Microsoft released its Majorana 1 chip last month. They call it the first quantum processor that runs on Topological Core tech. Many people celebrated this as a big step forward. Back in 2023, Microsoft research laid out a big plan—they wanted to build their special quantum supercomputer within ten years.
Fast-forward to today—outside experts have attacked Microsoft's February news. The Register just wrote a report based on what important quantum scientists said. These experts say Majorana particles might exist in theory, but Microsoft claims they found and used them. The Register pointed out past issues: Microsoft had to take back their 2018 paper, in which they claimed they found these particles.
Microsoft researcher Chetan Nayak explained they wrote their latest paper in March 2024 but only shared it publicly a few weeks ago. They plan to share more progress next week at the American Physical Society 2025 meeting. Critics have spoken loudly against Microsoft. Henry Legg teaches physics at the University of St Andrews and thinks Microsoft's quantum breakthrough cannot be trusted and needs another look.
Scientists from Germany and America made a video statement about how Microsoft Quantum makes unreliable claims that distract from real science. The Register reporter Thomas Claburn talked directly with Professor Frolov, who said concerns about this work have existed for years. He said the dramatic announcement just made people react more strongly. Frolov called it a fraudulent project based on physics that nobody has proven yet. He heard from secret sources who had already seen the upcoming presentation and felt unimpressed. Microsoft will likely face more criticism when they present at the March meeting.
Fast-forward to today—outside experts have attacked Microsoft's February news. The Register just wrote a report based on what important quantum scientists said. These experts say Majorana particles might exist in theory, but Microsoft claims they found and used them. The Register pointed out past issues: Microsoft had to take back their 2018 paper, in which they claimed they found these particles.
Microsoft researcher Chetan Nayak explained they wrote their latest paper in March 2024 but only shared it publicly a few weeks ago. They plan to share more progress next week at the American Physical Society 2025 meeting. Critics have spoken loudly against Microsoft. Henry Legg teaches physics at the University of St Andrews and thinks Microsoft's quantum breakthrough cannot be trusted and needs another look.
Scientists from Germany and America made a video statement about how Microsoft Quantum makes unreliable claims that distract from real science. The Register reporter Thomas Claburn talked directly with Professor Frolov, who said concerns about this work have existed for years. He said the dramatic announcement just made people react more strongly. Frolov called it a fraudulent project based on physics that nobody has proven yet. He heard from secret sources who had already seen the upcoming presentation and felt unimpressed. Microsoft will likely face more criticism when they present at the March meeting.
