Sunday, October 31, 2010

The World is Not Enough - coz we can built one or more!


Google Liquid Galaxy Platform (figure from Google Open Source)


Let's imagine that we can discover the world with a touch of our finger.... Of course, we're have already experienced this with a help of Google Earth. But, imagine if we can built a platform with several large monitors (or maybe HD!) that simulate our world in more realistic way, with only $80,000! How is it possible?

Recently, Google has launched it's new project called Liquid Galaxy, which permits ordinary users like us to develop our own "star trek" platform to explore the world. This project, initiated as a Google 20% Project, is basically built on a cluster of computers that run Google Earth engine. For software part, we have to simply download and install Google Earth in different computers, choose one as the master and directly synchronize them through internet protocol (IP). On the other hand, for hardware part, the frame (place where we put the monitors, input devise and cockpit) is built based on the custom design and materials, as shown in figure below.


Frame Design from Google Open Source

Currently, Google has promoting this project by installing this impressive platform in their offices around the world and also displaying them in most outrageous conferences and exhibitions such as recent Technology Entertainment and Design (TED) conference held in San Francisco. According to Engadget, using 8 Linux-based machines, users may able to even flying through the digital skies by voice command and sheer mental strength!


Watch the video for more awesome experience!

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