Four decades ago, physicists were theorizing that the mind-bending mechanics of quantum physics could be harnessed to make a new kind of computer that’s exponentially more powerful than conventional machines.

Quantum computing is set to change the world in many ways, some of which we can barely fathom. These three fields, though, will likely not only see rapid change, but may radically alter the way we live. In the end, though, only time will tell what quantum computing’s impact will be. At least we’ll still be able to play Doom.

In November, IBM unveiled Heron, its most powerful quantum computer to date. The company plans to have error-corrected systems ready by 2029, and it's exploring the idea of integrating quantum computers with traditional central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) to solve real-world problems.

Quantum computing is reshaping the technological landscape, offering unprecedented computational power to solve complex problems that were once deemed unsolvable. As the field grows rapidly, understanding its basics and applications becomes increasingly important for researchers,

Quantum computing stocks have surged in 2024 as breakthroughs hint at a technological tipping point. Two pure-play quantum stocks offer contrasting paths to potentially massive returns. The next computing revolution may be closer than investors think.