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Microsoft Unveils Majorana 1: A Breakthrough in Quantum Computing

Author

Alicia Shapiro
February 20, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Today’s Headlines:

  • Microsoft Unveils Majorana 1: A Breakthrough in Quantum Computing - Unlike existing quantum systems, Majorana 1 utilizes a new type of material known as a topoconductor, which enables more stable and scalable qubits—the fundamental building blocks of quantum computers.



  • Perplexity Releases R1-1776: An Open, Uncensored AI Model - Perplexity has announced the open-source release of R1-1776, a post-trained version of DeepSeek-R1 designed to provide unbiased, accurate, and factual information. The model weights are now available on Hugging Face, and users can access the model via Perplexity’s Sonar API.


  • Trump’s NIST Layoffs Raise Questions About CHIPS Act and AI Policy - The Trump administration is reportedly planning to cut nearly 500 staff members at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), according to Bloomberg. This includes personnel overseeing the agency’s $11 billion semiconductor research and development program, funded under the CHIPS and Science Act.

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AI In Action: Quick Tutorials

In this section, you'll find short, practical tutorials that walk you through using the latest AI tools, helping you quickly unlock their full potential.

Today’s AI in Action: Build phone apps with zero code

Windsurf lets you create fully functional mobile applications using its AI assistant and plain English commands, all without writing a single line of code.

Step-by-step:

  • Install Windsurf and Xcode (with iOS 17.5 simulator) for testing

  • Create a new project using 'npx create-expo-app your-app-name'

  • Use Cascade AI assistant to build your app by describing its features in plain English.

  • Test and refine your app using the iOS simulator.

Pro Tip: When using Windsurf’s AI assistant, be as specific as possible with your descriptions! Instead of saying "I want a shopping app," try "Create a shopping app with a product catalog, user authentication, and a checkout system with Stripe integration." The more details you provide, the better your app will match your vision—without writing a single line of code!

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Calling all creative thinkers and AI enthusiasts - Play SCOTi Charades today!

The popular game, SCOTi Charades, is back for another round of fun and competition.

If you're new to the game, it's easy to join in. Here's how to play:

The game runs for 7 days, with this round closing at midday (UK time) on February 26th. We'll reveal the winning prompt and the winner next week, so be sure to follow us on LinkedIn for the update!

Need a refresher on the rules and prize? Head over to our SCOTi Charades website.

Good luck, and let the creativity begin!

AI Tools:

Please note that AiNews.com does not endorse the following AI tools. We aim to share the tools we come across that you may find helpful in you work or daily lives.

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  • Reconcile: Effortless AI-powered tax filing solution. Make strategic decisions faster, save precious time, and focus on what really matters - growing your business.

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