As the world’s most popular search engine, Google has been known as an innovator for a long time. Google’s worldwide popularity has even turned its name into a verb: “to google,” or to search for something using Google. Despite its rather prestigious reputation, the developers at Google still know how to have a good time, as evidenced by their wide array of hidden Easter eggs.
When we say Easter eggs, we don’t necessarily mean the traditional Easter egg hunt. We mean hidden goodies designed to delight users and provide a sense of value to them. Here are five of our favorite Google Easter eggs from over the years.
Askew
Google is certainly capable of operating like a dictionary when you need one most. All you need to do is type the word into the search bar. However, if you type in a specific word, the search engine’s results will take on a rather crooked appearance.
Yes, that’s right. When you type the word, “askew,” you get this result. As defined by Dictionary.com, “askew” means: “to one side; out of line; in a crooked position; awry.”
Come In, Fox McCloud: Do a Barrel Roll!
Have you ever heard of doing a barrel roll? If you haven’t, try typing “do a barrel roll” into Google’s search bar. You’ll find out real quick what it is.
This is a reference to the infamous line from the popular 1997 Nintendo video game, Star Fox 64 for the Nintendo 64, in which the player pilots an Arwing (a plane-like flying machine) and avoids obstacles by “doing a barrel roll.”
Google Earth’s Built-In Flight Simulator
Speaking of flight, Google Earth has a built-in flight simulator. While in Google Earth, type Ctrl+Alt+A. This loads the flight simulator. You can pick whatever aircraft strikes your fancy. Your take-off point is near the Himalayas in Kathmandu.
Google Gravity
One of the more fun Google experiments is Google Gravity. This particular Easter egg drops everything down to the bottom of the page as if gravity had taken effect. As you can imagine, this makes a big, jumbled mess; but the search bar still functions, making it a very humorous waste of four minutes. Try the search function for yourself. You’ll quickly find the search bar buried by the results.
Hilarious Google Interfaces
Like Facebook, Google has several different interfaces for different types of languages. One of the more prominent choices is pirate, which makes the search engine look like you’re sailing the high seas. Other options include the Muppets’ Swedish Chef, and even Pig Latin.
What are your favorite Google Easter eggs? Let us know in the comments.
