Name: Alphabet gives up on balloon-powered internet
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Alphabet gives up on balloon-powered internet

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Alphabet's Loon is no more. Loon was launched in 2013 as one of Google's moonshot projects — experimental ventures which try to solve big problems — and was turned into an in 2018. The idea was to provide internet access to areas that are remote or have poor infrastructure using balloons that sail at about 65,000 feet of altitude. And though Loon did have in those — mostly in providing emergency access to areas that were struck by catastrophe — it is now shutting down. In a on Friday, the company said it made some "groundbreaking technical achievements," even managing to in Kenya in 2020. Sadly, it wasn't enough to keep the company afloat. "The road to commercial viability has proven much longer and riskier than hoped," the blog post says.According to the blog post, a small group from the Loon team will stay behind to wrap things up and wind existing services down. The rest are being helped to find alternative roles at either Alphabet, Google, or one of Alphabet's other experimental ventures. It was not all for nothing, though. Google said some of the technology developed by Loon is already used in , which aims to bring affordable, fast internet to Sub-Saharan Africa.A new study from Adobe reveals how emoji usage affects the way we're perceived.14 hours agoByUnless you want a nasty allergy, don't gel cure your press-on nails.18 hours agoByStuck on 'Quordle' #232? We'll give you the hints and tips you need (and also the answers).20 hours agoByStuck on 'Quordle' #231? We'll give you the hints and tips you need (and also the answers).09/12/2022ByFrom glorified chainmail to Vine reuploads, the app is a trove of revamped internet trends.09/11/2022By'Thank God I didn't give up on me.'10 hours agoByHow to watch the action if you don't have pay TV.09/12/2022ByWerewolves in the MCU. This news left us howling.09/11/2022ByLogan Lerman, where are you?09/11/2022ByOur favorite "clan of two" is returning soon.09/11/2022ByIs 'Wordle' #451 stumping you? Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the answer.09/13/2022ByThe good, the bad, and the WTF.16 hours agoByThis is good to go? Everyone fine with it? OK...18 hours agoByRejection sensitive dysphoria is a symptom of ADHD and causes difficulty in regulating emotions when facing rejection.14 hours agoByHas the word 'doomsday' lost all meaning?09/11/2022ByThe biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.By signing up to the Mashable newsletter you agree to receive electronic communicationsfrom Mashable that may sometimes include advertisements or sponsored content.Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!

Alphabet's Loon is no more. Loon was launched in 2013 as one of Google's moonshot projects — experimental ventures which try to solve big problems — and was turned into an in 2018. The idea was to provide internet access to areas that are remote or have poor infrastructure using balloons that sail at about 65,000 feet of altitude. And though Loon did have in those — mostly in providing emergency access to areas that were struck by catastrophe — it is now shutting down. In a on Friday, the company said it made some "groundbreaking technical achievements," even managing to in Kenya in 2020....

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Alphabet gives up on balloon-powered internet

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