faster than anything currently on the market, and can be shrunk down to just five nanometres in size – meaning it could eventually be used in products like PCs, smartphones, or even wrist watches we are told. Forbes reports that researchers at the University of Maryland were also able to build a qubit that can last up to 100 microseconds without losing any information, which is double the record. This makes quantum computing work on a practical level.

2. Creation of a quantum computer

Perhaps the greatest breakthrough of recent is that scientists have been able to take a step towards the creation of a quantum computer that can do more than one task at once (known as a “quantum annealer”.) A paper published by researchers in Switzerland led by physicist Matthias Troyer confirmed that it is possible to build an annealer using a quantum computer which solves complex optimization problems (see quantum news). And according to PhysOrg, Google is building its own quantum computer using superconducting circuits and photons in an effort called ‘Project Q’. The aim of this project is to pave the way for creating useful applications for quantum computers by initially focusing on research such as machine learning. They will then move onto developing more general applications such as optimisation problems. Another milestone was reached when a team of physicists from University College London built a quantum computer from four atoms (one carbon and three ytterbium ions) that can perform operations on two distinct sets of qubits at the same time.

What is RGB?

RGB represents the colors red, blue, and green. It is a lighting mode where each device’s pixel can release a different color. The light source can be from an LED or minor groups of LEDs. RGB primary colors can be combined to make any color that is desired. The primary colors are used in TVs and PCs to form any color in the spectrum. The differing intensities of red, blue, and green create a remarkable amount of color possibility.

There are two methods to create colors with LEDs. The first combines red, blue, and green transistors as the primary colors, and the other method uses white light through several filters. To create white light, one can use the blue LED with the yellow LED or combine the diodes when using the white LEDs.

For different reasons, a gaming computer has several lights and components related to RGB. For instance, a user may have a system with a theme that matches his favorite character or game. Other users may want more aesthetically appealing lighting for their system to make a wider scope of colors.

What is ARGB?

An addressable RGB is a type of lighting whereby each pixel releases its blend of red, blue, and green colors. ARGB is also called high color, true color, or 32-bit color. Unlike RGB, ARGB permits one to adjust the color at the pixel level allowing each pixel on a device to release a different color or mix of colors which will still amount to white.

ARGB allows one to adjust precisely the amount of red, blue, and green that should go in particular areas of your light, therefore more precise in terms of the coloring perspective than RGB.

The difference between ARGB and RGB

The traditional RGB lighting shows only one static color at a time; however, ARGB can show several colors simultaneously. A controller can adjust the ARGB to demonstrate a wide range of colors simultaneously by using an integrated circuit that regulates the tempo, pattern, and color.

RGB is used on products such as desktops and TVs. Each pixel is easily visible and therefore broken down into sub-pixels which release the red, green, and blue light. The lights mix to come up with any color that we see. The ARGB is mainly used in laptops where the screen does not contain separate LEDs for each sub-pixel. Backlights, therefore, simulate the lighting.

Click here for a more detailed comparison of RGB vs. ARGB. The article really goes in-depth on the topic and explains it quite well.

Planning and managing projects efficiently in the past, had been a complex and time-consuming task. Most people would fret having to deal with this task, but not anymore. The advent of the internet brought along inventions that have not only made project management easier but has also made the process time efficient. Handling projects is not a struggle anymore, and you can streamline the process using the right software. The fundamental thing to do is to ensure that in-depth research is undertaken to determine the best software which will produce the ideal results. The best software to use is user-friendly, easy to implement and accurate. An individual can also customize the templates to suit their preferences and track the project’s progress with much ease. Features of the best project management tools will not only impress but prove useful. The outstanding features to consider include; real-time overview and automated reports, successful integration with other useful tools like the mail feature, seamless workflow, affordability, encourages faster communication and ease of file sharing and file management. Also, interaction is important to enhance cohesion among the teams managing the project. Setting timelines and prioritizing comes easy with the ideal free project management software. It is important to analyze results to be able to track your progress, and these features provide reliability of an ideal software to work for you.

Consolidating ideas or to-dos is easily controlled from a dashboard, and which you can easily customize to suit your preference. Employees, teams, and administrators can enjoy coordinating tasks with these useful tools incorporated in the project management software. The software increases the possibility of managing several projects at a go, working within different teams. An individual’s input in a team is easy to track and as well as to measure the team’s productivity. It is notable that this software can be used within different sectors that deals with project planning. Also, users have room to customize the features and to get the right solutions in managing different projects. Teams working from different locations are also able to coordinate effectively to ensure the project is successful, owing to this software.

A project management software allows for room for flexibility and offers convenience to help complete projects with ease. Real-time feedback is enabled and having access to other useful tools makes this software an immediate need for organizations directly involved in managing projects. Among other pros is allowing the team to create time for productivity objectives and allocate different assignments with much ease. It is easy for team members to have access to information regarding the project and ensure that high performance is experienced by the team. A team can perform optimally when empowered with effective tools which make them efficient in fulfilling their mandate. This is why it is necessary to have the right solution for managing projects, that is convenient and timely. It is important to stay up to date with the new features that have been incorporated into the project management software to be able to enjoy the full benefits.

Years ago, an author by the name of William Gibson introduced the world to a genre of literature that would come to be known as “Cyberpunk.” In this genre, human beings and technology came together, with the characters relying heavily upon both wearable and implanted technology. Gibson’s first Cyberpunk books were published in the 1980s and now, many of those cybernetic gadgets are a reality.

What does the future hold for technology?

Increasingly, technology plays an integral part in our everyday society. It is not unusual to see someone with a mile-tracking wrist device, or one that counts calories. Diabetics can now check their blood sugar without pricking their fingers, and almost everyone has a smartphone. Just a few years back, a mere earpiece that functions as a communications device was all the rage amongst those who could afford them. While wireless headsets and fitness watches have their critics, their popularity is only growing. And while some of these trends have faded, new ones continue to emerge.

Wearable cameras, often mounted on the head, are common amongst the outdoors types, fitness trackers of all kind dominate the exercise community, and devices for tracking your children are the latest trends in this technological craze. Recently, at least one company announced an implantable chip that may be able to wean heroin addicts off of drugs for good. In the Cyberpunk literature, characters often wore fabrics that could change colors and textures at the character’s whim. These, too, have become a reality: Fabrics that can change color were introduced at a major fashion show just a few years ago.

Some of these advancements are scoffed at by adults, but children are growing up with them. There is even one wristband specifically designed for online gaming. Younger people love taking pictures of themselves, and with their friends, and wearable camera devices literally make taking these “selfies” a snap. In the face of an obesity epidemic, wearable devices that help diabetics keep track of their blood sugar levels can be lifesavers. And tracking devices make sure that children’s whereabouts are always known, or at least available, to their parents and authorities. These can prove especially helpful for those children with special needs.

While adults may not like the idea of William Gibson’s Dystopian Cyberpunk future, children have lived in a world with wearable technology since birth, and focus not on the possibly dire drawbacks, but the positive options they bring. With wearable technology, you can track your fitness, sleep schedule, blood sugar, cholesterol, and much more — not to mention the fashion choices, themselves.