Drone wars: Google, Facebook focus on flying
Google buys Titan Aerospace with a mission to become an Internet provider in the sky, smart contact lenses could be the next step for Google Glass, and leaked photos offer clues about an Amazon smartphone.
CNET Update wants a smart eye:
In this episode of Update, you'll understand why the next tech battle is heading to the sky. Google and Facebook are working on bringing Internet access to areas of the world that are not online. Google's purchase of Titan Aerospace could aid in that mission. With solar-powered aircraft joining Project Loon, Google becomes a floating Internet provider. Facebook was also interested in buying Titan, but instead the social network spent $20 million to buy a similar company, Ascenta.
As for the future of gadgets, Google Glass may evolve into smart contact lenses. Google submitted a patent for a contact lens with a micro camera and sensors. It wouldn't be the first smart contact out there. Google also has been testing contacts to help diabetics by measuring the glucose levels in tears. And the military is looking into dual-focus contacts that let you clearly see objects near and far at the same time, without messing up your vision.
And today's video ends with a look at leaked photos of Amazon's smartphone, published by BGR. Five camera sensors? Sexy.
CNET Update delivers the tech news you need in under three minutes. Watch Bridget Carey every afternoon for a breakdown of the big stories, hot devices, new apps, and what's ahead. Subscribe to the podcast via the links below.
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