Google’s Best April Fools’ Jokes

Google has been trolling the Internet since 2000. Every April Fools’ Day they came up with something that tricked many users. Here are some of the best jokes that Google played on us.

This blog is mainly about business and my posts are usually serious. However, business doesn’t have to be all serious all the time, we have the right to have fun. Google has been “having fun” for a long time and here are some of my favorite Google’s April Fools’ Day Hoaxes.

10. Google Gulp (2005)

In 2005 Google introduced it’s new drink; Google Gulp. This fruity drink was designed to increase the Google user’s browsing efficiency “by making you more intelligent, and less thirsty.” Gulp came in 4 flavors and was limited. The only way to get a bottle of Gulp was by returning a cap from the previous bottle to your grocery store. And where could you get the original cap? Exactly…

9. Gmail Motion (2011)

In 2011 Google introduced the “Gmail Motion”. This secret technology developed by the big G would use your computers webcam and translate your movements in real commands. For example, moving your hand up and down would make the webpage scroll, up and down. Google offered an instructional video on how to use Google Motion. When you would try to actually use this feature – Google would explain that it’s a hoax and such technology doesn’t exist.

• It’s important to note that on April 1st, 2014, Reddit offered just that – navigation through webcam. You could simply move your head and the site would interpret your moves as commands (scroll, click, etc.)

8. $1 Google Offer for Parking Karma (2012)

In 2012 Google announced an amazing service that would help you get a parking spot, anywhere you go! Here is what you could get for only 1 Dollar:

1. prime spots when you need them,
2. repels parking tickets,
3. includes 1 space buffer on each side,
4. shopping cart protection plan,
5. no parallel parking for first 6 months.

How awesome is that?

7. Click-to-Teleport Extensions (2011)

Click-to-Teleport Extension would offer potential customers to instantly get teleported to a business location that they found through Google Ads Search. Businesses that used these extensions claimed their offline sales increased by 3600%!

Too bad this feature still doesn’t work 😉

6. Google Translate For Animals (2010-2011)

In 2011 Google added  a link to “Google Translate for Animals” on their main page. If you clicked on that link, you’d be taken to android marketplace where you could get the app. The app offered some funny “translations”.

In 2011 Google Translate For Animals was introduced on Google UK. Also on April 1st.

5. The Google Maps Pokémon Challenge (2014)

This was a really fun move by Google’s team but I guess it wasn’t much of a hoax for most people. This new “prank” went viral and lots of folks got very serious about hunting down all 150 Pokemon figures, scattered all over the whole planet on Google Maps. This is only available through iOS and Android apps, and you need to update the app in order to play.

Google claims the this will be available until April 2nd only.

4. Google Nose (2013)

On April 1st, 2013 Google announced their new product – the Google Nose Beta search engine. This wonder was suppose to help us look up the smells, since Google compiled and incredible large library of smells.

3. Youtube’s Best Video (2013)

In 2013 Youtube announced the contest for the best Youtube video. YT said it will no longer accept new videos. The website also claimed it will delete all of the videos except the winner video. Google went as far as filming a few people reading a list of “Best Video Nominees” for 12 straight hours… Some Youtubers actually got really scared 😉

2. Gmail Paper (2008)

In 2008 Gmail announced the possibility of printing your emails (for free) and having Google send them to your house so it will be easier to organize all your mail.

I must admit, I fell for this one and genuinely believed it was true for a few minutes 😉

1. Youtube Featured Videos (2008)

In 2008 (April 1st, of course) all Youtube’s Featured Videos redirected to Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” video. If you have never been Rickrolled you might not understand this joke. This was probably one of my favorite’s from YT.

Fun Fact (Not a Hoax)

On March 31st, 2004, a few minutes before midnight, Google launched Gmail. However, many people interpreted as a hoax because a free e-mail box with 1 gigabyte of storage was unheard of in 2004! As you can see, it was not a hoax.

Well, these were my top 10 favorite Google April Fools’ Jokes.

Have anything to add? Comment below!

– Alex