Nasa buys into Quantum computer

"Buys into" is the operable phrase here since this isn't the type of machine you just flat out "own"

It will be shared by Google, Nasa, and other scientists, providing access to a machine said to be up to 3,600 times faster than conventional computers.

Unlike standard machines, the D-Wave Two processor appears to make use of an effect called quantum tunnelling.

This allows it to reach solutions to certain types of mathematical problems in fractions of a second.

Effectively, it can try all possible solutions at the same time and then select the best.

Of course the Bitcoin miners are drooling right now and wondering how they can get on the NASA train.

Related Web URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-2255...