Bon vous savez tous comment marche votre antivirus. Il détecte un malware, il le bloque, et tout revient à la normale.
Mais si je vous disais que maintenant, c’est parfaitement possible qu’une heure plus tard le même malware se repointe, sauf que c’est plus le même, parce que son code a changé. Car entre temps, il a demandé à Google Gemini de le réécrire…
Bien c’est pas de la science-fiction, hein, c’est ce que décrit un rapport du Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) qui nous présente une nouvelle génération de malwares qui intègrent des LLM directement dans leur exécution.
Plus de génération statique du code, c’est le malware lui-même qui appelle une API LLM pendant qu’il tourne, demande des modifications, se réécrit, et repart faire sa besogne.
Les deux exemples les plus marquants s’appellent PROMPTFLUX et PROMPTSTEAL .
PROMPTFLUX, c’est un dropper en VBScript qui appelle l’API Gemini pour obfusquer son propre code. Il se réécrit dans la base de registre Windows pour persister au reboot, puis demande à Gemini de générer de nouvelles variantes d’obfuscation. Son module interne s’appelle “Thinking Robot” et il interroge Gemini régulièrement du genre “Comment contourner l’antivirus X ? Propose des variantes de mon code pour éviter la signature Y.”
Gemini lui répond, le malware applique le conseil, se modifie, et se relance.
Comme les antivirus détectent les malwares par signatures ou comportements connus, si le malware change toutes les heures, les signatures deviennent immédiatement obsolètes. L’antivirus a alors toujours un coup de retard. Et PROMPTFLUX n’a même pas besoin d’un serveur C2 pour télécharger de nouvelles variantes puisqu’il génère ses propres variantes localement en demandant à Gemini.
GTIG estime que PROMPTFLUX est encore en développement et les échantillons analysés ne montrent pas de capacité réelle à compromettre un réseau. Mais ça reste une preuve de concept active… En gros, quelqu’un, quelque part teste cette approche.
PROMPTSTEAL, lui par contre, est déjà opérationnel. GTIG l’attribue à APT28 (FROZENLAKE), un groupe lié au renseignement militaire russe (GRU). Le CERT-UA l’a documenté sous le nom LAMEHUG en juillet dernier et c’est la première observation d’un malware qui interroge un LLM en opération réelle.
PROMPTSTEAL de son côté est écrit en Python. Il utilise l’API Hugging Face pour accéder au modèle Qwen2.5-Coder-32B-Instruct . Le malware envoie des prompts encodés en Base64, genre “récupère les infos système” ou “trouve les documents sensibles” et le LLM génère des commandes Windows d’une ligne qui sont ensuite exécutées localement par le malware. Ensuite ce dernier collecte les données et les exfiltre tranquillement.
L’astuce donc, c’est que le malware ne contient plus de commandes en dur. Il les génère à la volée selon le contexte comme ça, si l’environnement change, il demande de nouvelles commandes adaptées. Plus de pattern fixe à détecter et chaque exécution est différente.
GTIG mentionne aussi d’autres exemples tels que FRUITSHELL, un reverse shell PowerShell public qui contient des prompts pour contourner les protections LLM ou encore PROMPTLOCK, un concept de ransomware en Go qui utilise un LLM pour générer des scripts Lua de chiffrement.
Il y a aussi QUIETVAULT, un voleur de tokens JavaScript qui cible GitHub et NPM, puis exfiltre les résultats via des repos publics.
Tous ces malwares partagent la même idée : intégrer un LLM dans la chaîne d’exécution. Génération, obfuscation, commandes dynamiques, recherche de secrets… Le LLM devient un composant actif du malware !
Le rapport décrit aussi comment les attaquants contournent les protections des LLM à base d’ingénierie sociale dans les prompts. L’attaquant se fait passer le plus souvent pour un étudiant en sécurité, un participant à un CTF, ou encore un chercheur parfaitement légitime. Le LLM, configuré pour aider, répond alors à toutes les demandes.
Dans un cas documenté par GTIG, une tentative a mal tourné pour les attaquants. On le sait car dans les logs de leurs échanges avec le LLM, GTIG a trouvé des domaines C2 et des clés de chiffrement en clair. Les attaquants avaient oublié de nettoyer leurs tests et c’est grâce à ça que GTIG a récupéré l’accès à leur infrastructure puis l’a neutralisée.
Le rapport liste aussi les groupes étatiques actifs comme UNC1069 (MASAN) , lié à la Corée du Nord, qui utilise les LLM pour générer des deepfakes et voler des cryptoactifs. Ou encore UNC4899 (PUKCHONG) , aussi nord-coréen, qui emploie les modèles pour développer des exploits et planifier des attaques sur les supply chains.
De son côté, APT41 , un groupe étatique chinois, s’en sert pour obfusquer du code. Et le groupe iranien APT42 , a même tenté de construire un agent SQL qui traduirait des requêtes en langage naturel vers des commandes d’extraction de données sensibles. GTIG les a bloqué en coupant les comptes qu’ils utilisaient.
Et sur le marché noire, ce genre d’outils et de services multi-fonctions ont le vent en poupe. Génération de campagne de phishing, création de deepfakes, génération automatique de malwares, abonnements avec accès API…etc.
Leur modèle commercial copie celui des services légitimes avec une version gratuite basique pour gouter et un abonnement payant pour les fonctions avancées, avec des communautés Discord pour le support. Ça permet d’abaisser la barrière d’entrée pour les attaquants les moins expérimentés.
Côté défense maintenant, les recommandations sont assez classiques. Pensez à surveiller l’activité anormale des clés API qui pourraient être volées. Détectez les appels inhabituels à des services LLM externes depuis les processus. Contrôlez l’intégrité des exécutables et protégez tout ce qui est “secrets” sur les hôtes.
N’oubliez pas non plus de ne jamais, ô grand jamais, exécuter aveuglément des commandes générées par un modèle IA (je vous l’ai assez répété).
Voilà, tous ces exemples actuels sont expérimentaux mais le signal est donné et il est plutôt limpide : l’IA est en train de rendre les malwares plus virulents en leur permettant de s’adapter !
Trekkies, clear your coffee tables. LEGO is launching the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, and this isn’t your childhood spaceship set. At 3,600 pieces and two feet long, this is the Galaxy-class flagship from Star Trek: The Next Generation rendered in meticulous brick form. It’s designed for adults who grew up watching Picard sip Earl Grey and want that same starship commanding their desk space.
Designer: LEGO
The set drops November 28, 2025 for $399.99, and LEGO isn’t holding back on the details. This is the definitive brick-built version of arguably the most beloved Enterprise design, complete with screen-accurate proportions, functional saucer separation, and enough minifigures to staff the bridge. Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie or a design enthusiast who appreciates iconic sci-fi aesthetics, this set delivers serious display presence.
What makes this release special is how LEGO balanced accuracy with buildability. The Enterprise-D has always been a challenging design to capture because of its smooth, sweeping lines and distinctive saucer-meets-engineering-hull silhouette. LEGO’s designers nailed it, creating a model that reads instantly as Picard’s ship from any angle while maintaining the satisfying tactility that makes LEGO builds so rewarding.
The centerpiece feature is the detachable command saucer. Just like in the show, the saucer section separates from the secondary hull, letting you recreate one of the Enterprise-D’s most dramatic maneuvers. This isn’t just a cosmetic trick; the engineering required to make a sturdy separation mechanism while maintaining the ship’s graceful lines shows real design sophistication. The connection points are hidden beautifully, so the joined ship looks seamless.
LEGO captured the Enterprise-D’s signature warp nacelles with striking fidelity. The red and blue detailing on these engines is instantly recognizable to any TNG fan, and seeing them rendered in brick form with proper color gradients and proportions is genuinely impressive. The nacelle pylons sweep back at the correct angle, and the overall stance on the included display stand gives the ship that dynamic, forward-leaning energy that made the original VFX model so memorable.
This isn’t a static model locked behind glass. The rear shuttlebay opens to reveal two Type-15 Shuttlepods tucked inside, ready for away missions. These tiny craft are surprisingly detailed for their scale, complete with proper hull markings and recognizable silhouettes. Being able to physically open the shuttlebay and extract these little vessels adds a layer of interaction that transforms the model from sculpture to storytelling tool.
The angled display stand deserves special mention. Rather than a boring flat base, LEGO designed a stand that tilts the Enterprise at a dramatic angle, as if banking into warp speed or executing a tactical maneuver. A schematic plaque with ship statistics sits at the base, adding that museum-quality presentation polish. This stand transforms the model into a legitimate piece of desk art rather than just a toy on a shelf.
For builders who want every construction detail at their fingertips, the LEGO Builder app provides 3D digital instructions alongside the printed manual. You can rotate, zoom, and view assembly steps from any angle on your phone or tablet, which is genuinely helpful for a build this complex and detailed.
Nine minifigures ship with the set, representing the iconic TNG bridge crew plus a few beloved supporting characters. You get Picard (with teacup, naturally), Riker (complete with trombone and stand for jazz night), Worf, Data (with his cat Spot), Dr. Crusher, Geordi, Troi, Guinan, and Wesley Crusher. Each figure comes with custom accessories that reference their character perfectly. Data gets Spot, the cat he famously cared for while learning about emotions. Picard gets his Earl Grey tea. Riker gets his trombone because of course he does.
The accessory selection goes deep: phasers, tricorders, PADDs, engineering cases, even a portable tractor beam generator. LEGO clearly consulted with people who know this show inside and out, choosing items that feel authentic to the TNG universe rather than generic sci-fi props. These aren’t just decorative additions; they’re storytelling tools that let you recreate specific episodes or imagine new adventures.
At 24 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 11 inches tall (including stand), this Enterprise commands serious real estate. That scale is intentional. This is designed to be a showpiece, the kind of build that anchors a room and starts conversations. The detailing holds up to close inspection, which is exactly what a centerpiece model needs to do. From across the room it reads as a sleek, powerful starship. Up close, you appreciate the clever techniques LEGO’s designers used to achieve those curves and gradients within the constraints of rectangular bricks.
For serious collectors, LEGO is offering a bonus Type-15 Shuttlepod as a gift with purchase during the launch window, plus other limited-time bonuses like Classic Animation Scenes. The set also earns 2,600 LEGO Insiders Points, which is a nice bonus for people already invested in LEGO’s ecosystem. With only 10,000 sets produced initially (per LEGO’s typical Icons limited run strategy), this will likely appreciate in value for those who keep it sealed.
The U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D represents everything LEGO’s Icons line does best: taking beloved cultural touchstones and translating them into buildable, displayable art. This isn’t a toy, though it has playful elements. It’s not quite a model kit, though it requires serious building skill. It exists in that sweet spot where nostalgia, design appreciation, and hands-on creativity converge. For $399.99, you’re getting 3,600 pieces of carefully engineered brick design that lets you spend hours building, then years displaying. That’s a fair trade for the flagship of the Federation.
The post Make It So: LEGO’s 3,600-Piece U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D Is the Ultimate Trek Tribute first appeared on Yanko Design.
The only thing worse than ‘Floor is Lava’ is probably ‘Floor is LEGO Brick’. LEGO bricks are famously torturous to step on. The studs, the sharp corners, the unforgiving plastic, all of these combine into creating something that feels like modern day torture. Step on a lego brick with enough body-weight and that thing practically digs into your tissue, causing probably one of the most painful experiences according to the internet. However, what if there was a ‘right’ way of stepping on LEGO bricks?
No, I’m not talking about some mind-over-body nonsense where you overcome your ability to feel pain. LEGO builder eat.sleep.build.repeat. designed a foot reflexology mat using just LEGO bricks, tapping into ancient eastern healing techniques to create a stimulating mat that helps you boost blood flow to your legs and to even other parts of the body. Made from just 820 bricks, this piece, titled ‘How to Step on a LEGO Brick?’ is a rather fun and informative hat-tip to old culture, using modern-day plastic bricks. One might say it puts the LEG in LEGO!
Designer: eat.sleep.build.repeat.
“Foot reflexology is an ancient practice, extremely common in China, where people step on mats with pressure nodes that practitioners believe produce beneficial effects elsewhere in the body,” says eat.sleep.build.repeat. “Decades later, their popularity remains strong as people continue to embrace simple, natural methods for daily wellness.”
The 820-brick MOC comes with the foot mat itself, color coded to perfection with different zones that supposedly stimulate different parts of the body. Each kit also comes with a coded legend that lets you see which color is assigned to which body part. Not that we’re medical professionals (please don’t take this as medical advice), but standing on the mat while having pressure applied (thanks to the LEGO studs) on different parts of the foot is known to be able to cure diseases and boost recovery. Who knew standing on LEGO bricks could be this therapeutic?!
The MOC (My Own Creation) is currently gathering steam on the LEGO Ideas website, an online forum dedicated to enthusiasts who build and vote for their favorite LEGO creations. If this particular build sounds enticing to you (apart from the prospect of stepping on LEGO bricks of course), head down to the LEGO Ideas website and cast your vote for this build!
The post This LEGO Reflexology Mat Turns a Parent’s Worst Nightmare into Physical Therapy first appeared on Yanko Design.
Google unveils Ironwood, its most powerful TPU, for the age of inference, and Axion Arm VMs promising up to 2× better price-performance for AI workloads.
The post Google Unveils Ironwood, Its ‘Most Powerful’ and ‘Energy-Efficient’ AI Chip to Date appeared first on TechRepublic.
With its no-code app builder now widely available, Google is betting that tools like Opal can turn everyday users into AI builders and expand the reach of its cloud ecosystem.
The post Google Expands Opal to 160 Countries to Advance No-Code AI Development appeared first on TechRepublic.
The partnership could accelerate Siri’s evolution and redefine Apple’s approach to innovation, privacy, and control.
The post Apple Eyes $1B Deal with Google to Revamp Siri with Gemini AI appeared first on TechRepublic.
Google’s Project Suncatcher aims to power AI data centers from space using solar satellites — a bold new step in the future of computing and energy.
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A dataset of 183 million credentials surfaced online, exposing users and raising new security concerns for businesses. This includes many Gmail users.
The post Gmail-Linked Credentials Exposed in Massive Breach appeared first on TechRepublic.
Gemini’s Canvas now auto-generates full slide decks from a prompt or uploaded source, with themes and images, and exports to Google Slides.
The post Google Gemini Can Now Build Full Presentations From a Single Prompt appeared first on TechRepublic.
Star Wars and Christmas just seem to go together well. Maybe it’s because of the famous (or infamous) Star Wars Holiday special or because it’s gift-giving season, but we always look forward to what holiday-themed things they bring out every year. The combination of these two beloved pop culture behemoths has become a cherished tradition for fans of all ages, creating that perfect blend of nostalgia and festive cheer that makes the holidays even more special. And while it’s most likely the adults that they cater to with their builds and sets, sometimes we do get reminders that Star Wars is for kids too (at least originally). Their newest festive build is out and it’s the perfect companion as you sip and eat your gingerbread-themed desserts.
The LEGO® Star Wars
Gingerbread AT-AT Walker is a great gift idea for the kids and the kid in you who love creating these famed transport and combat vehicles from the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re shopping for a young builder just discovering the galaxy far, far away or treating yourself to a delightful addition to your collection, this set checks all the boxes. The Christmas craft building set may not be as complicated or grand as the usual Star Wars sets that we get, but it’s a fun activity that young Star Wars fans who want to create their own All Terrain Armored Transport will absolutely adore (in case you didn’t know, that’s what AT-AT means).
Designer: LEGO
The AT-AT Walker in this set has all the regular features of the ones that we see in movies and TV shows, but with a holiday flair that makes it uniquely charming. It is designed with gingerbread-house-style decoration through the colorful round pieces that are included in the set, giving it that whimsical, festive feel that’s perfect for the season. You can do things like pose its legs in different walking positions, open the cockpit to reveal the pilot area, and even see what’s inside by flipping up the sides of the main compartment. The attention to detail here really shines through, making it both a display piece and an interactive toy.
The interior may not be what you expect a combat vehicle to look like as it’s pretty cozy and warm—more gingerbread cottage than Imperial war machine. There’s a fireplace complete with flickering flames, a table set for a holiday feast, a drinking cup, cookie and candy cane elements that look good enough to eat, stockings on the wall waiting for tiny gifts, and a pile of beautifully wrapped presents on the side. In other words, this is a Christmas getaway for your favorite Star Wars villain. Oh and did we mention that the set comes with a Gingerbread Darth Vader LEGO minifigure? It’s absolutely adorable with its brown gingerbread coloring and festive details. Just resist the urge to eat it as it’s not edible, even though it certainly looks sweet enough to try!
This 697-piece building kit measures around 7.5 inches high, 9 inches long, and 4 inches wide, making it a substantial but not overwhelming display piece. Once the kid (or you) finishes building the AT-AT Walker, it’s perfect to be placed on your own fireplace mantel, bookshelf, or even as a centerpiece on your holiday table as part of your upcoming holiday decorations. The warm gingerbread tones and festive details make it blend beautifully with traditional Christmas decor while still celebrating your Star Wars fandom.
If they (or you) need help in building this, the LEGO® Builder app is always there to guide them through each step and even view a 3D digital version of the Gingerbread walker. This digital companion makes the building experience even more enjoyable, especially for younger builders who might be tackling a LEGO set of this size for the first time. The app allows you to zoom in, rotate, and view the model from every angle, ensuring that every piece goes exactly where it should.
This delightful set makes for wonderful quality time during the holidays, whether you’re building it solo with a cup of hot cocoa or making it a family activity. It’s these kinds of seasonal releases that remind us why we fell in love with LEGO and Star Wars in the first place as they bring joy, creativity, and a touch of magic to the season.
The post This Gingerbread AT-AT LEGO Set Is Every Star Wars Fan’s Dream Holiday Gift first appeared on Yanko Design.
The definition of a machine is to make life easier. Whether it’s a simple machine like a lever or a pulley, or something as complex as an electric vehicle, or even the AI you often find yourself using every time you have an obscure question. Machines make life easier by reducing effort – that’s just how they’re defined, but some machines do a better job than others. A wheelbarrow or a wagon does a better job than lifting things and transporting them on foot. So what does a better job than a wagon? An electric-powered one with 500W motors, regenerative braking, remote as well as handle-powered control, and a 12km range that makes transporting heavy items as easy as just applying a gentle push, or pressing a button.
The LITEFAR H1 doesn’t just add a motor to a wagon and call it a day. It’s designed for people who’ve ever struggled with a loaded cart on a hill, or tried to maneuver through a crowded festival while dragging gear, or just wanted to spare their back the strain of hauling groceries from the car. The specs tell part of the story: 200 lbs load capacity, 140L volume, a frame made of anodized aluminum alloy, and solid rubber tires that won’t go flat. But what really sets it apart is how it integrates those features into a cohesive experience. The MoveTrack Algorithm 2.0 adjusts power delivery based on terrain, so it feels smooth whether you’re on pavement, grass, or gravel. The thumbwheel speed dial lets you set your pace precisely, from a slow stroll to a brisk walk, and the cruise switch means you don’t have to constantly fiddle with controls. Even the folding mechanism is thoughtful, collapsing the wagon down to a third of its size for easy storage. This is the kind of design that doesn’t just solve a problem; it anticipates it.
Designer: XIVO
Click Here to Buy Now: $349 $640 (45% off). Hurry, only 53/100 left! Raised over $129,000.
Let’s talk about the dual control system – you’ve got two options: a handlebar with an integrated thumbwheel for precise control, or a remote joystick for hands-free operation. The handlebar is great when you want to walk alongside the wagon, guiding it like a traditional cart but with none of the effort. The remote, though, is where things get fun. You can send the H1 rolling ahead of you while you carry something else, or let it follow behind like a loyal robot mule. It’s not just a gimmick, either. The remote has a 50-meter range, and the wagon’s sensors automatically adjust speed and braking based on the terrain. That means it won’t go careening down a hill if you let go, and it won’t struggle unnecessarily on an incline. The regenerative braking system even recovers a bit of energy when you slow down or descend, which is a nice touch for extending battery life. It’s the kind of feature you’d expect in an electric car, not a wagon.
A 24,000mAh removable battery pack gives you up to 12km of range, which is more than enough for a day at the park, a camping trip, or even a long market run. The battery is also swappable, so you can carry a spare if you’re planning an extended outing. And because it’s USB-C compatible, you can use it to charge your phone or other devices on the go. That’s a level of practicality that’s rare in most gear, let alone a wagon. The H1’s battery isn’t just powering the motors; it’s an integral part of the system, designed to be as useful as possible. Even the charging time is reasonable, with a full recharge taking around 1.5 hours. For most people, that means you can top it up overnight and be ready to go the next day.
The frame is made from durable anodized aluminum alloy, which is lightweight but strong enough to handle the 200 lbs load capacity. The fabric is Teslin mesh, a material known for being breathable, water-resistant, UV-resistant, and easy to clean. That’s the kind of fabric you’d find in high-end outdoor gear, not something you’d expect in a wagon. The wheels are solid rubber, so no worries about punctures, and they’re wide enough to handle rough terrain without getting stuck. The handle is fixed, yet ergonomically designed to accommodate users of different heights. The attention to detail here is what separates the H1 from cheaper, flimsier alternatives. It’s clear that this wasn’t just designed to work; it was designed to last.
One of the most underrated features is the lighting system. The H1 comes with a telescopic lantern that can rotate 270 degrees, making it perfect for camping trips or late-night events. The light isn’t just a gimmick, either. It’s bright enough to illuminate your path, and the telescopic design means you can adjust the height and angle to suit your needs. There’s also a flashlight integrated into the remote control, making low-light or night-time usage easy. It’s the kind of feature that seems minor until you’re fumbling around in the dark, trying to set up a tent or find something in your gear. The lighting system is powered by the same battery as the motors, so you don’t have to worry about carrying extra batteries or chargers. It’s another example of how the H1 integrates multiple functions into a single, cohesive package.
The H1 features a folding mechanism that when collapsed, shrinks it down to just 30cm x 25cm x 80cm, which is small enough to fit in the trunk of most cars. That’s a 40% reduction in space, making it incredibly easy to transport and store. The folding process is straightforward, too, with no complicated steps or finicky latches. That’s important, because if a product is a pain to set up or put away, people won’t use it. The H1’s design ensures that it’s as convenient to store as it is to use. And because it’s lightweight at just 18 kg, it’s easy to lift and maneuver even when it’s not powered on. That’s a big deal for anyone who’s ever struggled with a bulky, heavy wagon.
The handle and remote are interchangeable, and the battery is swappable, meaning you can upgrade or replace components as needed. That’s a big deal for longevity, because it means the wagon can evolve with your needs. The modular design means future accessories can slot into the existing ecosystem, so LITEFAR can theoretically release weatherproof compartments, cup holders, or specialized cargo frames down the road.
The H1 comes in a color called Shadow Green, which is a muted olive tone that fits the outdoor aesthetic without being too loud or too tactical. Early bird pricing starts at $349, and the campaign includes optional add-ons like the Remote upgrade (available for $69, which is 22% off the $89 retail price), extra batteries, foldable tabletop, tow bar, and more. LITEFAR is offering global shipping, making it affordable as well as accessible for a whole host of users around the globe. Urban parents hauling kids’ gear to the park. Festival-goers moving coolers and tents across muddy fields. Photographers transporting camera cases and lighting rigs. Vanlifers and overlanders who need a versatile hauler that folds small and handles rough terrain. Older adults or people with mobility challenges who need help with heavy lifting. After all, a machine should make life easier for everyone, no?
Click Here to Buy Now: $349 $640 (45% off). Hurry, only 53/100 left! Raised over $129,000.
The post Still Dragging Your Cooler? This 500W Electric Wagon Makes Hauling 200 Pounds Feel Weightless. first appeared on Yanko Design.
Using a technique called Quantum Echoes, Google says its latest chip has delivered results that outperform traditional computers and can be mathematically checked for accuracy.
The post Google’s Latest Quantum Experiment Moves from Hype to Proof appeared first on TechRepublic.
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy XR, its first Android XR mixed reality headset powered by Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, 4K micro-OLED displays, and Google Gemini AI integration.
The post Samsung Unveils First Android XR Mixed Reality Headset appeared first on TechRepublic.
Competition and Markets Authority’s classification grants it expanded authority to tackle potential competition issues across the nation’s app and mobile markets.
The post UK Regulator Confirms Apple and Google Hold ‘Strategic Market Status’ appeared first on TechRepublic.
Pendant 30 ans, les experts en informatique quantique vous demandaient de les croire sur parole du genre “Mon ordi quantique est 13 000 fois plus rapides que ton PC Windows XP…”. Mais bon, ils sont rigolo car c’était impossible à vérifier ce genre de conneries… M’enfin ça c’était jusqu’à présent car Google vient d’annoncer Quantum Echoes , et on va enfin savoir grâce à ce truc, ce que l’informatique quantique a vraiment dans le ventre.
Depuis 2019 et la fameuse “suprématie quantique” de Google , on était en fait coincé dans un paradoxe de confiance assez drôle. Google nous disait “regardez, on a résolu un problème qui prendrait 10 milliards de milliards d’années à un supercalculateur”. Bon ok, j’veux bien les croire mais comment on vérifie ? Bah justement, on pouvait pas ! C’est un peu comme les promesses des gouvernements, ça n’engage que les gros teubés qui y croient ^^.
Heureusement grâce à Quantum Echoes, c’est la fin de cette ère du “Faites-nous confiance” car pour la première fois dans l’histoire de l’informatique quantique, un algorithme peut être vérifié de manière reproductible . Vous lancez le calcul sur la puce Willow de Google, vous obtenez un résultat. Vous relancez, vous obtenez le même. Votre pote avec un ordi quantique similaire lance le même truc, et il obtient le même résultat. Ça semble basique, mais pour le quantique, c’est incroyable !!
Willow, la puce quantique de Google
L’algorithme en question s’appelle OTOC (Out-Of-Time-Order Correlator), et il fonctionne comme un écho ultra-sophistiqué. Vous envoyez un signal dans le système quantique, vous perturbez un qubit, puis vous inversez précisément l’évolution du signal pour écouter l’écho qui revient. Cet écho quantique se fait également amplifier par interférence constructive, un phénomène où les ondes quantiques s’additionnent et deviennent plus fortes. Du coup, ça permet d’obtenir une mesure d’une précision hallucinante.
En partenariat avec l’Université de Californie à Berkeley, Google a testé ça sur deux molécules, une de 15 atomes et une autre de 28 atomes et les résultats obtenus sur leur ordinateur quantique correspondaient exactement à ceux de la RMN (Résonance Magnétique Nucléaire) traditionnelle. Sauf que Quantum Echoes va 13 000 fois plus vite qu’un supercalculateur classique pour ce type de calcul.
En gros, ce qui aurait pris 3 ans sur une machine classique prend 2 heures sur un Willow.
Cette vitesse, c’est impressionnant mais ce qui change la donne dans cette annonce, c’est cette notion de vérifiabilité ! Bref, c’est fini le bullshit, maintenant la structure de systèmes quantiques (des molécules aux aimants en passant par les trous noirs) sera vérifiable et comparable.
Et les applications concrètes sont déjà plutôt bien identifiées : Découverte de médicaments, pour comprendre comment les molécules se lient à leurs cibles, la science des matériaux, pour caractériser la structure moléculaire de nouveaux polymères ou les composants de batteries, la fusion nucléaire…etc tout ce qui nécessite de modéliser des phénomènes quantiques avec une précision extrême !
Google compare ça à un “quantum-scope”, capable de mesurer des phénomènes naturels auparavant inobservables un peu comme l’ont été le télescope et le microscope qui nous ont donné accès à de nouveaux mondes invisibles. Le Quantum Echoes nous donne un accès ce monde quantique sauf que cette fois, on pourra vérifier que la réalité est identique à celle annoncée par les scientifiques.
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