Boredom – does it even exist anymore in our technological advanced society? Yes, unfortunately some still suffer from Boredom, something we are declaring the worst epidemic to hit our world in centuries.
Thankfully, Google – and if you’ve been living under a rock for the past 20 or so years; Google is more than a search engine, it’s a highly skilled and intelligent boredom eradicator. Basically at the end of the day, Google is the one true hero of the 21st century.
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Google’s Hidden Easter Eggs You’ve Got to try….NOW!
Okay so just in case that rock you were living under is covered by another more domineering rock, we’ll quickly explain what a Google Easter Egg is. Likely you’ve heard the term fly around the intra-webs, and it means hidden surprises, of sorts anyway. Hidden Easter Eggs can be used in movies, television shows, and books, just about anywhere. It many aspects these eggs are for the die hards; one of the best examples is how they are used in movies – let’s take Marvel Comics for instance:
Marvel movies are famous for hiding little eggs in just about every scene. This can be anything from an action figure on a shelf in the background that only the true die-hard fans and geeks will understand. Another great example is during the first season of The Walking Dead. The Walking Dead is aired on the AMC channel, just like Breaking Bad used to be. In the first season, we met Earl, and if you’re a fan of the show you know he wasn’t a very nice guy.
Earl in the first season, had some blue crystal meth in a baggy – this is what made Breaking Bad a huge hit. Walter White’s special formulated meth was Blue. So, this is one of the best examples of a hidden Easter egg in a television show.
Get Ready for some Excitement this Easter Season
It should be obvious by now that geeks live for this kind of stuff, but why shouldn’t the normal masses of boring people enjoy it as well? So without further blabber from me, let’s get started!
Google Search Easter Eggs
Most of the best Easter eggs from Google, are hidden right there in the search.
#1 – The Barrel Roll
Just type in Google’s search bar Do a barrel roll, and watch as the page does a bit of a “roll”.
#2 – Pacman
This started as a celebratory anniversary. You’ve no doubt noticed that Google gives you a reason to celebrate just about every day with special “Google Doodles”. It’s every college students dream come true. Pacman became one of Google’s most popular doodle so to speak. So popular in fact, that they kept it as an Easter egg.
All you need to do to enjoy the most popular arcade game of the last century is type in the search Pacman, and a Google card will show up.
#3 – Once in a blue moon
This is a bit on the nerdy side, but what do you think of when one says “once in a blue moon”? To me it means rare or almost never. This of course didn’t sit well with the nerds controlling Google. Therefor the God of all search engines needs a definitive answer…so type this into the search bar, and find an answer, but be forewarned, it may Hertz a bit. (HA!)
#4 – Atari Breakout
Back to the fun stuff all can enjoy, and another arcade favourite. Highly addictive and will keep you busy for hours. Or maybe that’s just me? Just go ahead and type in Atari breakout.
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#5 – Google Gravity
Go ahead and type in the search Google Gravity, and click on the very first result. Gravity will take hold, and you can watch as all the UI elements fall to the bottom of the screen. Is there a point to this? Of course there is, its gravity!
# 6 – Flip a Coin
If you need to sort out who is the designated driver this weekend, then use Google to flip a coin. Type in the search bar flip a coin and see what comes up!
#7 – Roll a dice
It’s the usual 6 figured number we use while playing some favourite games – whether board games or travelling to Vegas. Go ahead and roll a die in the search bar, and again, see if your number comes up.
#8 – Askew
This Google Easter egg is for the symmetrical phobic. Type in Askew, and tilt head slightly.
#9 – Google in 1998
Just like the search term implies, you get to go back in time and see Google the way it started out in 1998 after the GUI was finally implemented. Type in Google in 1998.
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#10 – Zerg Rush
This one is a lot of fun. Type in the search Zerg rush, and watch as hordes of O alphabets attack from every side. Imagine the zombie apocalypse, but a lot smaller and safer. You can destroy the O’s by clicking on them repeatedly, and save yourself.
#11 – Bletchley park
This one is super cool for you code breaker geeks out there. Bletchley park was actually the home for the British code-breakers during World War Two. This Google Easter egg pays homage to the importance of the location and the people who worked there. Search Bletchley park, and you’ll see the Google search information card on the right. It’s an animated alphanumeric code sequence, eventually spelling out Bletchley Park.
#12 – Answer to life the universe and everything
Yeap, the search engine Supreme Being we call Google even has the answer to life the universe and everything. I often speak at marketing seminars and like to refer to Google as Google GOD, and this little Easter egg proves my theory. With this one, Google is actually paying homage to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams. Type Answer to life the universe and everything into Google search, and get the answer to this age old question.
#13 – (sqrt(cos(x))*cos(500*x)+sqrt(abs(x))-0.4)*(3-x*x)^0.1
This equation may look incredibly difficult and only fit for Good Will Hunting, but if you type that long sucker in Google search, you will be pleasantly surprised. In fact, we’re pretty sure you’ll LOVE it!
#14 – Recursion
Personally, I find this Google Easter egg a bit boring, but hey, who am I to judge? For explanation purposes, the practice of recursion involves repeated application of certain recurring procedures. So when you run a Google search for Recursion, Google asks whether you meant to search for, you guessed it right, Recursion.
#15 – Anagram
This is very cool, and if you like solving Anagrams this one is for you.
Just in case you’re not sure, Anagrams are words that are formed by re-arranging the letters of existing words. And it’s a lot of fun. So much, that Google has an Easter egg dedicated to them. Search for Anagram, and apart from the relevant search results, Google will also question whether you meant Nag a ram (which is an anagram formed by re-arranging the letters of the word anagram itself).
#16 – Blink HTML
Another fun Google Easter egg dedicated to the developer or web designer geek (and of course certain marketers who use them for SEO). Type Blink HTML into search and all instances of the words “blink” and “HTML” will blink back at you.
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#17 – Hackers, Pirates and Pig Latin, Oh My
Our next set of Google Easter egg interfaces are special treats for hackers, pirates and even those who love talking in pig Latin, which of course is fabulous.
Yes, we are well aware you’ve likely heard of pig Latin, but believe it or not Hacker and Pirate have some crazy lingo as well. To try out Google search in one of these languages, simply search for the term enclosed between words Google and UI (e.g. Google Hacker UI), and click on the first search result.
Google Docs Easter Eggs
You can even find hidden gems directly inside Google’s very own resources. Google Doc’s is one of the more popular. This hidden egg was in salute to the LGBT community, which has faced more than its fair share of discrimination.
#18 – LGBT PRIDE
Even though things have changed dramatically including attitudes in favour for the LGBT community. In solidarity with the LGBT community, you can simply open up a blank Google Spreadsheet, and type in the 5 letters of the word PRIDE in 5 adjacent cells, so one later in each cell. Now watch the columns become highlighted in the different rainbow colours, a symbolic sign for the LGBT community.
#19 – Conway’s Game of Life
WARNING – if you have an addictive personality, you might want to skip this one.
Conway’s Game of Life is a lot of fun, and if you want to play this all you need do is open up a blank Google Docs document, and press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E and then Ctrl+Alt+Shift+C. This will launch an interactive table in the document that can be used to play the game. Have fun!
#20 – A long time ago in a galaxy far far away…
I don’t wish to start a fight or even a debate for that matter, but I personally think Star Wars is by far the greatest film to ever grace the big screen. This includes the very first series starting in the late 70’s, to the 21st century versions. Of course Google agrees, and this Easter egg takes you on an adventure in the SERP’s. Go ahead and type A long time ago in a galaxy far far away in the search bar, and you get to see Star Wars’ iconic text – the writing you see at the beginning of the movie.
#21 – Lightsaber Escape Google Chrome game
Lightsabers, we all want one, just admit it. But, don’t worry, Google gives you the next best thing, this time an amazing game dedicated to the franchise. Best part is you won’t lose an eye or an arm. For this one, you will have to use Google Chrome, so if you don’t have it yet, just go here and download it. Then, go to Lightsaber Escape’s homepage, follow the steps to pair/configure your phone with your PC (via Google Chrome on both devices), and have an awesome time!
#22 – Google’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens experience
Looking for a truly wonderful email experience? Then check out Google’s Star Wars: The Force Awaken’s. Then choose whether you hale from the Dark Side or the Light Side. Choose wisely young apprentices.
#23 – Learn Aurebesh with Google Translate
Have you ever wanted to learn Aurebesh? Google Translate already helps you translate text between numerous languages spoken by people across the Globe. But the language used in the Star Wars universe is called Aurebesh. To learn, go to Google Translate, and choose Aurebesh as the translation language. May the force be with you!
Hollywood Style Easter Eggs, and More
#24 – Bacon Number
Have you ever heard of six degrees of separation? If not, then we’re sure you probably heard of Kevin Bacon, the actor. The very famous Hollywood actors is said to have worked with just about everyone in Hollywood, whether directly or even in-directly. This Google Easter egg is built on the “six degrees of separation” concept. To see how Kevin Bacon links to any actor in just 6 steps, just use the search string Bacon number <actor name>. This is totally amazing!
#25 – Festivus (for the rest of us!)
Remeber Seinfeld? This Easter egg is a reference to the Festivus holiday, a parody holiday made famous during the shows run. Search Google for Festivus, and you’ll see the Festivus pole appear at the left of the search results page.
#26 – Hanukkah/Christmas
Hanukkah and Christmas are by the most important festivals/holidays for Jews and Christians all around the globe. When the time is right and you happen to be in a festive mood, Google can help make things better. Search for Christmas or Hanukkah, and a gorgeous looking thematic header will be overlaid on the top of the search results.
YouTube Easter Eggs
YouTube has enough videos to last anyone a lifetime – this pretty much means you would likely NEVER see all the videos hosted on YouTube, even watching 24/7. Google as most are aware, owns YouTube, and it is the second largest search engine in the world. Yes, YouTube is a search engine as well, but all results are videos. Easter Eggs are hidden around YouTube as well, and checking them out is well worth the time wasted.
#27 – Use the Force Luke
Well of course we were going to mention this one first! Everyone (should) knows that the Force is the central theme that makes the franchise what it is. Explained to Luke Skywalker by Master Yoda, you too can see what the fuss is all about, by typing in the search Use the force Luke. Stand back in awe as the Force makes an appearance!
#28 – Webdriver Torso
Okay, this one is a bit weird, but if you like the colour red and blue, along with triangles, then go ahead and type in Webdriver torso in YouTube search. Now sit back in complete confusion.
#29 – Doge Meme
It’s not hard to see today that cat’s and dogs rule the internet, peacefully as far as we can see. Memes are those hilarious images we share on Facebook, of our dogs and cats caught in strange positions or making funny faces, or smiling and talking. This Easter egg takes cute dog memes to another level. Look up Doge meme on YouTube, and all the text will converted to Comic Sans, rendered in a variety of pastel hues.
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#30 – The Harlem Shake
Remember the Harlem Shake? Everyone was doing it, from every walk of life. This Easter egg gets the UI (User interface) doing the shake. Key in Do the Harlem shake in YouTube’s search box, and enjoy the search results as they groove across the screen.
We hope you enjoyed our list of Google Easter eggs, and we wish you a very Happy Easter!
