Just a week ago, Microsoft announced a groundbreaking development: the invention of an entirely new kind of quantum computer and, in the process, the creation of a new state of matter—a topological superconductor. This isn’t just another small step in quantum computing; it’s a leap forward that could transform the landscape of computing as we know it.
Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip is a quantum processor that could pave the way for million-qubit systems and make quantum computing commercially viable within the next five years. This means we’re on the verge of a technological birth—an era where quantum computers might solve problems previously thought impossible, from designing revolutionary battery materials to developing new drugs and simulating nuclear fusion.
Emerging Technologies and the Pursuit of AGI
Emerging technologies, by definition, embody birth and new beginnings, being characterised by five key attributes: radical novelty, rapid growth, coherence over time, significant socio-economic impact, and a degree of uncertainty and ambiguity. These technologies are not just incremental advancements but fundamental shifts in how we approach problems and solutions. They are rapidly evolving, carrying the potential to disrupt entire industries.
Among the most talked-about emerging technologies is artificial general intelligence (AGI). AGI represents the aspiration of AI researchers to create machines that can perform any intellectual task a human can, such as learning, reasoning, and adapting to new environments with minimal input. While today’s AI models, like ChatGPT, are considered “narrow AI” because they excel in specific domains, AGI would transcend these limitations. With AGI, machines would be able to essentially think for themselves. However, achieving true general intelligence would require unparalleled computational power and novel architectures which do not exist yet at this moment.
AI That Can Reason
OpenAI’s o1 model incorporates reinforcement learning to improve reasoning capabilities. Unlike traditional language models that generate responses based purely on patterns, o1 engages in complex reasoning by constructing an internal chain of thought before providing responses, simulating the human brain’s ability to process and synthesise information.
At the same time, competition is pushing AI research forward. DeepSeek, a rising star in the AI world, recently launched DeepSeek-R1, a large language model that rivals OpenAI’s o1 despite its reportedly lower training cost and use of far fewer graphics processing units. Furthermore, unlike OpenAI’s premium models, which are restricted to paying users, DeepSeek-R1 is open-source and freely available, allowing developers worldwide to fine-tune and improve it for various applications.
In response to DeepSeek’s rapid rise, OpenAI has introduced o3-mini, a more efficient reasoning model available to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier. The new model significantly improves math, coding, and science capabilities while offering faster response times and fewer errors. Additionally, OpenAI has made the reasoning process more transparent, allowing users to see the step-by-step logic behind AI-generated answers.
These advancements signal a new phase in AI development, with increasing competition driving rapid innovation and setting the stage for future breakthroughs.
CORE's Next Chapter
At EXP., we recognise the growing impact of AI and have taken steps to contribute to this evolving field. While we may not rival the giants like OpenAI and DeepSeek, we are actively developing innovative tools that leverage emerging technologies to provide new solutions. This led us to create AIXO, an AI chatbot first introduced in version 1.1.0 of CORE. Designed to offer instant support and streamline ticket submission, AIXO makes resource management more efficient for individuals and businesses alike.
As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, we’ve launched CORE 1.9.0, bringing refinements that improve expense management and app functionality. This update includes enhanced expense categorisation, resource linking, and advanced filtering options. Additionally, UI/UX improvements and performance optimisations ensure a more seamless experience across all devices.
For a full breakdown of the latest updates, visit our changelog page.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Technology and Innovation
The birth of new technologies, whether quantum computing, AGI, or AI-driven resource management, signals an era of unprecedented possibilities. With the competitive landscape always intensifying, we can expect even greater breakthroughs in the coming years. At EXP., we are committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring that our solutions continue to evolve alongside the latest technological trends.
The future is being born right before our eyes. Are you ready to embrace it?
