Talking tech

TALKING TECH Still trying to sort your blockchain from your NFTs? We bust some of the jargon for you

A blockchain is a digital ledger – a record of transactions or data stored on millions of computers at the same time. It delivers information fast, transparently and securely. Blockchain can store anything from currency (like Bitcoin) to medical records and can even be used for water management and transportation.

AI refers to a computer or computer-controlled robot, programmed to perform tasks like visual perception, understanding natural language and decision making. Oh, and AI often boasts ‘human’ characteristics such as the ability to learn from past experiences, reason and self-correct. Artificial intelligence (AI)

An NFT digitally represents ownership of a ‘non-fungible’ (or unique) item. They’re used to tokenise items like a piece of digital art, a song, a video, a GIF or even a tweet. An NFT can only have one owner at a time and they’re stored securely on the Ethereum blockchain. Think of it as a network of 3D virtual worlds that you access with a virtual reality (VR) headset, which enables you to get around using voice control and eye movement. And it’s not just for gaming. Everyone from social media companies to musicians and fashion brands are entering this space!

NFT (non-fungible token)

Metaverse

Quantum computing

This is all about using quantum theory (which describes the properties of materials at atomic and subatomic levels) to develop computers that can solve scientific and engineering problems too tricky for your trusty laptop or PC. We need these types of computers to run simulations and data analysis, and they’ll be super-useful in areas like defence, health, AI and space – just to name a few! – Louise Meers