On February 19, Microsoft announced Majorana 1, which could be a significant breakthrough in quantum computing.
In order to create the new chip, the tech company utilized the topological state of matter. From what I understand, topology describes how a shape can change without changing its fundamental properties. IEEE Spectrum uses a donut analogy, where the shape could be molded into a mug, where the hole becomes the handle. However, if we got rid of the handle, the object would no longer be an outline with a single cut-out. With atoms in a topological state, researchers could twist and stretch them while maintaining their original properties.
What sets quantum computing apart from classical computing is its use of qubits, bits that are both on and off simultaneously. The Majorana 1 has eight of these. Think of flipping a coin in the air—during its flight, the coin spins around, both heads and tails simultaneously. It is only when it finally ends that we can discern what side is up. Microsoft claims it can digitally control the state of these qubits, 1 million of which they aim to put on a single chip.
The invention of the quantum computer would certainly change the tech industry, but Microsoft has yet to release a peer-reviewed paper to support its claims. As time goes on, hopefully, more research will become publicly available.