Another article on CNN caught my attention: Scientists dubious of quantum computer claims. A Canadian company claims to have made a single-purpose quantum computational device (i.e. not a true turing-complete computer, I suppose). They did their first public demonstration via a live T.V., claiming that the machine is too sensitive to be transported for an in situ demo.

This reminds me of that scam a few years back when someone claimed to have invented a “zero-point” communications device. They did a public demonstration proving that the device could wirelessly transmit enormous amounts of data across a river back in the 90s. It turned out that the inventor had secretly connected an under-water cable across the river.

Anyway, I don’t know if this quantum computer is for real or not, but I found this quote amusing:

He said all the evidence the company has indicates that the device is performing quantum computations, but he acknowledged there is some uncertainty.

Uncertainty indeed.