In a break from the norm, in today’s blog we take a look at some of the cool titbits and features on Google that you might not be aware of. Google is notorious for marking special occasions and key dates from history in search results by adding special features to such information. Typically known as Google’s Easter Eggs, these features often surprise and delight users of the search engine and can make a nice escape from the serious aspects that make up today’s world. So, come along and explore some of the latest, greatest and unpublicised features that occur in search results.
Now 20 years old, the Cha Cha Slide is synonymous with filling dancefloors throughout the early noughties as we stomped, hopped, and slid to the beat of DJ Casper’s drum. To celebrate this classic tune turning 20, Google recently added an Easter Egg to the songs knowledge card result. Simply search for the song and click on the microphone caricature and enjoy.
Granted this is not necessarily a Google Trick, but it’s still quite fun, particularly if you like to play pranks on less savvy colleagues while they are away from their desk. (Yes, we have done it to some unsuspecting co-workers here in the office.) The Google Gravity Chrome Experiment essentially removes the gravity within the search engine making all the elements we have become accustomed to, falling to the bottom of the screen. Queue the IT Support Team.
We have all been there, sometimes we just need a little reminder of what exactly a word or phrase means, and we turn to Google. For those who may unsure of what the word “Askew” means, Google has a very literal and visual explanation for those turning to the search engine for reassurance.
For the ultimate throwback, searching for “Google in 1998” brings you back to a time before knowledge cards, YouTube results and all the other features we have now become accustomed with on Google. A seemingly solid reminder that even from humble beginnings can great things be achieved.
With cashless payments on the ever-increasing rise, the decision making coin flip may soon prove more problematic than it has been I the past. Thankfully, the human race can now look to Google in the absence of coinage when it comes to making those 50/50 decisions.
Feeling curious or simply looking for your next knowledge bomb to drop in conversation? Googling Fun Facts on Google will return a random fun fact. The best part? Every time you search you will get a new random fact. Next stop The Chase….
Looking to pass 5 (or 50 minutes) during the morning coffee break? Throwback to simpler times and enjoy a game of Pac Man. The mini game sits atop of search results for the 1980 Video game and can be played in browser.
Check if your next DIY project is straight and level using Googles Bubble Level on your smartphone. Using Google Chrome on your smartphone device and searching for Bubble Level returns this handy tool and a real go to for the DIY enthusiast.
Fans of the 1939 film may have already uncovered this Easter Egg, but we thought we would include for nostalgia purposes if nothing else. We’ve seen Google in 1998 earlier, but what might the modern search engine have looked like on the black and white screens of 1939. Searching for the film’s title and click on the Ruby Slippers in the Knowledge graph to use this little gem.
To celebrate 25 years of the popular 90s sitcom Friends, Google added a similar feature to the knowledge cards to each of the characters from the show. Searching for any of the characters and clicking on the caricature image adjacent to the character’s name will return an onscreen feature from the show. Could it be any cooler?
Ok, we digress a little bit with this one, but it is simply too cool not to share. Ever wondered how good your Freddie Mercury impression really is? Well now you can find out thanks to Experiments with Google. The Freddie Meter allows you to sing a portion of your favourite Queen song and be awarded a score for your efforts. We can’t promise this won’t get competitive in a crowd, but great fun none the less. Check it out here