Core Viewpoint - The article highlights Amazon's skepticism towards Microsoft's claims of a breakthrough in quantum computing with its new processor "Majorana 1," suggesting a gap between marketing and technological reality [1][2]. Group 1: Amazon's Response to Microsoft's Claims - Amazon's quantum technology head, Simone Severini, expressed doubts about Microsoft's claims, stating that the published research does not substantiate the performance of the Majorana 1 processor [2][4]. - Severini's email questioning the credibility of Microsoft's announcement was shared with other Amazon executives, indicating internal concern about the claims [3]. - Amazon's quantum hardware lead, Oskar Painter, criticized Microsoft's marketing efforts, suggesting that they have reached a new level of exaggeration [7][8]. Group 2: Expert Opinions on Quantum Computing - Experts have shown caution regarding the practical applications of quantum chips, with some stating that Microsoft's research, while impressive, lacks significance for building usable quantum computers [11][12]. - Criticism of Microsoft's claims includes the assertion that the technology is not yet scalable and lacks peer review, with researchers acknowledging that their results do not confirm the existence of Majorana zero modes [12]. - The CEO of Oxford Ionics noted that the quantum computing industry is still in its early stages, with many experts uncertain about the advancements claimed by tech companies [18][19]. Group 3: Timeline for Quantum Computing Commercialization - Microsoft believes that large-scale industrial quantum computers could be developed in a few years, contrasting with Amazon's more cautious estimate of 10 to 20 years for commercialization [16][17][18]. - The differing timelines reflect the broader uncertainty in the industry regarding the actual readiness of quantum computing technology for practical applications [16][18].

Core Viewpoint - The recent development of the 105-qubit superconducting quantum computing prototype "Zuchongzhi No. 3" by the team from the University of Science and Technology of China demonstrates a significant leap in quantum computing capabilities, achieving a speed that surpasses the fastest supercomputers by a factor of one trillion [1][2]. Group 1 - The "Zuchongzhi No. 3" prototype can process quantum random circuit sampling problems at a speed one trillion times faster than the current fastest supercomputer, setting a new world record for superconducting quantum computing superiority [1][2]. - The prototype includes 105 readable qubits and 182 coupled qubits, with multiple key performance indicators significantly improved compared to its predecessor, "Zuchongzhi No. 2," which had 66 qubits and was already a major advancement in 2021 [2]. - The international academic community recognizes that the development of quantum computing will follow a three-step process: achieving quantum computing superiority, developing quantum simulators with hundreds of qubits, and significantly enhancing qubit manipulation precision and fault tolerance to create programmable universal quantum computers [2]. Group 2 - The research team behind "Zuchongzhi No. 3" is actively exploring various aspects of quantum technology, including quantum error correction, quantum entanglement, quantum simulation, and quantum chemistry [3]. - The team is currently conducting research on surface code error correction with a code distance of 7, with plans to expand to distances of 9 and 11, which will facilitate the integration and manipulation of large-scale qubits [4].