When you hear the word “google,” your mind goes straight to the search engine. However, not many of us now that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is actually involved in many research projects, which, in case of success, will totally change the way we look at things now. To do the research on these projects, Google has created a secret facility, Google X Lab, or Google X. The facility is thought to be located somewhere in Bay Area near San Francisco and is overseen by Sergey Brin, one of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s co-founders.
Some of the projects, which are developed in the Google X facility, are well-known and the information on them is made public and intensively mediated. At the same time, there are many rumors and speculations about several projects on which Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) might be working. However, as the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire, so there is a probability that Google might actually be working on them.
Photo Credit: Mariordo
Other projects are revealed by Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), but are actually April Fool jokes (Google likes to do that). The most recent example is Google Nose, revealed on April 1, 2013. According to the company, Google Nose “leverages new and existing technologies to offer the sharpest olfactory experience available.” But who knows, maybe soon we will actually have computers which will be able to smell and taste items of our choosing. But still, these projects prove that Google is an ambitious company and one of its goals is to invent the future.
Recently, some reports in the media said that Google is working on another project that may be revealed very soon. Until then we should take a look at the projects which are currently on the table, according to speculations. Even if some don’t end up coming to fruition, the ones that do represent some true masterpieces of technology and engineering.
We have compiled a collection of five projects on which Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is working, or could be working on, according to rumors and various media reports.
Check it out:
No.5 Android @ Home
Photo Credit: George Thomas
Google announced that it is working on Android @ Home, a platform which will allow you to control everything in your home, starting with lightbulbs and ending with your refrigerator. However, no one actually heard anything about this project since Google’s I/O conference in 2011, so Google either stopped working on it, or it is keeping it a secret until the end.
No.4 Space Elevator
Photo Credit: Skyway
A space elevator is not a new idea. Actually, the concept of a space elevator was proposed by Russian and Soviet rocket scientist, Konstantin Tsiolkovski, who in 1896 proposed an idea about a a free-standing tower reaching from the surface of Earth to the height of geostationary orbit. So, now Google might be really working on one of these. If they succeed, the elevator will permit transport along the cable from a planetary surface, such as the Earth’s, directly into space or orbit, without the use of large rockets.
No.3 Self-Driving Car
One of the most popular examples of Google X existing projects is self-driving car. Google says on its blog that the goal of this project is to enhance traffic safety and free up people’s time. Self-driving cars by Google already have over 100,000 miles driven on public roads. They use video cameras, radar sensors and a laser range finder to analyze the traffic and detailed maps for navigation. If this project ends with a success, it will definitely change the use of cars.
No.2 Project Glass
Project Glass involves developing a wearable computer with a head-mounted display. It displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format, and even allows the user to access the Internet via voice Command. Further details you can see in the video.
No.1 Virgle
Virgle is a project announced by Google a couple of years ago. It is a project in joint venture between Google and Virgin Group. The mission is very simple: building a human settlement on Mars. Companies are planning on sending several spaceships filled with people, supplies, tools and materials, which could be needed for building a colony.
