In just a few decades, the smartphone has gone from a luxury gadget to an everyday necessity. But what is often overlooked is just how powerful these small devices really are. Today’s smartphones are thousands of times more powerful than the world’s most advanced supercomputers from over 30 years ago - machines that once filled entire rooms and cost millions to operate.

Switzerland has recently unveiled the country's new supercomputer, ‘Alps’, which has already been ranked as the sixth most powerful supercomputer in the world. The supercomputer, which was only 60% operational when the 'Top 500' global supercomputer rankings were published this June, is expected to rise in rank once fully functional.

The government decides to buy a supercomputer for analyzing critical data, says Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for ICT.

President Barack Obama signs an executive order calling for the US to build the world's fastest computer by 2025.