Google plans to introduce real-world quantum computing applications within five years, according to its head of quantum research, Hartmut Neven. The company’s prediction challenges Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang‘s estimate that practical quantum computing remains at least 15 to 30 years away. Google has been developing quantum technology since 2012 and recently announced a breakthrough that could accelerate the field.
Potential applications for quantum computing include advancements in materials science, drug discovery, and energy solutions. Google has already demonstrated quantum processors capable of solving complex problems far beyond the reach of traditional computers. A recent study published in Nature highlights new progress in quantum simulation, bringing the company closer to commercial viability.
The timeline for practical quantum computing remains uncertain, with predictions varying widely among experts. Nvidia’s scepticism caused a sharp drop in quantum-related stocks, but Google remains optimistic about achieving its goal. Governments and businesses continue to monitor quantum developments closely due to their potential impact on cybersecurity, finance, and healthcare.
A 2,000-year-old burnt scroll from the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum has been read for the first time using AI and X-ray imaging. The scroll, charred by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, was too fragile to open physically. As part of the Vesuvius Challenge, a project launched in 2023, researchers employed synchrotron X-rays to scan the papyrus, creating a 3D reconstruction, while AI detected and replicated the ink to reveal parts of the text.
The researchers successfully deciphered several columns, including the Ancient Greek word ‘διατροπή’ meaning ‘disgust.’ These breakthroughs come as University of Oxford scholars continue efforts to interpret the text further. The Vesuvius Challenge, led by computer scientist Brent Seales, aims to read other ancient scrolls discovered in Herculaneum, which were preserved under volcanic ash.
This technological achievement has been hailed as a monumental step in historical research, as scholars, librarians, and computer scientists collaborate to unlock the secrets of the past. Despite the promising results, further improvements in AI software are needed to read the entirety of these ancient documents.
At the annual Almaty Digital Forum, experts highlighted the growing importance of preparing for the AI revolution sparked by the sudden rise of the Chinese AI company DeepSeek. The company’s appearance at the forum raised questions about the future of AI and humanity, particularly due to the affordability of DeepSeek’s AI models, which cost just $6 million to develop, compared to the $40-100 million investments from other global players. This has made AI solutions more accessible to smaller developers and countries.
During the forum, Kaan Teryioglu, CEO of VEON Group, emphasised that AI’s potential lies in enhancing human capabilities across various sectors. Experts agreed that AI will no longer be dominated by tech giants, with smaller developers now able to harness its power. However, concerns were raised about the risk of cultural homogenisation if AI technologies are not adapted to local languages and values.
The forum also showcased Central Asia’s ambition to keep up with global AI developments, with high-level representatives from several countries, including Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan, in attendance. Kazakhstan, in particular, is planning to train a million AI professionals by 2030, with the goal of boosting AI exports to $5 billion by 2029. The government is also launching Alem.ai, a hub for AI research, start-ups, and international collaboration, expected to play a key role in the country’s AI future.
Kazakhstan’s ambitious plans have attracted the attention of global tech giants, who are already in discussions about establishing offices at Alem.ai. With a focus on developing local talent and fostering innovation, Kazakhstan aims to position itself as Central Asia’s intellectual capital and a key player in the global AI landscape. The forum’s success, with over 220 tech companies and 80 local start-ups participating, signals that the country’s plans may not be overly ambitious after all.
Elon Musk has brought in a group of young engineers, many with little government experience, to reshape the US federal infrastructure. Among them is Gavin Kliger, a 2020 University of California graduate, who now serves as a special adviser at the Office of Personnel Management. Previously a senior software engineer at AI startup Databrinks, Kliger has also worked at Twitter. His online writings reflect a scepticism towards established political structures, and he has defended figures like Matt Gaetz while promoting controversial policy ideas.
Luke Farritor, another key figure, was a former SpaceX intern and a Thiel Fellow. He worked on software for rocket components and gained recognition for helping decipher an ancient Greek scroll. Reports indicate he has been granted access to USAID systems and is listed as an engineer in the Department of Health and Human Services. He and Musk’s aides have also sought entry into systems managing over $1 trillion in government contracts and payments.
Edward Coristine, the youngest of the group, appears to have only recently graduated from high school and was briefly enrolled at Northeastern University. He spent three months at Neuralink, Musk’s brain-interface company, and is now listed as an ‘expert’ in government records. Business filings link him to several tech ventures, including a company named Tesla.Sexy LLC, which remains active.
Musk’s influence on federal operations continues to expand as his team gains access to critical government systems. A US Office of Personnel Management spokeswoman declined to comment on the appointments.
US authorities are considering whether to add Chinese online retailers Shein and Temu to the Department of Homeland Security’s forced labour list, according to a Semafor report. The Trump administration has not reached a final decision and may opt against the move, sources said.
Both companies strongly denied any involvement in forced labour. Shein stated it complies fully with the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, while Temu emphasised its strict prohibition of involuntary labour through its Third-Party Code of Conduct.
Discussions on the retailers’ status come as tensions between the US and China escalate. Beijing recently imposed targeted tariffs on US imports and warned companies such as Google about possible sanctions, responding to the latest trade measures introduced by Washington.
A trial in Sutton is using AI sensors to monitor the well-being of vulnerable people in their homes. The system tracks movement, temperature, and appliance usage to identify patterns and detect unusual activity, such as a missed meal or a fall. The initiative aims to allow individuals to live independently for longer while providing reassurance to their loved ones.
Margaret Linehan, 86, who has dementia, is one of over 1,200 residents using the system. She described it as a valuable safety net, helping alert her family if something is amiss. Her daughter-in-law, Marianne, can check an app to monitor activity and receive alerts. On one occasion, when Margaret got up for a cup of tea in the middle of the night, the system notified her son, highlighting its ability to detect unexpected behaviour.
The AI-powered technology, which does not use cameras or microphones, has already detected over 1,800 falls in the past year, enabling rapid responses from care teams. Sutton Council is trialling the system as part of a wider government initiative exploring AI’s role in improving public services. Experts hope the technology will revolutionise social care by providing proactive support while ensuring people’s privacy and independence.
Google’s X has spun out a new startup, Heritable Agriculture, which applies AI to revolutionise plant breeding. Using machine learning, the company analyses plant genomes to identify combinations that enhance yields, reduce water consumption, and increase carbon storage in soil.
The startup was founded by Brad Zamft, a former Google X researcher with a background in physics and biotech. Under his leadership, Heritable has tested thousands of plants using AI-powered models, running experiments in controlled growth chambers and field sites across the United States. Unlike gene-editing firms, Heritable focuses on refining traditional breeding methods rather than modifying DNA directly.
The company has secured investment from FTW Ventures, Mythos Ventures, and Google itself, though financial details remain undisclosed. As it steps into independence, Heritable Agriculture aims to commercialise its AI-driven approach, potentially reshaping the future of sustainable farming.
EssilorLuxottica announced on Monday that it has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Nuance audio glasses, a groundbreaking product that combines hearing solutions with prescription eyewear. Nuance will be available in the US and Italy in the first quarter of this year, with a planned launch in France, Germany, and the UK by mid-2025.
Chairman and CEO Francesco Milleri described the Nuance glasses as more than just a combination of two medical devices, calling them “entirely new smart glasses” that are both innovative and accessible. The company aims to provide this life-changing technology to the 1.25 billion people worldwide who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss.
This launch marks a significant step for EssilorLuxottica as it expands its offerings beyond traditional eyewear, seeking to improve the lives of those with hearing impairments by making hearing solutions more readily available and convenient.
Alphabet’s self-driving unit, Waymo, has announced plans to expand testing of its autonomous driving technology into over 10 new cities by 2025. The company highlighted successful adaptation of its Waymo Driver system in diverse environments, encouraging this expansion. Current test sites include destinations such as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Tokyo, with new testing set to include San Diego and Las Vegas, among other yet-to-be-revealed locations.
The testing process will begin with manual driving through high-traffic and complex areas, including city centres and freeways. Trained human specialists will oversee the vehicles during this phase. Each city will host fewer than 10 vehicles for several months to collect data and refine the technology. Waymo previously expanded its autonomous ride-hailing service to Miami, Florida, as part of its broader strategy to capture market share in the competitive autonomous vehicle industry.
Waymo’s growth comes as the firm faces heightened scrutiny from regulators following incidents involving autonomous driving systems. In October, the company secured $5.6 billion in funding led by parent company Alphabet, aimed at bolstering its technological advancements and operational expansion.
General Motors is pivoting towards its advanced driver assistance system, Super Cruise, after shutting down its loss-making robotaxi business. The technology, similar to Tesla’s Autopilot, enables hands-free driving and is now available on around 20 high-end models, including Cadillacs and large SUVs. GM expects the system to generate $2 billion in annual revenue within five years.
Unlike traditional car sales, Super Cruise provides an ongoing revenue stream through subscriptions. Customers receive three years of free access before being charged $25 per month or $250 per year. The technology relies on a sophisticated combination of cameras, radar, and driver-monitoring sensors to ensure safety, offering a more robust system than Tesla’s.
Despite this push into software-driven revenue, GM’s stock has yet to see the kind of growth Tesla enjoys. Investors remain cautious, especially amid concerns over potential tariffs on Canada and Mexico. However, CEO Mary Barra remains optimistic, aiming to double the number of Super Cruise-enabled vehicles in 2025 and significantly increase subscription renewals.
