Facebook goes on an acquisition spree, its founder Mark Zuckerberg now has plans to make it more sci-fi in the near future. Spread web access through satellites, drones and lasers.Facebook has hired aerospace and communications experts from NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab and its Ames Research Center for the new 'Connectivity Lab' project.
Satellite, drone and other technology as part of an ambitious and costly effort to beam Internet connectivity to people in underdeveloped parts of the world.
Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said in a post on Facebook, "Today, we're sharing some details of the work Facebook's Connectivity Lab is doing to build drones, satellites and lasers to deliver the internet to everyone."
"We're going to continue building these partnerships, but connecting the whole world will require inventing new technology too."
Facebook envisions a fleet of solar-powered drones as well as low-earth orbit and geosynchronous satellites delivering Internet access to different regions of the world.
Invisible, infrared laser beams could allow Facebook to dramatically boost the speed of the Internet connections provided by the various aircraft, Facebook said on a Web page that explaining the project.
It also plans to take to the skies underscore the company's rising ambitions to exert its influence beyond the confines of its 1.2 billion-member social network and to set the pace for new technology that will shape society.
After buying popular mobile messaging service WhatsApp for $19 billion, Facebook is set to purchase Oculus VR, the virtual-reality-headset company best known for its Oculus Rift gaming device, for $2 billion.
Facebook is also reported to buy Texas-based Titan Aerospace that makes drones that can fly solo for five years without needing to land for $60million.
According to TechCrunch reported that Zuckerberg is interested in acquiring American-based aerospace company Titan Aerospace a deal that is believed to be worth as much as $60 million.
Titan Aerospace is responsible for making near-orbital, solar-powered drones. According to TechCrunch, the deal could net Facebook 11,000 small unmanned aerial vehicles.
Facebook’s new arsenal would be composed of Titan’s “Solara 60” UAVs, an aircraft that can carry a payload of 250 pounds apiece.
Author Venkatesh Yalagandula Follow us Google + and Facebook and Twitter
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