The introduction of personal computing in homes was a gradual process over several decades, marked by significant milestones and technological advancements. You might remember or even owned a Spectrum in 1982, a British 8-bit computer that became one of the most popular and started the home computing craze. In 1983, the MSX standard, developed by Microsoft and several Japanese companies, gained popularity for its greater power and versatility, although it was mostly used for video games. The first IBM PC, introduced on August 12, 1981, revolutionized the market with its open architecture and expandability. Initially expensive, it laid the groundwork for the future popularization of PCs. Its sales success came when other manufacturers reverse-engineered the BIOS and produced their own versions without paying royalties to IBM, known as PC compatibles. The TV series Halt and Catch Fire (2017) details this evolution and gives younger generations an idea of how these developments unfolded.

TO INFINITY AND FAR BEYOND…

At that time, computing power became democratized, allowing individuals access to a tool previously available only to large companies and universities. No one thought they’d have a computer in their home, and now everyone carries one in their pocket that even makes phone calls. Just when it seemed the last revolution was the smartphone, technological advances remind us there's always something new. It seems artificial intelligence is the latest leap that's entering our lives. In 1985, at university, we worked with a programming language called LISP to develop the first AI engines, although now we’re experiencing an explosion. However, this is the present, and I’d like to delve into the future. I believe the next revolution will come from quantum computers.

Quantum computers represent a new paradigm in computing, with immense potential to solve complex problems impossible for classical computers. While still in early development, the progress made so far is promising and heralds a bright future for this technology. It's crucial to distinguish between quantum computing and quantum computers. The former refers to the theory and principles underlying the operation of quantum computers. Quantum computers are physical devices implementing quantum computing. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding the difference is important. A quantum computer leverages principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. Unlike classical computers using bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously (quantum superposition). This, along with other quantum phenomena like entanglement, allows them to solve problems classical computers cannot. Currently, these types of computers are reserved for universities and large corporations, but that’s changing.

QUBITS AT HOME?

Personal computing radically transformed how we live, work, and communicate. From the first home computers to today’s smartphones and smart devices, the evolution of personal computing has been an exciting journey shaping today’s society. The technology of personal quantum computers has seen significant advances in recent years with the arrival of the first commercial desktop models. Gemini Mini and Triangulum are two examples of personal desktop quantum computing developed by the Chinese company SpinQ Technology. They offer 2 and 3 qubits respectively, with prices around €8,000 and €56,000. Currently, they’re mainly aimed at education, research, and development, with limited computing power compared to super quantum computers.

Predicting the exact development of personal quantum computing is difficult. However, several parallels with the PC revolution suggest we’re on the brink of a similar change. Early PCs were expensive and complex but became more accessible and user-friendly over time. The same could happen with quantum computers, starting in specific niches and expanding to the general market. PCs opened up new possibilities in productivity, entertainment, and education. Quantum computing has the potential to do the same in fields like medicine, chemistry, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. If the PC transformed how we work, learn, and communicate, quantum computing could have an even greater impact, revolutionizing entire industries and creating new job opportunities.

For quantum computers to reach our homes and offices and start a new era in computing history, we need to overcome several challenges. Quantum computers today are expensive, and costs need to drop significantly for them to be accessible to the general public. Programming is complex and requires specialized knowledge. Tools and programming languages need to be developed to make them more intuitive. Qubits, the basic unit of information in a quantum computer, are very sensitive to environmental interference. Advances in cooling and isolation technology are needed for greater stability. Training in this area is still scarce, so there are few developers or companies targeting applications for these systems. Lotus 1-2-3 was the first "killer app" for the PC, significantly contributing to the PC's success in corporate and office environments. We need similar "killer apps" for personal quantum computers, applications useful in offices or homes. For this, we need ideas and companies to carry them out. But these companies need people to program them, and these people need to learn about quantum computing. However, accessing these computers isn't easy as no company is making this investment yet. There's a world of opportunities if you dive into quantum computing.