IBM have revealed the world's smallest computer, a tiny complete System on a Chip (SoC) measuring only 1mm x 1mm, aimed at the blockchain sector. The tech world is no stranger to small computer, with the Raspberry Pi ushering in a new era of IoT development and now the logical conclusion of tiny computers has been reached. These tiny machines could be embedded into almost anything, with the image above showing 64 of the microscopic machines joined together on the left, and just one of the miniature devices compared to grains of salt on the right.
These computers are surprisingly powerful for a literally microscopic device, having the equivalent power to a x86 CPU of the early 90s. That might not sound like much, but remember this is a fully fledged computer that's smaller than a grain of salt.
IBM are very much interested in Blockchain technologies, although not the cryptocurrency side of things. They believe that in 5 years time, cryptographic anchors and blockchain technology will ensure a product’s authenticity all the way from its point of origin to the hands of the customer, and they're not wrong. The aim is to prevent fraud by utilising these tiny machines to track a product from the manufacturing stage right until it arrives at the customers door. They say that each SoC device will cost just 10 cents to build, and would help bring about a technological revolution.
Although still in the prototype stage, IBM reckon they can start delivering these revolutionary little machines to customers in as little as 18 months time. We may start seeing a computer embedded into almost everything around us. So, what do you think about this new SoC device? I'd really like to hear your thoughts and feelings about this, so let me know in the comments section down below. As always, make sure to follow me for the latest Cryptocurrency, Internet and Pop Culture updates, and until we meet again, Peace!
Source:
Crypto-anchors and Blockchain - IBM Research (https://www.research.ibm.com/5-in-5/crypto-anchors-and-blockchain/)