Best of April Fools: Backwards Google, Uber with cats
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In time for April Fools’ Day, Google is using Maps to pay tribute to a classic video game Pac-Man, allowing users to play it in their own city streets. VPC
This is what you see when typing com.google into your web browser.(Photo: Google)
Happy April Fools’ Day, also known as the absolute worst day to be a journalist.
The last couple years, tech giants like Google have jumped in on the fun with their own clever pranks, ranging from Angry Birds virtual reality to David Hasselhoff photobombs.
This year is no different. Let’s take a look at some of the best:
Backwards Google.
This first one is pretty straightforward. Type com.google in your Web browser. Everything is backwards.
Chrome selfies.
Web stories and videos might make us laugh, or cry, or scream. That’s where the Chrome Selfie comes in. Users can share their emotions with a selfie attached right with the story. “With so much of our time spent browsing online, most Chrome users lose up to 6 hours of selfie-taking time every day,” says AbdelKarim Mardini, Chrome product manager and “pro prankster.”
Play Pac-Man on Google Maps
Google released this one Tuesday, but in case you missed it, players go to Google Maps and pick a city. Then click on the Pac-Man icon in the lower left of your browser. Hope you didn’t plan on doing anything productive today.
The Samsung Galaxy Blade Edge, the tech giant’s April Fools prank for this year. (Photo: Samsung)
A smart knife for chefs
Add this to the multiple versions of Samsung’s Galaxy S line of smartphones. Introducing the Galaxy Blade Edge, the world’s first smart knife. It’s water- and fire-proof, thermometer stylus and a foldable handle. It also chops 50% faster than traditional knives. But can I update my Facebook status?
MS-DOS goes mobile
Microsoft’s next mobile operating system goes back to its roots, with a version of its Lumia smartphone running MS-DOS. “Black-and-white text has never looked so good,” says Tom Messett from Lumia’s marketing division. The only thing missing are the floppy disks.
Underwater with PlayStation 4
Ever want to tackle an underwater sequence in a video game by going straight to the swimming pool? PlayStation Flow has you covered. The technology includes a variety of sensors and special glasses that stream game action while underwater. Once reaching an underwater section, you pause the game, strap on Flow and head to the pool.
Selfie shoes
Selfie sticks? So lame. Now you can take awesome self portraits with the Selfie Shoe. I just hope you’re really flexible.
A screenshot of Amazon’s retro makeover for April Fools’ Day. (Photo: Amazon)
Amazon goes retro
Notice anything different with Amazon’s home page today? The online retailer takes a trip back to 1999 with the redesign of its front page. Among the featured items: the book Cubicle Warfare: 101 Office Traps and Pranks and under toys, the classic whoopie cushion.
T-Mobile goes to the dogs
Want a smartphone plan for your dog, or cat, or goldfish? Of course you do! T-Mobile unveils Pets Unleashed, which will allow customers to add their pets to family plans. “U.S. pet owners spend about $ 50 billion a year on their pets – and approximately zero of those pets are connected,” quips T-Mobile CEO John Legere. “Talk about an under-served population!”
Grøüber: Uber with driving cats
Imagine Uber, only featuring cats as drivers. “Using cars with GPS-guided red lasers we signal the correct route to the four-legged kitty captain behind the wheel to make your trip as quick and efficient as possible,” reads a statement from Groupon, the daily deals service behind the initiative.
Any chance one of the cat drivers is named Toonces?
ThinkGeek wins again
You know an April Fools’ gag is great when you wish the product was real. First, there’s the Steam-powered video game console. No, this isn’t made by Valve. It’s a gaming system powered by an integrated steam engine. There’s also the awesome Voltron Cat Condo and a Game of Thrones themed version of Clue. There’s also this monstrosity: the do-it-yourself, 360-degree selfie rig:
The Do-It-Yourself, 360-degree Selfie Rig, ThinkGeek’s contribution to April Fools Day. (Photo: ThinkGeek)
But the highlight might be EnCounter, the Wearable Interactive Quest. We’ll let this video explain:
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.
Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1CwLylW
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Best of April Fools: Backwards Google, Uber with cats
Try Another
Audio CAPTCHA
Image CAPTCHA
Help
]]>
UP NEXT
03
]]>
In time for April Fools’ Day, Google is using Maps to pay tribute to a classic video game Pac-Man, allowing users to play it in their own city streets. VPC
This is what you see when typing com.google into your web browser.(Photo: Google)
Happy April Fools’ Day, also known as the absolute worst day to be a journalist.
The last couple years, tech giants like Google have jumped in on the fun with their own clever pranks, ranging from Angry Birds virtual reality to David Hasselhoff photobombs.
This year is no different. Let’s take a look at some of the best:
Backwards Google.
This first one is pretty straightforward. Type com.google in your Web browser. Everything is backwards.
Chrome selfies.
Web stories and videos might make us laugh, or cry, or scream. That’s where the Chrome Selfie comes in. Users can share their emotions with a selfie attached right with the story. “With so much of our time spent browsing online, most Chrome users lose up to 6 hours of selfie-taking time every day,” says AbdelKarim Mardini, Chrome product manager and “pro prankster.”
Play Pac-Man on Google Maps
Google released this one Tuesday, but in case you missed it, players go to Google Maps and pick a city. Then click on the Pac-Man icon in the lower left of your browser. Hope you didn’t plan on doing anything productive today.
The Samsung Galaxy Blade Edge, the tech giant’s April Fools prank for this year. (Photo: Samsung)
A smart knife for chefs
Add this to the multiple versions of Samsung’s Galaxy S line of smartphones. Introducing the Galaxy Blade Edge, the world’s first smart knife. It’s water- and fire-proof, thermometer stylus and a foldable handle. It also chops 50% faster than traditional knives. But can I update my Facebook status?
MS-DOS goes mobile
Microsoft’s next mobile operating system goes back to its roots, with a version of its Lumia smartphone running MS-DOS. “Black-and-white text has never looked so good,” says Tom Messett from Lumia’s marketing division. The only thing missing are the floppy disks.
Underwater with PlayStation 4
Ever want to tackle an underwater sequence in a video game by going straight to the swimming pool? PlayStation Flow has you covered. The technology includes a variety of sensors and special glasses that stream game action while underwater. Once reaching an underwater section, you pause the game, strap on Flow and head to the pool.
Selfie shoes
Selfie sticks? So lame. Now you can take awesome self portraits with the Selfie Shoe. I just hope you’re really flexible.
A screenshot of Amazon’s retro makeover for April Fools’ Day. (Photo: Amazon)
Amazon goes retro
Notice anything different with Amazon’s home page today? The online retailer takes a trip back to 1999 with the redesign of its front page. Among the featured items: the book Cubicle Warfare: 101 Office Traps and Pranks and under toys, the classic whoopie cushion.
T-Mobile goes to the dogs
Want a smartphone plan for your dog, or cat, or goldfish? Of course you do! T-Mobile unveils Pets Unleashed, which will allow customers to add their pets to family plans. “U.S. pet owners spend about $ 50 billion a year on their pets – and approximately zero of those pets are connected,” quips T-Mobile CEO John Legere. “Talk about an under-served population!”
Grøüber: Uber with driving cats
Imagine Uber, only featuring cats as drivers. “Using cars with GPS-guided red lasers we signal the correct route to the four-legged kitty captain behind the wheel to make your trip as quick and efficient as possible,” reads a statement from Groupon, the daily deals service behind the initiative.
Any chance one of the cat drivers is named Toonces?
ThinkGeek wins again
You know an April Fools’ gag is great when you wish the product was real. First, there’s the Steam-powered video game console. No, this isn’t made by Valve. It’s a gaming system powered by an integrated steam engine. There’s also the awesome Voltron Cat Condo and a Game of Thrones themed version of Clue. There’s also this monstrosity: the do-it-yourself, 360-degree selfie rig:
The Do-It-Yourself, 360-degree Selfie Rig, ThinkGeek’s contribution to April Fools Day. (Photo: ThinkGeek)
But the highlight might be EnCounter, the Wearable Interactive Quest. We’ll let this video explain:
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter:
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Best of April Fools: Backwards Google, Uber with cats - USA TODAY
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