In 2024, the United Kingdom has cemented its position as a global leader in quantum computing, with breakthroughs emerging from academic labs in Oxford and Cambridge to private-sector innovators in Edinburgh and Bristol. No longer confined to theory, quantum technology is advancing rapidly in the UK—driving progress in medicine, cybersecurity, finance, and defence, and positioning Britain at the forefront of the next technological revolution.
At the heart of this surge is the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Harwell, Oxfordshire. Opened in 2023 and now fully operational, the NQCC has achieved a major milestone: the successful deployment of a 20-qubit superconducting quantum processor designed and built entirely in the UK. Unlike classical computers that use bits (0s or 1s), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously—enabling them to solve complex problems exponentially faster. The NQCC’s machine, named Quantum One, is already being used by researchers from Imperial College London and AstraZeneca to simulate molecular interactions for drug discovery.
Meanwhile, Oxford Ionics, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, has made headlines with its trapped-ion quantum processor, which boasts record-breaking qubit stability and error rates. In early 2024, the company demonstrated a 99.9% fidelity rate in quantum gate operations—the highest ever recorded in Europe. This level of precision is critical for developing fault-tolerant quantum computers, and Oxford Ionics is now collaborating with the Ministry of Defence to explore secure quantum communications for military applications.
In Scotland, Quantinuum (a merger of Cambridge-based Cambridge Quantum and US-based Honeywell Quantum) operates one of the most powerful quantum systems in Europe from its R&D hub in Edinburgh. Its H2 processor, running on trapped-ion technology, has been used by UK financial institutions like Barclays and Lloyds to model complex risk scenarios and optimise trading strategies—tasks that would take classical supercomputers weeks to complete.
One of the most impactful applications is in climate science. Researchers at the University of Bristol are using quantum algorithms to simulate carbon capture materials at the atomic level, accelerating the development of clean energy solutions. These simulations could shorten R&D timelines from decades to months, offering a critical edge in the UK’s 2050 net-zero mission.
The UK government is heavily invested in this future. Through the National Quantum Strategy, launched in 2023 with a £2.5 billion commitment over 10 years, the country is funding infrastructure, skills development, and public-private partnerships. Innovate UK has already awarded £86 million in grants to 34 quantum startups, including ORCA Computing in London, which is pioneering photonic quantum computing using light particles (photons) for data processing.
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In 2024, foldable phones have moved from futuristic gadgets to viable daily drivers—and UK consumers are taking notice. With major advancements in durability, performance, and software, devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Google Pixel Fold, and the newly launched Motorola Razr+ 2024 are proving that folding screens are no longer a gimmick, but a legitimate alternative to traditional smartphones.
The biggest breakthrough this year is durability. Early foldables were plagued by creases, fragile hinges, and screen wear. But in 2024, manufacturers have refined their designs using stronger materials. Samsung’s latest Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) layer, combined with a redesigned “waterdrop” hinge, has reduced visible creasing by 60% compared to 2022 models. The device is now rated for 200,000 folds—equivalent to five years of average use—according to IP protection tests conducted at its UK innovation hub in Surrey.
Google’s Pixel Fold, launched in late 2023 and gaining traction in 2024, features a multi-layer composite display that resists punctures and scratches. In real-world tests by UK tech reviewers, the device survived pocket keys, accidental drops on concrete, and even brief submersion in water (thanks to IPX8 rating). Its Tensor G3 chip also ensures smooth multitasking, making it ideal for professionals using Gmail, Docs, and Meet across split screens.
Motorola has re-entered the market with the Razr+ 2024, a modern reinterpretation of the iconic flip phone. Designed with a larger 6.9-inch main display and a 3.6-inch external screen, it allows users to check messages, control music, or take selfies without opening the device. The hinge now supports multiple angles, enabling hands-free video calls—a feature increasingly popular among remote workers in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Software integration has also matured. Android 14, optimised for foldables, now supports app continuity, meaning users can seamlessly transition from external to internal screens. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 and Google’s Fold Experience enhance productivity with drag-and-drop between apps, resizable windows, and tablet-mode adaptations for YouTube, Netflix, and Microsoft 365.
UK network compatibility is no longer an issue. All major carriers—EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three—now offer foldables on contract with 5G support. The compact size when folded makes them ideal for crowded commutes on the Tube or National Rail, while the large internal screen excels for streaming, mobile gaming, and document editing.
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The console wars are no longer just about hardware. In 2024, cloud gaming has shifted the battlefield from living rooms to data centres, with Microsoft, Sony, and a wave of UK-based tech firms redefining what it means to play the latest games. Powered by faster broadband, 5G, and AI-driven streaming, cloud gaming is dismantling the need for expensive consoles—and British gamers are at the forefront of this revolution.
Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming, now fully integrated into Game Pass Ultimate, leads the charge. As of 2024, UK users can stream over 100 high-performance titles—including Forza Motorsport and Starfield—directly to phones, tablets, and even smart TVs with minimal lag. Thanks to Azure’s UK South data centres in London and Cardiff, average latency has dropped to just 32ms, making cloud gaming viable even on 4G networks. Microsoft reports that 41% of Game Pass users in the UK now play primarily via cloud, up from 26% in 2023.
Sony hasn’t fallen behind. PlayStation Plus Premium now offers remote streaming of PS5 titles to PCs and mobile devices, with adaptive streaming that adjusts to UK broadband conditions. In early 2024, Sony partnered with BT to prioritise PlayStation traffic on BT Full Fibre networks, reducing buffering by up to 70%. This collaboration marks one of the first ISP-gaming alliances in the UK, setting a precedent for network optimisation.
But the real disruption is coming from homegrown startups. Shadow, a UK-favoured cloud PC service with servers in Slough, delivers a full Windows 11 gaming rig in the cloud. For a flat monthly fee, users access a virtual machine capable of running AAA games at 4K 60fps. With low ping and plug-and-play compatibility with Steam, Shadow has become a favourite among UK PC gamers who lack high-end hardware.
Meanwhile, GeForce NOW UK, operated by NVIDIA in partnership with O2, launched dedicated UK servers in 2024, significantly improving performance for users on EE, Vodafone, and O2 networks. The service allows gamers to stream titles they already own on Steam, Epic, and Ubisoft Connect, eliminating the need to repurchase games. Over 650,000 UK users have signed up since its local rollout.
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While Tesla and Rivian dominate headlines, a quiet revolution is unfolding on British soil. In 2024, a wave of UK-based electric vehicle (EV) startups is redefining the future of mobility, combining cutting-edge engineering, sustainable design, and homegrown innovation. From compact city cars to high-performance electric vans, these companies are not only challenging global giants but also shaping the UK’s transition to a zero-emission transport system.
One of the most promising players is Arrival, the British-French company that, despite financial restructuring in 2023, has relaunched in 2024 with a leaner model and renewed focus on its electric van. Now produced in Coventry using modular microfactories, the Arrival Van is being adopted by Royal Mail, UPS, and DHL UK. What sets it apart is its AI-driven maintenance system and lightweight composite materials, which improve efficiency and reduce repair costs. Over 5,000 units are expected to be on UK roads by the end of 2024.
Another standout is Bramble Energy, based in Borehamwood, which has developed the world’s first commercially viable hydrogen fuel cell using standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology. While not a vehicle manufacturer, Bramble’s innovation is powering next-gen electric buses in London and Aberdeen. Their hydrogen systems offer longer range and faster refuelling than traditional batteries, making them ideal for public transport and long-haul delivery fleets.
In the consumer space, London EV Company (LEVC)—known for the iconic black cab—has expanded its electric lineup with the eVN Taxi and the eWolf pickup truck. The eWolf, launched in early 2024, is targeted at tradespeople and small businesses, offering a 200-mile range and a payload capacity of one tonne. Built in Ansty, Warwickshire, it’s one of the first UK-made electric workhorses, and over 1,200 pre-orders have been placed by utility firms and delivery services.
Meanwhile, Oxford-based Hypercore Systems is turning heads with its solid-state battery technology. In partnership with the Faraday Battery Challenge, the startup has developed a battery that charges to 80% in under 10 minutes and lasts up to 15 years. Major automakers, including Jaguar Land Rover, are now testing Hypercore’s cells in prototype EVs. With £42 million in government and private funding, the company plans to open a gigafactory in the Midlands by 2025.
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Smart homes have evolved rapidly across the UK, and 2024 marks a turning point where artificial intelligence is no longer a luxury feature—it’s becoming central to how British households manage energy, security, and daily routines. From London flats to rural cottages in Yorkshire, AI-powered smart homes are reshaping domestic life with adaptive intelligence, predictive automation, and seamless integration.
One of the biggest developments this year is the rise of AI-driven energy optimisation. With energy costs remaining a concern for UK households, intelligent systems like Google Nest’s latest Heatlink AI and Hive’s Adaptive Learning Thermostat now analyse weather forecasts, occupancy patterns, and even National Grid demand to adjust heating schedules autonomously. These systems learn household habits over time and can reduce energy consumption by up to 28%, according to a 2024 report by the Energy Saving Trust.
In 2024, major UK providers such as British Gas, E.ON, and Octopus Energy have begun bundling AI home hubs with green energy tariffs. For example, Octopus’ “Intelligent Home” package includes an AI-powered Hub that communicates with smart meters, EV chargers, and solar inverters to shift high-energy tasks—like running the dishwasher or charging a car—to off-peak, low-cost periods. Over 320,000 homes have adopted such systems since early 2023, a 65% increase year-on-year.
Security has also seen a leap forward. AI-enhanced CCTV systems from UK-based Hikvision UK and Blink now use on-device machine learning to distinguish between regular activity (a cat moving, a tree swaying) and genuine threats. Unlike older models that relied on cloud processing, new edge-AI cameras process data locally, improving response time and privacy—critical under GDPR and UK data laws. Some systems, like the Ring Always-On AI, can even detect unusual behaviour, such as someone loitering for more than 90 seconds, and alert homeowners instantly.
Voice assistants have become smarter and more context-aware. Amazon’s Alexa now supports multi-intent voice commands—you can say, “Turn on the lights, play jazz, and tell me tomorrow’s weather,” and it executes all three. In addition, AI-powered natural language processing allows assistants to understand regional accents more accurately, a significant upgrade for users in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the North of England.
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