The 15 Best True Crime Documentaries to Watch on Netflix

There is evil in this world. The kind of evil that you can’t even imagine. To get a glimpse into these stark realities, you can watch true crime documentaries on Netflix. It’s an addictive genre, and these best of the best examples of the genre could kickstart a binge-watching habit. This list is about the shows available on Netflix U.S. However, some will be available in other regions too. If not, you could always try one of the VPNs that work with Netflix to watch them. 1. Making a Murderer (2015) How long is it? 14 episodes, one hour each....

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Google ‘actively investigating’ reports of OLED burn-in issues on Pixel 2 XL displays

 The Google Pixel 2 XL may have just launched this past week, but over the weekend reports began to surface that the device’s OLED screen was already exhibiting signs of burn-in, which left UI elements faintly evident after switching screens. A Google spokesperson confirmed that the company was looking into the reports. The Pixel 2 XL screen has been designed with an advanced POLED… Read More
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Announcing OpenFermion: The Open Source Chemistry Package for Quantum Computers

Posted by Ryan Babbush and Jarrod McClean, Quantum Software Engineers, Quantum AI Team


“The underlying physical laws necessary for the mathematical theory of a large part of physics and the whole of chemistry are thus completely known, and the difficulty is only that the exact application of these laws leads to equations much too complicated to be soluble.”
-Paul Dirac, Quantum Mechanics of Many-Electron Systems (1929)

In this passage, physicist Paul Dirac laments that while quantum mechanics accurately models all of chemistry, exactly simulating the associated equations appears intractably complicated. Not until 1982 would Richard Feynman suggest that instead of surrendering to the complexity of quantum mechanics, we might harness it as a computational resource. Hence, the original motivation for quantum computing: by operating a computer according to the laws of quantum mechanics, one could efficiently unravel exact simulations of nature. Such simulations could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as photovoltaics, batteries, new materials, pharmaceuticals and superconductivity. And while we do not yet have a quantum computer large enough to solve classically intractable problems in these areas, rapid progress is being made. Last year, Google published this paper detailing the first quantum computation of a molecule using a superconducting qubit quantum computer. Building on that work, the quantum computing group at IBM scaled the experiment to larger molecules, which made the cover of Nature last month.

Today, we announce the release of OpenFermion, the first open source platform for translating problems in chemistry and materials science into quantum circuits that can be executed on existing platforms. OpenFermion is a library for simulating the systems of interacting electrons (fermions) which give rise to the properties of matter. Prior to OpenFermion, quantum algorithm developers would need to learn a significant amount of chemistry and write a large amount of code hacking apart other codes to put together even the most basic quantum simulations. While the project began at Google, collaborators at ETH Zurich, Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, University of Michigan, Harvard University, Oxford University, Dartmouth University, Rigetti Computing and NASA all contributed to alpha releases. You can learn more details about this release in our paper, OpenFermion: The Electronic Structure Package for Quantum Computers.

One way to think of OpenFermion is as a tool for generating and compiling physics equations which describe chemical and material systems into representations which can be interpreted by a quantum computer¹. The most effective quantum algorithms for these problems build upon and extend the power of classical quantum chemistry packages used and developed by research chemists across government, industry and academia. Accordingly, we are also releasing OpenFermion-Psi4 and OpenFermion-PySCF which are plugins for using OpenFermion in conjunction with the classical electronic structure packages Psi4 and PySCF.

The core OpenFermion library is designed in a quantum programming framework agnostic way to ensure compatibility with various platforms being developed by the community. This allows OpenFermion to support external packages which compile quantum assembly language specifications for diverse hardware platforms. We hope this decision will help establish OpenFermion as a community standard for putting quantum chemistry on quantum computers. To see how OpenFermion is used with diverse quantum programming frameworks, take a look at OpenFermion-ProjectQ and Forest-OpenFermion - plugins which link OpenFermion to the externally developed circuit simulation and compilation platforms known as ProjectQ and Forest.

The following workflow describes how a quantum chemist might use OpenFermion in order to simulate the energy surface of a molecule (for instance, by preparing the sort of quantum computation we described in our past blog post):

1. The researcher initializes an OpenFermion calculation with specification of:

• An input file specifying the coordinates of the nuclei in the molecule.
• The basis set (e.g. cc-pVTZ) that should be used to discretize the molecule.
• The charge and spin multiplicity (if known) of the system.

2. The researcher uses the OpenFermion-Psi4 plugin or the OpenFermion-PySCF plugin to perform scalable classical computations which are used to optimally stage the quantum computation. For instance, one might perform a classical Hartree-Fock calculation to choose a good initial state for the quantum simulation.
3. The researcher then specifies which electrons are most interesting to study on a quantum computer (known as an active space) and asks OpenFermion to map the equations for those electrons to a representation suitable for quantum bits, using one of the available procedures in OpenFermion, e.g. the Bravyi-Kitaev transformation.
4. The researcher selects a quantum algorithm to solve for the properties of interest and uses a quantum compilation framework such as OpenFermion-ProjectQ to output the quantum circuit in assembly language which can be run on a quantum computer. If the researcher has access to a quantum computer, they then execute the experiment.

A few examples of what one might do with OpenFermion are demonstrated in ipython notebooks here, here and here. While quantum simulation is widely recognized as one of the most important applications of quantum computing in the near term, very few quantum computer scientists know quantum chemistry and even fewer chemists know quantum computing. Our hope is that OpenFermion will help to close the gap between these communities and bring the power of quantum computing to chemists and material scientists. If you’re interested, please checkout our GitHub repository - pull requests welcome!

1 If we may be allowed one sentence for the experts: the primary function of OpenFermion is to encode the electronic structure problem in second quantization defined by various basis sets and active spaces and then to transform those operators into spin Hamiltonians using various isomorphisms between qubit and fermion algebras.^↩

Global app revenue and downloads hit record levels in Q3

 App downloads and revenue hit record levels in the third quarter of 2017, according to a new report out this morning from App Annie. Downloads across the two major app stores, Apple’s App Store and Google Play, reached nearly 26 billion worldwide – up 8 percent over the same time last year. That figure doesn’t include reinstalls or app updates, only new downloads. In other… Read More

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How to Password Protect Files and Folders on Mac

We store a wealth of data on our computers, some of it private and sensitive. You can protect all the files on your Mac by encrypting your entire hard drive with FileVault. But maybe you don’t need to protect all your files, or you just think FileVault is a bit overkill for your purposes. There are simpler options for password protecting certain files and folders. Today we’ll cover password protecting individual files an folders on your Mac. Password Protect iWork Documents The iWork suite is Apple’s version of Microsoft Office. If you have Pages, Keynote, or Numbers files with sensitive...

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Netflix is raising $1.6B in debt as its content costs balloon

 Netflix today said it was raising a very large lump of debt for the typical laundry list of uses that you’ll find in a filing with the SEC — though, the timing comes as its content costs may hit as much as $8 billion next year. The announcement comes off a strong earnings report last week, where Netflix once again beat expectations for its subscriber growth. The company also said… Read More

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Nintimdo RP is a DIY Nintendo Switch clone that plays classic games

 Tim Lindquist is an undergrad at Iowa State University and, if you’re into classic gaming, might just be the man of your dreams. His super-cool Nintimdo RP project is a 3D-printed case for a Raspberry Pi that is designed to simulated the size and shape of a Nintendo Switch without all those silly modern gaming advances. In fact, the Nintimdo RP is dedicated to playing classic games.… Read More

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Check Out Today’s Best Deals On Amazon

Today, Amazon has a pair of Sennheiser earbuds on sale. Plus, there are deals on Kindle e-readers and lots of books to read on them. Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear Wireless Headphones Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear Wireless Headphones Sennheiser HD1 In-Ear Wireless Headphones Ergonomic around-the-neck design features soft stitched sheepskin nappa leather neckband offering all-day listening comfort Buy Now At Amazon $149.95 While these don’t feature true wireless tech like a lot of the more expensive models out there, they do have a 10-hour battery life and kicking sound. Save $30 On Kindle Readers Kindle E-reader - Black, 6" Glare-Free Touchscreen Display, Built-In...

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5 Perfect Reasons Why You Should Trust Linux

How can anyone feel comfortable using Linux? Windows and macOS have giant corporations behind them. They have a financial incentive to deliver the best product. They employs thousands of people to work on the bugs. They have laws to follow, and millions of eyes are watching them, waiting to attack with lawsuits and bad press if anything too murky is going on. Linux? Well, doesn’t that just come from a few guys hacking away in their free time? Why should you trust them? And since no one organization controls it all, who do you hold accountable? It all sounds like...

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How Can You Avoid Being Stung by PC Hardware Price Collusion?

Price fixing goes against everything the so-called “free market” stands for. And it’s illegal. Even so, collusion plagues numerous industries. And the PC hardware industry is no different. PC hardware prices fell for a long time. As new, state-of-the-art of technology arrives on the market, older hardware falls in price. Or, at least it did. Now, unless you source second-hand technology, there is a premium attached to almost every piece of hardware. But the issue goes much further than that. There is a growing body of evidence heavily suggesting that there is widespread price collusion between several major hardware manufacturers. Let’s look at...

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Analogue’s Super Nt comes with two SNES games, including a ‘Director’s Cut’

 The SNES Classic from Nintendo is pretty great, and it ships with the previously unreleased Star Fox 2 in the box. But Analogue’s amazing Super Nt – a precision engineered reference quality Super Nintendo console that can play the original cartridges – might just do one better. For its release, the creators are including a new, previously unreleased version of a game, too… Read More

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What Is ES6 and What Javascript Programmers Need to Know

ES6 refers to version 6 of the ECMA Script programming language. ECMA Script is the standardized name for JavaScript, and version 6 is the next version after version 5, which was released in 2011. It is a major enhancement to the JavaScript language, and adds many more features intended to make large-scale software development easier. ECMAScript, or ES6, was published in June 2015. It was subsequently renamed to ECMAScript 2015. Web browser support for the full language is not yet complete, though major portions are supported. Major web browsers support some features of ES6. However, it is possible to use...

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Do Smart Homes Save Money? How Long It Takes to Break Even

If a smart device is any device that connects to and communicates through the internet, then a smart home is a home where such smart devices lead to improvements in day-to-day life. Of the many reasons to smarten up a home, saving money is arguably the most enticing. But can smart devices really save money in a practical time frame? In this article, we’ll explore the five most money-saving smart devices and how long it’d take for each one to recoup its upfront cost through long-term savings. Smart Thermostats Smart thermostats are the most popular and most extreme example of...

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Touchscreen Google Home device evidence spied in official app code

 There’s now more evidence Google is testing a touchscreen Home device. AndroidPolice points to sections of code of the latest Google app that refers to a device that sports a new on-screen interface. The APK teardown of 7.14.15 beta version revealed a long list of on-screen menus and functions that are utilized by a device with the code-name of Quartz. These abilities include YouTube… Read More
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Touchscreen Google Home device evidence spied in official app code

 There’s now more evidence Google is testing a touchscreen Home device. AndroidPolice points to sections of code of the latest Google app that refers to a device that sports a new on-screen interface. The APK teardown of 7.14.15 beta version revealed a long list of on-screen menus and functions that are utilized by a device with the code-name of Quartz. These abilities include YouTube… Read More

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Nintendo to release SNES-themed 3DS XL in the U.S.

 Nintendo is going to ride the retro cash cow to the bank. The company recently announced an SNES-themed 3DS XL for Europe and apparently its coming to the States, too. The handheld is available for pre-order for $199 and ships two weeks after the European release on November 27. To sweeten the deal, a download code for Super Mario Kart is included with the system. wait what, New Nintendo 3DS… Read More

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A Short Guide to Motherboard Parts and Their Functions

The motherboard is the most important component of your PC. If you crack your motherboard or one of its connections malfunctions, it’s curtains for your PC. Unfortunately, motherboards also seem like a mysterious and magical entity to those who aren’t tech aficionados. With so many parts, pieces, and components, figuring out each individual part’s purpose can seem like brain surgery. That is, until now! Read on for a comprehensive, albeit basic, guide to your motherboard! Motherboard: An Overview Below is the picture we will use to illustrate the simple components of a motherboard, the MSI H81-P33. Image Credit: MSI While...

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‘Pay with Google’ goes live, allowing mobile users to pay with any card on file, not just those in Android Pay

 Google announced today it’s launching a new way to pay on mobile devices, using any card you have on file – including those saved to your Google Account via products like Google Play, YouTube, Chrome, or Android Pay. This “pay with Google” option ties all these saved payment options together in a single interface, which app makers and retailers can then implement using… Read More

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Apple Pay now in 20 markets, nabs 90% of all mobile contactless transactions where active

 While we are going to have to wait a little longer for Apple to launch payments in iMessage, this weekend, Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s VP of Apple Pay, announced a series of other milestones for the digital wallet and payments service that competes against the likes of Android Pay from Google, Samsung’s wallet and others efforts from retailers and banks. The advances point to how… Read More

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How to Capture Ideas to Evernote in 5 Seconds Using Siri Voice Commands

Evernote is the journal that geniuses like Leonardo Da Vinci didn’t have. He fared well enough, but we can fare better by making optimum use of this popular note-taking app to achieve a fraction of what the famous Renaissance man achieved. Evernote is always improving with smart features and smarter uses. Thanks to the latest iOS 11 update, it now also incorporates Siri to help you add notes to your notebooks quicker. You simply have to activate it with your voice and create a new note, add to an existing note, or even add a reminder. Here’s what Siri can do...

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How to Create a System Restore Point

System Restore points are a huge help in Windows. They let you roll back your system to a previous time before you started having a problem. Since they don’t touch your personal files, running a System Restore is a great way to troubleshoot problems without having to reset Windows. While Windows automatically creates Restore Points whenever you install software or apply critical updates, it’s also a good idea to make your own sometimes. This is especially useful when you’re about to make a change to your system and want to make sure you can roll back if needed. Follow these...

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Yes, You CAN Watch TV Online Legally & For Free

More people are cutting the cord every day as thousands of disillusioned viewers struggle to find value for money in $100+ cable bills. At the start of 2012, the number of cable TV subscriptions in the United States peaked at 103 million. The figure has now dropped to 96 million, and by the end of 2018, experts believe it will be down to about 92 million. But all those people haven’t suddenly stopped watching television. Instead, they’re increasingly finding ways to watch TV online for free. Clearly, there are lots of illegal ways to watch your favorite shows, but there...

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15 Scary TV Shows to Binge-Watch Over Halloween

The Halloween season is best known for nightmare-inducing horror films, but there are frightening TV shows worth watching too. With the TV horror genre on the rise, you can now scare yourself silly on a weekly basis — or even binge-watch a scary TV show over one weekend. Keep in mind that shows are limited by the restrictions of television, so don’t expect the next Texas Chainsaw Massacre. But TV can be just as disturbing in other ways, so sit tight and enjoy hours of dread with these horror-themed TV shows you can stream over Halloween. 1. American Horror Story...

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