Weekend Reading: July 25th Edition—Exploring Station Q, a hub for next-level computing research

In this edition of Weekend Reading, we’ve got stories on potentially world-changing quantum computing research, the release of the Lumia 530 and a look ahead – and back – at the Imagine Cup.

At Station Q, headquarters of potentially world-changing quantum computing research, big brains inside and outside of Microsoft explore the exciting, mysterious, difficult and downright strange space where computer science meets quantum physics. Check out the full story to see how quantum computing could tackle problems that would take today’s computers eons to solve in the time it takes to grab a cup of coffee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg8iCnQTLfM

On Wednesday, we saw an announcement for the August rollout of the Lumia 530, an entry-level device for Windows Phone that delivers the latest Microsoft and Lumia innovations. This device will expand the reach of Windows Phone as the first Lumia introduced below 100 euros (at 85 euros, or about $114) and makes it easy to switch between two SIM cards. It also includes the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1, with Action Center and the Word Flow keyboard.

Lumia 530
Lumia 530

Three distinguished judges for the 12th annual Imagine Cup World Finals deliver a how-to for success for the 34 teams of young people from around the world who will be in Seattle from July 29 – Aug. 2. The judges for this year’s Imagine Cup, a Microsoft YouthSpark program, are a notable group of innovators, entrepreneurs, social advocates and most importantly, dreamers, who share one key characteristic: an insatiable passion for technology. Also, a look back at previous winners shows how they’ve continued to hone and revise the innovative work that earned Imagine Cup honors, and have created opportunities to get their products to market.

Ana Ferraz of Portugal won the Imagine Cup World Citizenship Competition in 2013
Ana Ferraz of Portugal won the Imagine Cup World Citizenship Competition in 2013

To win their 2013 Tour in the Southern Hemisphere, the British & Irish Lions rugby team had the support of more than 100 million fans and a secret weapon: Microsoft. No matter where the Lions turned, Microsoft had what the team needed to focus on the games and deliver an unforgettable experience for its fans – and for the team. If Microsoft was a rugby player on the Lions all-star 2013 team, it would’ve been the head coach – the one ultimately responsible for bringing every element together, says Charlie McEwen, head of sales and marketing for the Lions. He says it was responsible for communicating, adapting, directing and evolving the best components to succeed.

YouTube Video

At San Diego Comic-Con this week, Xbox-related events were – and are – everywhere. One of the big buzzes was the debut of the “Destiny” beta (including its guns and weapons). Also, car aficionados got to see the first 100 cars that will be featured in “Forza Horizon 2.” Elsewhere in the Xbox world, soccer fans and many others probably got a little thrill from the placement of Clint Dempsey, U.S. Men’s National Team captain and Seattle Sounders forward, on the cover of “FIFA 15.” Finally, the latest Deals with Gold includes “Batman Arkham City” and “Batman Arkham Asylum” for Xbox 360, available now through July 28.

Destiny beta
Destiny beta

The big screen made a big impact on apps and games this week. The App of the Week was Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” part of Comic Book Fans collections on Windows Phone and Windows Stores. And the Staff App Pick gave fans a way to see “Guardians” at the movies: the AMC Theatres app for Windows. If you’d rather give your peepers a more active task, then read to your heart’s desire on Scribd for free on Windows Phone, PCs and tablets for 90 days. There’s also lots to save on with Red Stripe Deals, rides to your favorite places using Uber on Windows Phone, the arrival of “Modern Combat 5: Blackout” to the Windows Phone Store and an update to “Maleficent Free Fall.”

Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon
Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon

This week on the Microsoft Facebook page, we kicked off our #8WordEssay sweepstakes. Tweet a #8WordEssay about what’s happening in this photo for a chance to win a new PC.

#8WordEssay
#8WordEssay

Thanks for checking out this edition of Weekend Reading. Hope you’re enjoying your summer! See you next week!

Posted by Athima Chansanchai
Microsoft News Center Staff

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