Technology as we know it is ever expanding, and it becomes greater as time progresses. Today, we see nearly everyone with a smartphone, a tablet, or some other form of compact computer. Most people use these in their everyday life, and it is common one is not seen without a phone. We rely on computers, and we use these machines to make life easier for us. In the modern age, there are quantum, biological, optical and surface computers currently under development. With these advancements in technology, the devices we often see in sci-fi movies are closer to becoming a reality than we think.
Quantum computer. That’s a confusing term right? By definition, a “quantum computer” is “a computer that uses the quantum states of sub atomic particles to store information.” Instead of using normal Binary computer language—ones and zeros—quantum computers use qubits. Here’s the difference between the two: binary language is a low level language that processes the ones and zeros (on and off) separately, but the quantum language qubits processes on and off at the same time. This is imperative because with this type of computing, we can “take advantage of the “superposition” and “entanglement” we study in quantum mechanics” (Institute of Quantum Computing). Superposition is the ability of the quantum system to be in multiple places at once. Entanglement is the incredibly strong link between quantum particles, even if said particles are great distances away from each other. Thanks to these qualities, we can process a multitude of information and data at once. This sounds great and all, but these computers are still in development. They don’t have nearly enough power to replace classical computers though—that and the talent needed to make quantum computers is in an exceedingly short supply. But then again, this IS called the “future” of computers, isn’t it?
When you hear the word “biological”, you wouldn’t possibly think of a computer, would you? Well, scientists have in fact been working on bio computers. A bio computer can make computations using molecules of DNA as a carrier of info, rather than using a tiny chip. We give input to the DNA by using the four genetic alphabet Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine and Thymine (A, G, C, and T). Output is then given in a genetic sequence with certain characters missing. This kind of computer may come in handy to people because a biological computer is made to detect diseases. This DNA computer is also made to prevent and treat diseases like cancer. Bio computing couldn’t replace the classic computers we know and love, but in the next ten years, this technology might be available to hospitals and their patients.
Computers these days are becoming increasingly more advanced. Within the past years, our technology has become compact and even includes embedded computing devices. Ever since their invention, bright minds have been working on developing better, faster and more practical computers. Because of the advancements in computer science, little chips just aren’t cutting it anymore. And now, it’s possible to create something better. That’s where optical computers come in. The photons of light are able to move The system uses lasers and light sensors act as input and output using little optical fibers. All of the information is stored on an optical chip. Although this new tech is useful for communications, binary computer language doesn’t quite work with optical chips. Another problem that has arisen is the amount of energy involved can produce quite a bit of heat. Thankfully though, with our plethora of cooling devices, this shouldn’t be too difficult to overcome. Though this is nothing compared to what’s in store for us in the future, it’s quite a large step forward.
Imagine being able to browse the internet or order food from a restaurant through the surface of an ordinary object, like your table for example. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well because of the new surface computing technology, it’s become possible! Instead of a monitor, the user can simply touch the screen of the flat surface of the computer like it is a smartphone or tablet. The surface computer has commands that react to the fingers electrical current conducting capabilities. Microsoft introduced the first surface computer (Surface Pro) in 2007 and it has been given vast improvements ever since. These computers can handle multi touch input and can store a significant amount of data such as pictures, and can display information given by the input of the user. The near future may show a surface computer in all homes for practical use by every family member.
The future of computers will bring about a new era for technology. Before we know it, homes will have tabletop computers, we will be able to interact with optical devices, hospitals will have biological computers to help their patients, and quantum computers will be the new, better, faster supercomputer. Soon, the world will look exactly like a science fiction movie full of advanced technology.