Microsoft has created a quantum computing chip, Majorana 1, that relies on what it says is a “new state of matter” — one that exists beyond the primary liquid, solid, gas states that have underpinned science since Ancient Greece. Research into this fourth physical existence, called a “topological state,” earned three theoretical physicists the Nobel Prize in Physics in October. Unlike solids, liquids or gases, a topological state is not defined locally by how its particles are arranged, but by how their quantum wavefunction behaves — wrapping around itself globally, across the entire material. Read more

Microsoft has unveiled a new AI model called Muse that can generate game visuals and controller actions and understands 3D space. The new model can create complex gameplay sequences with accurate physics and character behaviors. Classified by Microsoft as the first World and Human Action Model (WHAM), Muse was trained from over seven years’ worth of human gameplay data from the Xbox game “Bleeding Edge,” published by UK-based Microsoft Games subsidiary Ninja Theory. Muse can, in addition to game goals, provide research insights to support all sorts of creative use of generative AI, Microsoft says. Read more

Apple has debuted a new smartphone for budget-conscious shoppers. The iPhone 16e has been dubbed “the SE killer” since it succeeds the previous bottom-line entry, which came out in 2022. Pricing begins at $599, with preorders starting Friday followed by general availability on February 28. The iPhone 16e features Apple’s speedy A18 chip, with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU. It also includes Apple Intelligence and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system. With increasing global competition in the low-priced phone space, this latest entry intends to get the upscale Apple brand back into the game. Read more

Facebook is downsizing data storage expenditures by deleting old live video feeds. Meta Platforms announced that beginning this week “new live broadcasts can be replayed, downloaded or shared from Facebook Pages or profiles for 30 days, after which they will be automatically removed from Facebook.” Prior to removing the content, users will be notified they have 90 days to download or transfer the material to other storage or convert it to a new reel. Previously, such content was stored indefinitely. Facebook stores more than 100 petabytes of material with an estimated 500 terabytes added each day. Read more

Amazon has pulled the plug on Inspire, its TikTok-type, short-form video and photo mobile feed designed to help customers explore and discover new products by browsing various categories. Like TikTok, Inspire used a vertical feed and opportunities to purchase products used by influencers and other customers. The shopping giant is instead referring customers to its shopping chatbot Rufus. Amazon has since November 2023 partnered with Instagram to promote shopping within the app, and also has a deal with Snap, so it still has ties to social shopping. Inspire was launched in December 2022 and expanded to national availability in May of 2023. Read more