Computing Efficiency

This seems like a turning point to me. Alongside something like the Apple M series chips, I think I’m starting to see people veering from putting computer power as the pinnacle of innovation. Partly I think because a large majority of common tasks people want to do with computers is achievable with 5+ year old hardware. Processing power is not the bottle neck anymore; I don’t think it’s a stretch to say battery life is the modern computing bottleneck. But also I think we’re reaching the point of diminishing returns as far as advancing computing power. Yes, I think computers (non-quantum) will continue to get more powerful. But, without looking, I believe there have been conversations about how Moore’s Law is coming to an end.

All in all, I am very excited for this kind of development. I had this talk about sustainability in the visual effects industry on in the background while I was working this week and I am encouraged that topics like efficiency and “carbon budgeting” concepts are making their way into the public conversation. We aren’t perfect, we won’t solve this overnight or maybe even entirely ever, but we all must do everything we can.

UPDATE: PCWorld shared a follow up video the goes into more depth from this company.