One thing is for sure about Google: If they're gonna do something, they're gonna do it big. In that vein, what better way to prep for the launch of a new phone than to launch it into space? Well, earlier this week, that's exactly what Google did. Seven Nexus S phones were put into Styrofoam beer coolers in preparation for the journey. Cameras were mounted through holes cut in the coolers. They were then attached to large helium-filled weather balloons, and sent on their voyage.
What's the purpose of this? Mostly, it's just for fun. However, they were tracking the devices via GPS and had apps like Google Sky Maps running, and they are currently analyzing the results. With just one exception: all the phones have been located, and all are still functioning properly. As for the one that hasn't been recovered yet – they know an approximate location, but haven't actually been able to find it. Stuck in a tree, maybe? As we wait to see what the test results turn up, Google is already planning future launches.
