April Fool’s Day 2014 [ROUNDUP]
You’ve made it through another April Fool’s Day nearly unscathed. For those braving through the internet on this o joyous of days, peace is almost at hand. But rather than post every prank/gag/joke we came across during our day, we decided to compile them all into one neat and tidy post for easy viewing. This is by no means exhaustive, so if you happened across some others you found particularly humorous, be sure to shout ’em out. Without further ado, here’s our April Fool’s Day 2014 roundup.
Chrome for Android (and iOS)
The Chrome team announced Google Translate support a language of a different kind: emoji. Whenever visiting websites on your Android phone or tablet, you’ll be asked if you want to translate the text into emoji. Pretty darn awesome (and actually strikingly similar to have the SwiftKey Beta handles emoji). Emoji translate is only available in English.
Download on Google Play: Chrome
Google Magic Hand
The folks at Google Japan announced an all new product for interacting with the touchscreen display on your devices: the Magic Hand. With multiple attachments and a full spec sheet at the source link, we loved what the Google Japan guys did with this one. Check it out.
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Google Fiber Coffee to Home
We know there are some of you that simply can’t live without your coffee, and that’s why the Google Fiber team is introducing the latest innovation in coffee making: Google Fiber Coffee to the Home. Just install the spigot into your Google Fiber line, and you’ll be enjoying the freshest coffee this side of the internet.
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Google Maps Pokemon Challenge
We covered this one in a previous post, but wanted to make sure it didn’t get forgotten. In what could only be described as the best April Fools “prank” ever, the folks at Google teamed up with Nintendo to litter the real world with actual Pokemon that could be captured. The video shows an augmented reality game, something that sadly didn’t make it into the app, but there’s always next year. Maybe with Google Glass?
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Google+ Auto Awesome with David Hasselhoff
The Google+ team is always adding festive new overlays into their Auto Awesome editor. We’ve seen snow in the winter, hearts for Valentine’s Day, and now all new for April Fool’s is David Hasselhoff. Simply enable Auto Awesome on one of your pics, and watch as The Hoff appears in the flesh, photo bombing your most precious memories. Awesome.
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Gmail Shelfie
Not even Gmail was safe from April Fools mayhem. In a new theme that prompted users at the bottom of the page to try it out, Gmail Shelfies picked random popular selfies to set as the background of your Gmail page. Pictures alternate at random, so you’re sure to find something you like. I got Victoria Justice for awhile there, so I wasn’t complaining.
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YouTube
Did you know that YouTube actually makes all those viral hits and trends that end up shared through the 4 corners of the internet? Well, you do now. And for April Fool’s Day, YouTube is giving you a sneak peek into the trends they’re predicting will be a hit in 2014. Take a look.
HTC Gluuv
Samsung wasn’t the only Android OEM introducing a glove-like wearable for April Fools. Introducing the HTC Gluuv. Okay, it’s a strange coincidence that both rival OEMs debuted a similar gag, but it’s easy to see who put the extra effort into creating something more convincing. HTC even had an awesome dedicated web page. Check it out via the source link below.
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Sony Power Food
“Introducing the latest in fuel technology, Sony Power Foods. Now, the same fuel we’ve used to power ourselves for thousands of years can be used to power personal electronics. By creating an enzyme that enables the chemical energy of organic matter to be transferred directly into gadgets, we’re bringing about the next step in electronic evolution. Voltaic Enzyme.
And Sony Power Foods it isn’t just for techies and foodies. Everyone will love the tasty variety of charging options. From Crunchy Loops cereal to Sony’s Power Food Cake mix, you’re sure to be charged… in every bite.”
Nest & Virgin Airlines
“We’re teaming up with Virgin America to reinvent the way people fly. Watch as Tony Fadell and Sir Richard Branson introduce Total Temperature Control, the newest product from Nest.”
Samsung Fli-Fy
“Our revolutionary new micro-router brings free Wi-Fi to London with the help of some little friends on 01/04/14. We love animals, and would never cause any harm to them.” Find out more via the source link below.
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Waze Dates
“‘WazeDates’ uses the same crowdsourcing technology designed to help drivers around the world outsmart traffic, while creating a new space for people to meet and fall in love. Signup today to become a Beta tester: dates@waze.com.”
Don’t have Waze? Download it & get the best routes everyday with real-time help from other drivers. http://bit.ly/1dNNBsT
SwiftKey Flow Hard
“Bringing all the awesomeness of SwiftKey Flow to your physical keyboard.” The best part is it actually works! Try it here.
Make a Smart Phone (KDDI)
MyColorLife from MyColorScreen
Toshiba DiGiT
“DiGiT ends the mobile computing race. One simple glove replaces laptops, tablets, smartphones, fitness trackers, watches, glasses and any future mobile innovation.” Learn more: http://www.toshiba.com/DIGIT
Roku Watch
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Reddit: Headdit
“Using revolutionary hand equivalent action detection, headdit allows you to upnod, frownvote and navigate your way around reddit. There is also cat mode. So sit back, relax and enjoy headdit.” This one actually works, just visit Reddit.com on your web browser, and allow it to access your web cam. Fun, fun.
Flipboard (Flappy Board)
“Tap, flap and enjoy Flipboard’s first ever gaming creation, Flappy Board. Tweet @Flipboard to share your highest scores with us.”
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Sphero: SelfieBot
“#SelfieBot is fully autonomous and capable of flight. Forged from cutting-edge technology and programmed with advanced artificial intelligence, #SelfieBot hovers at your side and records your life in high definition. Free yourself from smartphone #selfie limitations. Reserve yours before it sells out.”
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Alright, so that just about concludes our April Fool’s coverage for 2014. We know there’s gotta be something out there we missed, an April Fool’s joke so hilarious, you got an actual chuckle out of it. Be sure to shout out anything you find — Android related or not. We love to have a good laugh. Cheers.