Solar and balloon-powered 3G internet access

Google has launched a fleet of high altitude solar-powered balloons (pictured) capable of delivering internet access at 3G speeds to specialised antennas on the ground below. Called Project Loon, the idea was developed by the search engine giant’s secretive Google [x] laboratory and is part of the company’s wider strategy of exploring new ways of […]

Google buys US kite-power company

Google has acquired a US energy start-up company that generates power using turbines mounted on wings tethered to the ground like a kite. Makani Power will be part of Google X, the secretive research and development arm of the search engine giant, which previously invested $15 million (£9.94m) in the renewable firm. Makani’s airborne wind […]