First-ever blueprint for quantum computers unveiled

LONDON: Scientists have unveiled the first ever practical blueprint to construct a large scale quantum computer, the most powerful computer on Earth that could revolutionize industry, science, medicine and commerce.

The work by scientists, including those from University of Sussex in the UK and Google, features the actual industrial blueprint to construct such a large-scale machine, more powerful in solving certain problems than any computer ever constructed before.

Once built, the computer's capabilities mean it would have the potential to answer many questions in science; create new, lifesaving medicines and solve the most mind-boggling scientific problems, researchers said.

It could also unravel the yet unknown mysteries of the furthest reaches of deepest space and solve some problems that an ordinary computer would take billions of years to compute.

The work features a new invention permitting actual quantum bits to be transmitted between individual quantum computing modules in order to obtain a fully modular large-scale machine capable of reaching nearly arbitrary large computational processing powers.

Previously, scientists had proposed using fibre optic connections to connect individual computer modules.

The invention introduces connections created by electric fields that allow charged atoms (ions) to be transported from one module to another.

The approach allows 100,000 times faster connection speeds between individual quantum computing modules compared to current state-of-the-art fibre link technology.

"For many years, people said that it was completely impossible to construct an actual quantum computer. With our work we have not only shown that it can be done but now we are delivering a nuts and bolts construction plan to build an actual large-scale machine," said Professor Winfried Hensinger from University of Sussex, who is leading the research.

"It was most important to us to highlight the substantial technical challenges as well as to provide practical engineering solutions," said Bjoern Lekitsch, also from the University of Sussex.

As a next step, the team will construct a prototype quantum computer, based on this design.

"The availability of a universal quantum computer may have a fundamental impact on society as a whole," Hensinger said.

The computer's possibilities for solving, explaining or developing could be endless. However, its size will be anything but small.

The machine is expected to fill a large building, consisting of sophisticated vacuum apparatus featuring integrated quantum computing silicon microchips that hold individual charged atoms (ions) using electric fields.

The blueprint to develop such computers has been made public to ensure scientists throughout the world can collaborate and further develop this brilliant, ground-breaking technology as well as to encourage industrial exploitation.

Everything about Li-Fi

What is Li-Fi?

Light Fidelity or Li-Fi is a Visible Light Communications (VLC) system running wireless communications travelling at very high speeds.

Li-Fi uses common household LED (light emitting diodes) lightbulbs to enable data transfer, boasting speeds of up to 224 gigabits per second.

The term Li-Fi was coined by University of Edinburgh Professor Harald Haas during a TED Talk in 2011. Haas envisioned light bulbs that could act as wireless routers.

Subsequently, in 2012 after four years of research, Haas set up company pureLiFi with the aim 'to be the world leader in Visible Light Communications technology'.

How it works?

Li-Fi and Wi-Fi are quite similar as both transmit data electromagnetically. However, Wi-Fi uses radio waves while Li-Fi runs on visible light.

As we now know, Li-Fi is a Visible Light Communications (VLC) system. This means that it accommodates a photo-detector to receive light signals and a signal processing element to convert the data into 'stream-able' content.

An LED lightbulb is a semi-conductor light source meaning that the constant current of electricity supplied to an LED lightbulb can be dipped and dimmed, up and down at extremely high speeds, without being visible to the human eye.

For example, data is fed into an LED light bulb (with signal processing technology), it then sends data (embedded in its beam) at rapid speeds to the photo-detector (photodiode).

The tiny changes in the rapid dimming of LED bulbs is then converted by the 'receiver' into electrical signal.

The signal is then converted back into a binary data stream that we would recognise as web, video and audio applications that run on internet enables devices.

Li-Fi vs Wi-Fi

While some may think that Li-Fi with its 224 gigabits per second leaves Wi-Fi in the dust, Li-Fi's exclusive use of visible light could halt a mass uptake. 

Li-Fi signals cannot pass through walls, so in order to enjoy full connectivity, capable LED bulbs will need to be placed throughout the home. Not to mention, Li-Fi requires the lightbulb is on at all times to provide connectivity, meaning that the lights will need to be on during the day.

What's more, where there is a lack of lightbulbs, there is a lack of Li-Fi internet so Li-Fi does take a hit when it comes to public Wi-Fi networks.

In an announcement yesterday, an extension of standard Wi-Fi is coming and it's called Wi-Fi HaLow.

This new project claims to double the range of connectivity while using less power. Due to this, Wi-Fi HaLow is reportedly perfect for battery powered devices such as smartwatches, smartphones and lends itself to Internet of Things devices such as sensors and smart applications. 

But it's not all doom and gloom! Due to its impressive speeds, Li-Fi could make a huge impact on the internet of things too, with data transferred at much higher levels with even more devices able to connect to one another.

What's more, due to its shorter range, Li-Fi is more secure than Wi-Fi and it's reported that embedded light beams reflected off a surface could still achieve 70 megabits per second.

The future of Li-Fi

In November 2014, Li-Fi pioneers pureLiFi joined forces with French lighting company Lucibel aiming to bring out Li-Fi enables products, by the end of 2015.

pureLiFi already have two products on the market: Li-Flame Ceiling Unit to connect to an LED light fixture and Li-Flame Desktop Unit which connects to a device via USB, both aiming to provide light and connectivity in one device. 

Plus, with faster connectivity and data transmission it’s an interesting space for businesses. The integration of internet of things devices and Li-Fi will provide a wealth of opportunities for retailers and other businesses alike. For example, shop owners could transmit data to multiple customers' phones quickly, securely and remotely. 

Li-Fi is reportedly being tested in Dubai, by UAE-based telecommunications provider, du and Zero1. Du claims to have successfully provided internet, audio and video streaming over a Li-Fi connection.

What's more, reports suggest that Apple may build future iPhones with Li-Fi capabilities. A Twitter user found that within its iOS 9.1 code there were references to Li-Fi written as 'LiFiCapability' hinting that Apple may integrate Li-fi with iPhones in the future. 

Whether or not Li-Fi will live up to its hype is yet to be decided. Watch this space...

Top 10 computer mistakes beginners make

Below we've listed the top 10 mistakes we find beginner computer users making and how you can avoid falling into the same mistakes.

Not backing up important files

One of the biggest mistakes anyone can make is not backing up important information. Today, there are so many different methods of backing up your information that there is no longer any excuse for not backing up your information. Make sure to backup all important information before it is too late.

Clicking Next or Ok without reading

Everyone has become more impatient thanks to the instant gratification we all enjoy every day on the Internet. However, because of this impatience it is not uncommon for new users to click Ok or Next without reading what they are agreeing to and not making sure there are no check boxes still checked. Make sure you read every prompt before agreeing, or you may be agreeing to install new browser toolbars, a program you didn't intend to install, or other crapware.

Not saving work

While working on a document either offline or online make sure that the program is automatically saving your work. If a program does not automatically save your work, you need to make sure you are saving your work every 10-15 minutes. If the computer loses power, Internet connection, or the program crashes everything is lost that hasn't been saved.

Turning off the computer improperly

With more users learning on Smartphones and Tablets before learning the computer, not all new users are familiar with the proper method to shut down (turn off) a computer. When you are done with a computer and want to turn it off make sure to save any work, close open programs, and shut down the computer properly.

Opening e-mail attachments

A common method of getting infected with a computer virus or malware is from opening e-mail attachments. Be extremely cautious and doubtful on all e-mail attachments you receive including any e-mail attachments you receive from friends, family, and co-workers. One of the most common tactics malicious users use to send viruses is from people you know to gain a false sense of trust.

Falling for phishing, spam, or chain mail

Phishing

As computers become more secure, and users get more tech savvy, many malicious individuals have moved to attacking people using phishing tactics. Make sure you are aware of how phishing works and how you can make sure you do not become a victim ofidentity theft.

Spam

Almost all spam today is distributed by infected computers or malicious users. Replying to these spam messages will not unsubscribe you from any list and usually is never looked at or received. In some cases, a spammer may even use your reply as a verification that an e-mail works and send you more spam or share your e-mail address with other spammers. If you get spam, just delete it from your inbox.

Chain mail

You should also never forward your friends and family chain mail. If you find an e-mail hard to believe, make sure it is true before you forward the myth or rumor to anyone else.

Downloading and installing bad software

Today, the most common ways a computer gets infected with viruses, malware, and other crapware is from downloading and installing bad software on the computer. Always be cautious of free software and who is providing you with the free software. To subsidize costs many developers include other bundled programs or toolbars, and if you are not careful, you may install them during the install. As mentioned earlier, always be sure to read what the program is doing during the install.

Unfortunately, reading is also not always enough and sites offering free things likecursors, fonts, wallpaper, emotions, and other small downloads may be bundled with other bad software. When downloading anything, keep the below suggestions in mind.

Where are you getting the download?

There are malicious people who download valid copies of a popular download, modify the file with malicious software, and then upload the file with the same name. Make sure you are downloading from the developer's web page or a reputable company.

Don't install download manager

Many sites suggest or require you to install an installer or a download manager before allowing you to download a program you may be interested in downloading. These tools almost always cause your computer more problems and may even have malware or other spyware. Avoid any site claiming anything must be installed first before you can continue with your download.

Avoid advertisements on download pages

To help make money and pay for the bandwidth costs of supplying free the software, the final download page may have ads. Watch out for anything that looks like advertisements on the download page. Many advertisers try to trick viewers into clicking an ad with phrases like "Download Now", "Start Download", or "Continue" and that ad may open a separate download.

Cancel or deny any automatic download

Some sites may automatically try start a download or give the appearance that something needs to be installed or updated before the site or video can be seen. Never accept or install anything from any site unless you know what is downloading.

Not keeping operating system and software up-to-date

The evolution of computers and the software that computer's use is always evolving. After a program is released bugs and security threats are almost always discovered by other users. Installing the latest updates for a program makes sure everything runs smooth and if security fixes are found fix those problems, so your data is kept secure.

Keep a computer on a surge protector or UPS

If you plug your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone into a wall outletconsider using a surge protector instead. A surge protector can help keep your computer protected during an electrical storm and make sure that nothing is damaged if a surgetravels over your power lines.

Also, if you are using a desktop computer we highly recommend also using a UPS on your computer. Although these can be more expensive, a UPS protects your computer from a surge, brown out, and keeps the computer running if the power goes out for a minute or two.

Buying incompatible hardware or peripherals

Computers are becoming more diversified with Chrome books, hybrid computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Although all of these devices are considered computers, not all hardware is compatible with every type of computer. Also, this is true with Apple computers vs. PC computers, and PC computers running Windows or Linux, which are all running different operating systems.

Before purchasing hardware or upgrading older hardware make sure its compatible with your computer, operating system, and meets the system requirements.

Screens that fold and roll will arrive as early as next year

Displays that can be folded and rolled up have been shown in prototype smartphones, wearables and other devices -- but when will such products be available?

Advances in technology suggest they aren't too far off in the future. Such devices could start showing up as early as next year or 2018, said Jerry Kang, senior principal analyst for emerging display technologies and OLED at analyst firm IHS.

Manufacturers are trying to launch them in devices like tablets that can fold into a smartphone-size device. It's possible to use these displays in wearable devices, but reliability, weight and battery life need to be considered, Kang said.

Small folding screens will likely come before larger ones, mainly due to the economics of making such displays, Kang said.

The displays will be based on OLED (organic light-emitting diode), considered a successor to current LED technology. OLEDs don't have lighting back-panels, making them thinner and more power efficient.

At CES this year, LG showed a stunningly thin paper-like display that could roll up. The company projects it will deliver foldable OLEDs by next year.

There are advantages to screens that can be folded or rolled up. They could lead to innovative product designs and increase the mobility of devices, Kang said.

For example, it could be easier to fit screens around the contours of a battery and other components. It will also provide a level of flexibility in how a user can change the  shape of a device.

But challenges remain in making such screens practical, Kang said.

A display has multiple functional layers such as cover lenses, touch panels and polarizers, all made of different materials. A large number of layers could limit the ability to bend and fold. But removing layers also presents problems. For example, removing the touch panel could make such a screen useless for smartphones and tablets.

The size of batteries and circuits are of lesser concern in designing bendable screens, Kang said. The screens can be folded around components.

Displays that can fold and roll are an extension of flexible displays, which are already in wearables, smartphones and TVs. For example, some TVs have flexible screens that are designed so that they can be slightly curved.

Samsung and LG started using flexible AMOLED displays in smartphones in 2013 and are adapting those screens for wearables. Those companies are also leading the charge to bring displays that can bend and fold to devices.

The sorts of flexible displays that are used in curved products are still in their infancy, but IHS projects such screens to continue siphoning market share from non-flexible displays. In 2022, 433.3 million flexible displays will ship, compared to 3.6 billion units of non-flexible displays.

5 Lesser Known Instagram Hacks

Instagram has 500 million active users till June 2016. That put the photo sharing service along withFacebook and Twitter as one of the most popular social networks in the world.

However, unlike Facebook and Twitter, Instagram is an app-based social network and that comes with many limitations. Moreover, you might not be aware of some lesser-known Instagram hacks, so five of  them are shared below. (Also read: How To Protect Your Privacy Online) 

1. Inserting Page Break in Caption

One of the most frustrating things about writing a caption for an Instagram post is lack of any sort of text formatting. The Instagram caption field only allows plain texts and emojis. That means no web links and bold or italic text, things that we get pretty much almost everywhere.

The worst thing is the inability to add page break between lines of your caption. One reason for this is the missing 'Enter' key on the keyboard while writing the caption, instead the '#' and '@' keys are shown in its place.

The solution is to hit the 'Numbers' key to shift to the numeric and symbol keys where you can find the missing 'Enter' key. If you want better spacing between words and lines, then your best option is to write the caption in another text editing or note taking app and then paste it on Instagram.

2. Find Who Unfollowed You

The number of followers matters on Instagram and Twitter, unlike Facebook where the following is mutual. In Instagram, what frustrates most is how certain users will follow you just to get you to follow them, only then to unfollow you afterward.

The easiest way to find if someone unfollowed you is by going to the list of your followers and typing their name into the search box found there. However, using a third party app like Instrack will let you find who unfollowed or blocked you every time you open the app, which is a far more efficient method. Additionally, you can unfollow them from within the app.

3. Using Instagram as a Photo Editor

Before the billion dollar acquisition by Facebook, and becoming the most popular social network for adults from 18-29 years, Instagram had its humble beginning as an iPhone photo editing app for posting pictures on Facebook. (Also read: 7 Simple Tips For Creating And Remembering A Strong Password)

To use Instagram to edit your pictures, first go to the settings and turn on 'Save the Original' option. After editing the picture, head over to the sharing page, then hit the 'back' button twice so as to exit, prompting the app to ask whether to keep or discard the edited photo. Select 'Keep', if you want to keep the image and then it will be saved to your phone.

4. Unsend Any Message

This is one standout feature none of the other social networks or chat apps had. You can unsend any Direct Message or posts shared to someone privately on Instagram.

This is done by holding down the message till a pop-up shows an option to unsend or copy the message. Do keep in mind that the receiver might already have read your message from their notification panel or lock screen.

5. Get Notifications When Someone Post

Like what Facebook did years ago by introducing the News Feed, Instagram also recently abandoned showing posts in your feed based on chronological order. It now uses an algorithm that will 'predict' the ones from the users you interact more with. This means missing out on posts from some of your favourite people on Instagram.

The best way to get around it is to go to the profile of the person and tap the three dot menu button and can turn post notifications on from there. Now every time that person shares a post you will be notified.

10 Facebook Messenger Secrets You Need to Know

Facebook Messenger has roughly 900 million users, which is enough bodies to fill three Americas. So, chances are good that you've used the app at some point, even if it means checking that weird hidden folder every once in a while to see what kind of awful spam strangers or bots have sent you.

If you use it for more than that, however, you may be interested to know there's a lot more you can do besides typing "u up?" to anyone who happens to be online at two in the morning. Facebook Messenger is full of games, easter eggs, and useful bots, and we're here to bring you all the best tips and tricks.

[Note: Unfortunately, Facebook Messenger doesn't function identically across all devices. If you find that some of these tricks don't work, we're deeply sorry and wouldn't necessarily discourage you from writing angry letters to Mark Zuckerberg.]

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1. Bots, bots, bots

Haven't you heard? Bots are the future. You can order flowers, call an Uber orLyft , or have those tasty new Mac 'N Cheetos delivered to your door, all from the comfort of a Facebook Messenger window. But that's not all the bot worldhas to offer-you can also play Messenger's version of Chat Roulette, read some Bible verses, find something for dinner, sort of talk to Drake, or pretend that Harry Styles is your boyfriend. Isn't the future amazing?

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2. Send a 15 second video

Instead of sending a boring message comprised solely of text, try sending a short video instead. In the mobile app, tap the camera button and hold down the middle circle for video. Bonus points if you make it weird, like this video I made in my office and sent to a friend with zero context!

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3. Pretend you're good at sports with this hidden basketball game

In March, Facebook Messenger unveiled a nifty little gimmick : a playable basketball game that can be accessed by sending a basketball emoji and tapping it. Its launch coincided with March Madness, and it's still available to play now.

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4. Pretend you're good at sports while also displaying a working knowledge of current events

Euro 2016 is currently underway, and Messenger is in on the action. Much like the basketball version, the playable soccer game reveals itself if you send a soccer ball emoji and tap it. It should be noted, however, that both the basketball and soccer games are also much harder to play than they look.

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5. Send someone your location

This is best deployed with a bit of creativity and a complete lack of shame. Sure,Facebook thinks you'll use this feature-accessible by tapping the three dots on the bottom right of the chat window, and then choosing "location"-to faithfully let your friends and family know where you are. Instead, however, you could use it to passive-aggressively let an ex know you're on a date with someone else ("Remember that date spot we always wanted to try? I'm there now!"), creep out your timid coworkers ("Really into this guided Museum of Sex tour. You should go!") or irritate your friends ("Hour four of this car ride is going great! Mifflinburg, PA sure is beautiful.")

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6. Play a game of chess

If sports aren't really your thing, you can type "@fbchess" into a chat window and play a game of chess against a friend . You can also somehow play chess against yourself, which makes for an amusing activity if you're really bored.

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7. Indulge in @dailycute

You've had a bad day. You need a pick-me-up. Type @dailycute into a chat window and see what happens.

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8. Use it as an alternative to Venmo

Do you need to send a friend some money for that slice of pizza last weekend, or for the Ikea bookshelf you split the cost of? How about for those drugs you bought from that weird dude who hangs out at all your neighborhood parties?You can use Messenger for that!

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9. Shower someone you love (or don't) in hearts

Perfect for showing your beloved (or perhaps a random friend) that you love them. Send a heart emoji, and a fluttering of red hearts will pop up:

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10. Drawing over photos

You know what to do with the feature that lets you draw on photos in your camera roll before you send them, right? Of course you do. (Dicks. I'm talking about drawing dicks all over your photos.)

Happy messaging!

Florida Man Sues Apple for $10 Billion, Says He Invented the iPhone in 1992

Florida man Thomas Ross believes that he divined the future of human communication 15 years before Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone. Ross scribbled together a patent application for a device back in 1992 and now claims that Applestole his design. Now, the Florida man is suing Apple for over $10 billion.

Okay so this thing doesn't even look like an iPhone besides the fact that it's rectangular and has a screen. The Frankenstein of a device is also just a kitchen sink of every possible thing you could think to put in a handheld gadget in 1992, like a cell antenna, MS-DOS, solar cells (!), and a 3.5-inch diskette drive (!!!). It even has a physical keyboard. One of the iPhone's biggest innovations, mind you, is the fact that it doesn't have a keyboard. Ross didn't even bother to use a straight edge when drawing his design, so it's a complete mess of tech that no one in their right mind would build in 1992 or ever.

A proto-Kindle? Maybe. The Apple Newton? You're getting warmer. But not aniPhone. Not even close.

There's the tiny problem of these patents not actually being patents anymore, since the plaintiff failed pay the appropriate registration fees. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office declared the application "abandoned" in 1995. Regardless, Ross is asking for $10 BILLION in damages plus 1.5 percent royalty on Apple's sales, which comes out to about $3 or $4 billion a year.

Good luck with that, Florida man.

How to Shoot 360-Degree Photos With Your Smartphone

Flat, two-dimensional photos are old news. The future is 360-degree photos that let you look around in any direction from a single standing position. You can share 360-degree photos everywhere from Facebook to Street View, and unlike 360 video, they can be easily snapped using the phone you've already got. Here'show to get started.

First, you need an app. The one you want depends on where you're sharing or storing the picture, but most platforms work with most apps. The best app for the job is Street View for Android or iOS, but you can also use the photo sphere mode in the stock Android camera or Surround Shot mode on Samsung phones.

The Street View app is a lot like the photo sphere mode offered by the stock Android camera. Tap the large orange plus icon then pick Camera, at which point the app will guide you through the capture process-basically you have to stand in one place and hit all the orange circles to fill the orb at the bottom.

Images are snapped automatically when you reach each designated position (no need to press the shutter button), and once you're done, the app does all the hard work of stitching together the images you've taken. If you've got Google Photosinstalled, that's one of the apps that will be able to show your 360-degree photo in all its glory.

If you're on a phone, you can view a photo by moving the handset around to change the view (or tapping and dragging). If you're in the browser mode ofGoogle Photos, you can click and drag using the mouse. If you want more people to see your immersive image, you can upload it to Street View or to Facebook in the same way as any other photo.

At the moment Android is more 360-degree photo-friendly than iOS, but Apple will most likely catch up. Facebook can process iPhone panorama pictures as 360-degree pictures, or you can use a third-party app (such as Street View or something like 360 Panorama). Of course you can pick up a dedicated 360-degree camera if you prefer, which will let you shoot video clips too.