Top 15 April Fools Pranks of 2012 (hint: Google tops them all)

This year’s April Fools pranks topped last years by far! Here’s EPM channel’s picks for the best ones on the ‘net:

YouTube: The Youtube Collection

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_UmWdcTrrc
Youtube: Now offline too!

WestJet: KargoKids

http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/deals/promo-code/april-fools.shtml?sm_cid=sm-yt-af-ge-20120401&mrd=0

WestJet today introduced Kargo Kids, an exciting new program allowing guests to travel on select child-free flights, creating a quieter and more relaxing inflight experience, while children travel in a “special VIP” area of the aircraft.

“As Canada’s low-cost airline, we are constantly looking for innovative and fun ways to enhance the guest experience,” continued Richard Bartrem. “The initial feedback on Kargo Kids has been quite positive and we’re looking forward to the peace and quiet while we get families where they need to be.”

Google Apps: Jargon-bot

http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/jargon.html

Jargon-Bot instantly recognizes business terms and provides clear jargon translation.

Google Apps Engine: Cloud Infrastructure API

http://googleappengine.blogspot.com/2012/04/google-cloud-api-cloud-coverage.html

We are thrilled to announce a project the App Engine team has been working on for a long time: the Cloud API. The Cloud API allows developers unprecedented control over cloud deployments in their area.

Google Search: Really Advanced Search

http://www.google.com/js/reallyadvanced.html
Did you think the advanced search couldn’t get any more advanced? Think again!

Gmail: Gmail Tap

http://gmailblog.blogspot.ca/2012/03/introducing-gmail-tap.html

Gmail Tap takes the keyboard from 26 keys to just two. Every letter of the alphabet is represented by a simple pattern of dots and dashes, and once you know them you can type without even looking at your screen. This makes it ideal for situations where you need to discreetly send emails, such as when you’re on a date or in a meeting with your boss.

Flickr: Flickr Dither

http://blog.flickr.net/2012/04/01/your-photos-re-envisioned/

Your photos will be re-envisioned in a glorious black and white Atkinson Dither, removing the distraction of those many many megapixels and stripping your art back to its most original, naked, beautiful form. The new page design has been updated to match the new vintage aesthetic.

Google Chrome: Multitasking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiLSiqyDf4Y

Now you can browse the web with two mice at the same time.

Google Maps: Quest Mode

http://maps.google.com/?t=8&utm_campaign=8bit&utm_source=yt

Google Maps is now available for 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment Systems (NES). Availability in Google Store is TBD but you can try it on your browser by going to http://maps.google.com and clicking “Quest” in the upper right hand corner of the map.

Google Fiber: Google Fiber Bar

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re0VRK6ouwI
It’s not just fiber…. it’s Google Fiber.

Improv Everywhere: Quadruplets

For our latest mission we filled a New York park with eight sets of identical quadruplets, creating a surreal experience for anyone who happened to be walking through the park.

Assassins Creed for Kinect

http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=7NufHsmITjM

Official announcement for the first Assassin’s Creed game with full motion control! Live your legacy as a member of the Assassin order and learn to execute classic moves with your hidden blade or your bare hands!

Get in shape while your come ever closer to the truth locked away in the DNA of Desmond Miles, and his legendary ancestors like Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, Ezio Auditore da Firenze and Connor Kenway.

Skype: Skype for String

https://support.skype.com/en-us/faq/FA12026/What-is-Skype-for-String

Skype for String relies on a recently discovered, natural form of peer-to-peer technology that allows your voice to travel over long distances without electricity. All you’ll need to get started is a set of cups and a string with a minimum bandwidth of 5mm. Skype for String will work with any cup and string, but for the best results, we suggest using a Skype certified set.

Kodak: Kitten Printer

Select a breed… wait 90 seconds… and fall in love.