HIGH AMBITION

Google to Release Wi-Fi Balloons

Balloons will beam Internet to hard-to-reach places.

We're all used to wireless Internet now, but compared to what's coming soon, that could be considered low-tech. Most traditional wi-fi still relies on routers plugged into a wall, but now Google's taking it to the next level. The tech company announced on Saturday that it plans to release 30 wi-fi test balloons into the atmosphere. The balloons are intended to beam down Internet access to areas without ground connections. "Project Loon" will begin on New Zealand's South Island this month and will hopefully, according to Google, "connect people in rural and remote areas, help fill coverage gaps, and bring people back online after disasters." You go, Google!