Google+ Hosts 1st Underwater Hangout

Wifi - underwater!

The breathing sounded a lot like Darth Vader as soon as I tuned in -- and the Google+ Hangout just got better from there.

As the screen cleared up, I realized that I was chatting with someone as he was under water -- wetsuit and all.

Google held the Hangout on its Google+ platform at about 9:30 p.m. PST. It was afternoon the next day in Australia where our hosts, "The Catlin Seaview Survey," held court, both on land and sea. The Hangout was to bring attention to the ocean's fish population, and the challenges these creatures face.

Catlin had an ultra-cool trick up its sleeve -- a live broadcast underwater. Chatting with a diver, submerged near the Great Barrier Reef, was awesome. Tons of fish everywhere, and the live sounds broadcast through the Hangout, as seven of journalists from all over the world tuned in, and asked questions. As the representative from the U.S., my contribution was basically, "Uh, how in the world is this even happening?" 

The show had camera, microphone, and a powerful WiFi connection -- tools that allow for Hangouts from just about anywhere. (At least, until the oxygen tank runs out.)

Yes, this was about bringing attention to what's going on in our oceans. But the impression I got was how amazing technology has become -- and how we'll soon be able to communicate with each other, just about anywhere, at any time.

Scott, jaw still on the floor, is on Twitter:  @scottbudman

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