- Amazon leaders doubt Microsoft’s claims on quantum computing breakthroughs.
- One Amazon executive described it as “next level (in BS and hype).”
- Experts think recent announcements may lean more toward marketing than actual progress.
Microsoft recently announced a significant advancement in quantum computing, but Amazon’s team isn’t convinced.
On February 19, Microsoft revealed its new quantum processor, Majorana 1. They claimed this chip could drastically increase data storage and complex calculations.
Simone Severini, who leads Amazon’s quantum technologies, sent an email to CEO Andy Jassy questioning Microsoft’s claims. He stated that the research published in Nature does not prove what Microsoft is suggesting.
Severini pointed out that the findings merely hint at future possibilities rather than current achievements. He also mentioned Microsoft’s history of scientific issues, including retracted papers. His email circulated among Amazon’s top executives.
“This is a step forward, but it isn’t the groundbreaking news that the media makes it out to be,” Severini noted.
Amazon
‘Next level (in BS and hype)’
In internal messages, Amazon staff expressed their frustrations about Microsoft’s statements.
Oskar Painter, head of quantum hardware at Amazon, emphasized the need to challenge misleading claims, likely speaking about comments made by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on social media about their Majorana chip.
Painter, who also lectures at Caltech, mentioned he finds more promise in Google and IBM’s efforts in quantum computing. He termed Microsoft’s claims as “next level (in BS and hype)” in one of his messages.
One Amazon employee humorously noted receiving texts from friends asking if this technology would “change the world.” Another remarked on tech firms making inflated claims about their quantum progress.
‘Insignificant’ compared to what is needed
Tech companies have long pursued advancements in quantum computing, hoping to revolutionize fields like drug development. However, the competition may create a lot of noise without much substance, experts warn.
Professor Arka Majumdar from the University of Washington mentioned that while Microsoft’s achievements are notable, they pale in comparison to what is required for a functional quantum computer. He noted that with no substantial scale reached, the claims might seem exaggerated.
Scott Aaronson, a quantum expert at the University of Texas, highlighted that Microsoft’s assertion about creating a topological qubit is not yet validated through peer review.
He shared that the peer review notes from Microsoft’s report suggest that the results do not provide proof of the desired modes, aiming instead to lay groundwork for future experiments.
Quantum timelines
Amazon and Microsoft differ on when quantum computers will become practical. Microsoft predicts they are just a few years away, while Amazon foresees another 10 to 20 years.
“Achieving practical quantum computing will require significant effort and investment starting now,” an Amazon spokesperson stated.
Chris Ballance, CEO of Oxford Ionics, mentioned that while the timelines and recent announcements may seem vague, the increased focus is a good indicator for the future of the industry.
“It’s encouraging to see awareness of quantum computing’s potential growing,” Ballance concluded.
