Google's new high-tech mapping backpack (pictures)
Google's mapped the world with bikes, cars, and airplanes, but the company wants to get a little more micro with a backpack that records Street View imagery.
The new backpack
SAN FRANCISCO--Google's mapped the world with airplanes, bicycles, and even on the backs of snowmobiles. But the company's thinking bigger in a small package.
Today, the company showed off a new backpack it's using to gather up outdoor imagery for its Street View technology. CNET got a hands-on after the debut. Click through to find out more about this high-tech backpack.
Suiting up
CNET's Rafe Needleman gets the backpack on with a little help.
Striking a pose
Walk like an Egyptian, or a Googler? We're not sure either.
"My kid weighs more than this."
Needleman says "no big deal" to wearing this 35-pound rig on his back. "My kid weighs more than this," he says.
Who you gonna call?
We're told the backpack is a prototype.
Handles
Why are the handles near the top for, you ask? For another person to help you take the thing off.
Storm trooper meets Ghost buster
The rear of the pack, and our intrepid reporter.
More of the back
Not a lot of buttons and knobs poking out here.
Built on an army issue frame
The camouflage remains from the pack's military beginnings.
GPS tech
Various GPS and data technology, which Google's rather unspecific about at this point.
The eyes
The virtual eyeballs of the whole operation, 15 lenses at 5 megapixels each. The end image is 65 megapixels after overlap is accounted for.
Oh hi there!
More of the lens mount.
Lenses up close
More of the lenses.
For your phone...
And of course there's a place to put your phone.
"Hello?"
Needleman demonstrates that phone calls can be made while wearing the prototype pack.
Still on
Needleman carries on a casual conversation with Google's Vincent while the backpack observes.
Sumi Das
Journalist Sumi Das gives the backpack a spin.
In Tahoe
Luc Vincent, Google's Street View Engineering Director, takes it out for a spin in Lake Tahoe.
Out for a ski
Luc Vincent again, skiing.
In a warmer climate
The pack, out on a hike.
More in the wild.
Look out behind you! Oh wait, it's backpack with a bunch of cameras.