In the ever-evolving world of decentralization and AI, few projects dare to blend the two in ways that challenge the status quo. Enter Qubic, a platform that's pushing boundaries with its exclusive feature: Outsourced Computations. At first glance, this might sound like just another tech buzzword, but dig a little deeper, and you'll find it's a clever mechanism designed to harness distributed computing power for real-world applications.

Right now, some of the features are being tested through something called Custom Mining, which lets Qubic mine popular Proof-of-Work coins like Monero. But as we'll explore, this is merely the opening act in a much larger story.

The Heart of Qubic: Useful Proof of Work and AIGarth

To understand Outsourced Computations, we need to start with Qubic's core feature: Useful Proof of Work (UPoW). Unlike traditional mining setups where computational effort often boils down to solving arbitrary puzzles, Qubic channels that power into something productive - training it’s AI model named AIGarth.

Here's how it works: Miners contribute their raw computing resources to Qubic's validators, known as Computors. These Computors then use that power to train AIGarth directly in their RAM, all happening on-chain. This on-the-spot, decentralized training sets Qubic apart from other AI-blockchain hybrids, where models might rely on off-chain servers or centralized clouds. The result? AIGarth becomes inherently resistant to attacks or undue influence, embodying true decentralization.

Imagine a global network of computers collaborating in real-time to evolve an AI brain. It is efficient and it is a safeguard against the vulnerabilities that plague more conventional systems.

The Bigger Vision: Outsourced Computations for the Real World

Custom Mining - Qubic's first implementation of providing compute power outside of its network serves as a practical proof of concept. It demonstrates how some of Qubic's compute can be redirected to external tasks, like mining Monero or other PoW coins. But the true potential lies far beyond cryptocurrency mining.

Qubic's architecture is built to invite third parties to tap into AIGarth. Think businesses, universities, hospitals, research labs etc. Through custom smart contracts, these entities could connect, adapt the model for their needs, and even leverage Qubic's compute network to train specialized versions. It's like opening a decentralized supercomputer to the world, where collaborators contribute and benefit without compromising security.

Of course, this full vision isn't quite ready yet. Key components, such as Oracle Machines for seamless data integration, are still in development. Custom Mining is the foundational step, proving the concept works in a live environment.

Behind the Scenes: How Custom Mining Tackles Monero

Development of Outsourced Computations isn't straightforward. Qubic's team had to integrate it deeply into the protocol, ensuring everything stays on-chain where possible. For Monero mining Proof of Concept (PoC), miners' efforts generate shares that Computors bundle and send through a on-chain built-in solution (similar to Layer 2) to a centralized Dispatcher. This Dispatcher then forwards them to the Monero network for validation. Up to that handoff point, the process remains fully decentralized and on-chain - a testament to Qubic's commitment to its principles.

Why start with Monero? Sure, there were safer ways to test the waters, but Qubic thrives on ambition. By diving into a high-stakes, competitive arena like Proof of Work crypto mining, the project not only validates its tech but also draws attention from the industry. Skeptics once called this outsourcing impossible; now, they're watching closely as it unfolds.

There's a practical angle too. AIGarth's growth depends on a robust mix of hardware, particularly CPUs. Before Monero Custom Mining integration, CPUs made up just 10% of Qubic's mining power. Thanks to the allure of higher profitability, that figure has jumped to around 50% as more CPU miners flock to the network.

Where We Stand Today: Momentum Building

As of now, Qubic's Monero mining experiment is picking up serious steam. As of today, at its peak, Qubic contributes to over 40% of Monero's total Hashrate - a remarkable feat for a newcomer. This growing influence positions Qubic to potentially advocate for tweaks in Monero's rules, encouraging even more miners to migrate and bolster the ecosystem.

It's a dynamic interplay: Qubic's economy, coin burns, and market presence all tie into broader blockchain trends. By testing Outsourced Computations through something as tangible as mining, Qubic expanding the limits of it’s technology and it's reshaping how we think about decentralized compute.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Full Potential

Outsourced Computations represent a bold experiment in making blockchain useful beyond transactions and speculation. While Custom Mining steals the spotlight for now, the endgame is empowering real institutions to innovate with AI in a secure, distributed way. As development progresses, we'll likely see more applications emerge, from scientific research to healthcare advancements.

If you're intrigued by the topic of decentralized AI, Qubic's journey is one to follow. It's a reminder that true innovation often starts with a proof of concept that surprises everyone, including the skeptics. What's next? Only time, and a lot more compute power, will tell.

Clarification of Terms: Understanding the Differences for Advanced Users

It's important to distinguish between Outsourced Computations and the Monero Custom Mining proof of concept, especially concerning their relationship to QUBIC's core mechanisms like Useful Proof of Work and their impact on Computors (miners/validators) within the Quorum.

 1. Outsourced Computations

• Part of Useful Proof of Work: Yes. Outsourced Computations are directly integrated into QUBIC's UPoW framework.

• Contribution to Computor Rankings: Yes. Performing Outsourced Computations directly contributes to the rankings of Computors (validators/miners) within the Quorum. Higher contributions can lead to better standing.

• Impact on Profitability: Yes. It significantly contributes to the profitability of the Computors.

In essence, Outsourced Computations are a fundamental, ranking-influencing component of the QUBIC protocol that also generates revenue for Computors.

 2. Monero Custom Mining Proof of Concept

• Part of Useful Proof of Work: No. While QUBIC partially uses Monero mining for its Outsourced Computations deployment, the "Monero Custom Mining proof of concept" itself is not UPoW. However, it does provide economic incentives to Computors.

• Contribution to Computor Rankings: No. It does not directly contribute to the rankings among Computors in the Quorum.

• Impact on Profitability: Yes. Its primary function is to add to the profitability of the Computors.

 Therefore, the Monero Custom Mining proof of concept is a specific application that leverages QUBIC's power for external profitability, but it operates distinctly from the core UPoW mechanism in terms of network security and Computor ranking within the Quorum.

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