BACKPACK CAM: Google brought its all-seeing eyes to the Grand Canyon's Bright Angel Trail, a nearly 10-mile hike to the Colorado River. It marked the first official collection of data by the so-called trekker — a 40-pound backpack fitted with 15 cameras that captures images every 2.5 seconds.

OFF-ROAD: Google has mapped more than 3,000 cities in 43 countries. It now aims to transport Internet visitors to places not accessible by road.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Google says it wants to deploy its trekkers from national forests to the narrow streets of Venice, up Mount Everest and to ancient ruins and castles.