EIGHTH GENERATION OF COMPUTERS: FEATURES, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE - TECHNOLOGY - 2025

The eighth generation of computers refers fundamentally to the exploration and expansion of nanotechnology, virtual reality and quantum computing, in order to produce important changes in computer equipment in the future.

Components such as the hard disk will disappear in their conception as physical and mechanical devices, having a significant speed because they will work organically and independently, based on electromagnetic impulses.

Quantum computer Source: By Pete Linforth pixabay.com

According to the chronology of evolution of computers, it is considered that the beginning of the eighth generation took place in 2012, when Nintendo launched the Wii U, considered the first console of this generation.

However, although the eighth generation of computers is located from 2012, it can be said that it has not yet reached a great massification, mainly due to the fact that the characteristics of the components that make it up have a too high cost for the common home.

For this reason, we must wait for nanotechnology to become a common and accessible component in the market for the majority.

characteristics

- Quantum computing

It will allow the development of new materials and chemicals, in addition to accelerating the progress that has been made in artificial intelligence and being able to answer fundamental questions about the origins of the universe.

To solve the world's most challenging problems, a quantum computer could find a solution in just hours, where today's computers would require several million years.

- Nanotechnology

Nanowires

They are cables with a diameter sometimes as small as 1 nanometer. Scientists hope to use them to build small transistors for computer chips.

Carbon nanotubes

They are nano-sized cylinders of carbon atoms. They can be effective semiconductors with the correct arrangement of atoms.

Work is under way to make carbon nanotubes a realistic option for transistors in microprocessors and other electronic devices.

- Virtual reality

This is a simulation experience that can be totally different or similar to the real world. Among the applications you can find fun and educational purposes, such as military or medical training.

Other different types of technology in the style of virtual reality include augmented reality and mixed reality.

The VR experience involves the entire platform, not just one component. An ideal combination of processor, graphics, input / output connectivity, display and audio is required.

Hardware

Processors

The processors can have up to six cores, allowing to increase the maximum frequency up to 4.7 GHz and up to 12 MB of cache memory. A DDR4 RAM allows you to have up to 64 GB of memory.

Each processor core can work on two tasks simultaneously, speeding up workflows by offering up to 12-way multitasking support.

Quantum computing

For processing, the properties of quantum physics are exploited, allowing the most difficult challenges to be solved through the handling of nanoscale devices.

The unit of information is the quantum bit (qubit). Just as the classical bit contains only one binary value (1 or 0), a qubit can contain both values ​​at the same time.

When multiple qubits act consistently, they can process multiple options simultaneously.

Virtual reality

The displays of virtual reality receivers are based on technology developed for smartphones. They include gyros and motion sensors (to track head, hand and body positions), stereoscopic HD displays, and also small, light and fast processors.

The creation of virtual reality has increased considerably thanks to the existing advance in omnidirectional cameras, with the ability to record photos and thus be able to stream video online.

software

Virtual reality

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML), first introduced in 1994, was intended for the development of "virtual worlds" without having to rely on facial gadgets.

Subsequently, the Web3D consortium was founded in 1997 to develop industry standards for web-based 3D graphics.

This consortium developed X3D, as an open source standard archive for web-based virtual reality content distribution.

On the other hand, WebVR serves as a support for various virtual reality devices on the web, such as Google Cardboard.

Cloud games

PlayStation Now enables cloud games for PlayStation 2, 3 and 4, games for current PlayStation consoles and for personal computers.

Microsoft started developing a comparable service (xCloud) for Xbox games and also for Windows.

Google launched Stadia, a cloud gaming platform designed around reduced latency and advanced features that are not typical of these other cloud gaming options.

Inventions and their authors

Virtual reality

The initial navigable virtual sets were created in 1977 by designer David Em on the NASA campus.

On the other hand, in 1978 the Aspen Movie Map was created at MIT, a virtual tour where users could walk through the streets of Aspen in one of three modes (summer, winter and polygons).

In 1979, Eric Howlett developed a large, perspective optical system. The system created a stereoscopic image with a wide enough field of view to create a compelling sense of space.

Quantum computer

IBM notified the construction of the most advanced quantum computer in the world. This first is a big step with respect to the current process of manufacturing chips made with silicon because, according to specialists, the maximum physical limitation of processing must be reached between 10 and 20 more years.

Featured Computers

IBM Quantum

This computer has been the first initiative of the computer science sector to make quantum computers of general use, both for science and for business. This effort includes exploring applications to make Quantum widely usable and accessible.

This computer uses, instead of traditional silicon chip microprocessors, a device that relies on the physical properties of atoms, such as the direction of rotation, to refer to the digits zero and one (bits), instead of electrical charge, just as it happens in today's computers

Virtual reality

In 2014 Sony announced Project Morpheus, a virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 4 video game console.

In 2015 Google announced Cardboard, a DIY stereoscopic viewer where the user arranges their smartphone on a holder that is placed on their head.

Since 2016, at least 230 companies have been developing products related to virtual reality. Some of the best known are Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Sony, and Samsung.

References

1. Information Technology (2019). The generations of computers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and… the eighth generation. Taken from: tecnologia-informatica.com.
2. Intel (2019). 8th Generation Intel Core Desktop Processor Family Product Brief. Taken from: intel.com.
3. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2019). Virtual reality. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.
4. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2019). Eighth generation of video game consoles. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.
5. IBM (2019). Quantum Computing at IBM. Taken from: ibm.com.