Just when you thought that Google will start to focus and close even more products, April Fools’ Day comes and Google announces a long list of new initiatives.
YouTube will pick the best video uploaded to the site: “We’ve been thrilled with all of the diverse, creative entries we’ve seen so far, and we can’t wait to begin the process of selecting the best video. We’ll be announcing the winner in 10 years.”
Google Nose goes beyond keywords and helps you identify a smell.
“Google Nose leverages new and existing technologies to offer the sharpest olfactory experience available:
* Street Sense vehicles have inhaled and indexed millions of atmospheric miles.
* Android Ambient Odor Detection collects smells via the world’s most sensible mobile operating system.
* SMELLCD™ 1.8+ high-resolution compatible for precise and controlled odors.”
Google Maps has a new feature: treasure mode. “Archeological analysis has confirmed that our Google Maps Street View team has indeed found one of history’s long lost relics: a treasure map belonging to the infamous pirate, William ‘Captain’ Kidd. The map was found on a recent expedition in the Indian Ocean, as part of a deep-water dive to expand our underwater Street View collection. Captain Kidd was rumored to have buried his treasure around the world, and tales of a long-lost treasure map have lingered for generations,” informs Google.
Visit Google Maps (disable MapsGL if the experiment is enabled) and find the treasure.
Waiting for Windows Blue? Here comes Gmail Blue: “the next big step for Gmail” is making everying blue. The new interface is inspired by nature. It’s intimate, intuitive, realistic and organic.
Google Apps adds a new feature: Levity Algorithm. “Created in partnership with legendary improv comedians from Chicago’s Second City Communications, the Levity Algorithm is carefully tuned to help you spice up even the most boring of work days. Send happier emails, hold more engaging meetings, write more mind-blowing presentations – and above all, turn those frowns upside down.”
Google Japan found another creative way to enter text: using the Patapata device. It only has one button, but it’s fun to use. “Not only ensure operability, seeking the comfort of the best press uncompromising, adopted the mechanical isolation of the single button type keyboard. Proven flap has been used for many years on the show song of yesteryear airport, and train station. Not only comfortable operation, carry in hand with sound refreshing wind brisk.” (Google machine translation)
Google Australia has a great solution for renovating your house: Google SCHMICK. “Now you can give your house a lick of fresh paint for free on Street View with Google SCHMICK (Simple Complete House Makeover Internet Conversion Kit). Forgot to mow the nature strip? Deck it out with some fresh buffalo grass. Front steps falling down? Swap them out for doric columns and a pergola. Graffiti on the front fence? Cover it with so many palm trees people will think they’re on the Vegas strip.” Too bad that it’s only on Street View.
Google also found an innovative way to make ATMs mobile. “The mobile ATM device easily attaches to most smartphones and dispenses money instantly and effortlessly– forever ending your search for the nearest bank or ATM. Just type in your personal pin code on your cell phone and access all your cash from the palm of your hand. Google Wallet Mobile ATM technology allows you to enter the amount of money you want to withdraw directly in your phone or use voice-activated dispenser.”
Google Analytics lets you export data to old-fashioned floppy disks, CDs, sticky notes and even papyrus (or papyri). You can also send reports using fax machines, telegraphs, carrier pigeons and telegram messengers.
