구글의 Project Loon

얼마 전 구글이 Project Loon 를 시행에 옮겼습니다. Project Loon 이란 구글의 Google X Moonshot Project 의 하나 입니다. 이 프로젝트는 열풍선을 이용해 인터넷을 사용할 수 있게 해주는 것입니다. 이 열풍선은 태양열을 이용하여 자가발전을 하고 비행기보다 2배 높은 고도에서 인터넷을 제공해 줍니다. 뉴질랜드에서 이미 베타 테스트를 진행하고 있다고 합니다. 구글에 의하면 지구인구의 2/3 명에게는 인터넷을 접속하기 너무 비싸다고 합니다. 구글은 인터넷을 제공하는 열풍선을 여러 개 하늘에 띄워 기류를 이용해 열풍선의 움직임을 조정하여 지구 어디에서든 인터넷 엑세스를 가능하게 하는 게 목표라고 합니다. 이 흥미로운 프로젝트가 어떤 결과를 가져올 지 궁금합니다.

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Google's Project Loon proposes internet distributed by high flying balloons (video )

No, we're not joking. Google is seriously proposing hot air ballon-powered internet access, and has already launched a pilot project in New Zealand with 50 testers trying to connect via a helium-filled, solar powered balloon. One of the Google[x] moonshot projects, there are a couple of videos embedded after the break explaining the issue, and the technology Google wants to use to address it. Project Loon's playful logo reflects the custom designed antennas users will use to receive their signal from balloons floating twice as high as commercial airplanes fly. The signal goes from ground based antennas, up to the balloon, which use their high-altitude placement to broadcast much further than other methods. In the future, the company envisions cell phone users connecting to the balloons to extend service where none exists today.

According to Google, in "more than half" of the countries in the southern hemisphere and for two out of three people on earth, internet access is far too expensive. It's trying to set up pilot projects in other countries on the same latitude as New Zealand, so interested 40th parallel south residents should forward this info to the appropriate officials immediately. Meanwhile, curious Kiwis can sign up to take part in the project on its website, or attend the Festival of Flight in Christchurch on Sunday to meet the team and learn more about it.

Update: Check out another video of the launch of the first balloons embedded after the break, shot via Google Glass by Trey Ratcliff and see even more photos on his site Stuck in Customs.

 http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/14/googles-project-loon-proposes-internet-spread-by-hot-air-balloo/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews