The Commonplace Fun Facts Department of Data, Analytics, Viewer Demographics, and User Engagement (otherwise known as DAVDAUE — yeah, we know. We’re working on a better name) tells us that a significant number of our regular readers spend their lunch breaks with us. We also know a fair number of you are sneaking visits to Commonplace when you should be listening to the teacher or pretending to be working. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with us.
Regardless of the time you choose to pay us a visit, it seems clear that many of you are looking to drive away feelings of boredom. If that’s you, you’ll want to bookmark this article. Consider it our prescription to cure the worst case of the dulls.
Google is the world’s most popular search engine. The people who work there evidently have a penchant for quirky fun, because they have built a number of Easter Eggs into Google’s features. Take a look at a few things you can do when you need a quick dose of amusement on an otherwise dreary day.
NOTE: Most of these tricks must be done from the Google.com homepage and by typing the required words in the search engine bar. They will not work from the address bar. Some may not work on mobile devices such as phones and tablets.
Do a Barrel Roll
From the Google.com homepage, type, “do a barrel roll” in the search bar. You will be rewarded with a vertigo-inducing somersault on your screen.
Pi Memorization Game
Search for “pi”. It will bring up a Google calculator. Click on the pi symbol in the top left corner. You will see the first few numbers of pi. They will disappear after a few seconds. You will then be prompted to enter them from memory. If you get it right, it will add another digit and keep going until you can’t handle it anymore, your computer dies, or the universe comes to a dramatic end.
I’m Feeling Lucky
The Google homepage has an I’m Feeling Lucky button. It will take you directly to the top result for your search. If you don’t put anything in the search bar, however, you can roll over I’m Feeling Lucky to get different feelings: I’m Feeling Hungry, I’m Feeling Trendy, and I’m Feeling Doodley are just a few of the results. Clicking the revised button will take you to a special page for that option. I’m Feeling Hungry, for example, will show you places near you where you can get ice cream. The I’m Feeling Doodley choice will bring you to the Google Doodles page.
Atari Breakout
From the search bar, type “Atari Breakout” and then select I’m Feeling Lucky. Voila! You can while away the hours playing the classic video game.
Cha Cha Slide
Search for “Cha Cha Slide”. Click on the microphone that appears. You will hear instructions from the song and see the page comply with those instructions. Keep clicking the icon and go through the whole song.
DVD Screensaver
Search for “DVD screensaver”. You will be rewarded with a screensaver consisting of the Google logo wandering around your screen.
Chess
Search for “chess”. Now scroll to the bottom of the page. The “Goooooogle” above the numbered search pages is replaced with chess pieces.
Conway’s Game of Life
Search for “Conway’s Game of Life”, and you will get a chance to play one of the oldest computer simulations in existence. If it’s new to you, you can read about its origins and learn how to play here.
An Adventure in Space and Time
For this one, you need to go to Google Maps. From there, search for “Earls Court Police Box”. Click the image of the blue police box on the top left, then click Street View & 360. You will be given access to Doctor Who’s TARDIS. It’s bigger on the inside, and you can click and drag around the image to explore.
Askew
Search for “Askew”, and you will see your screen go askew.
Google in 1998
Want to remember the good old days of internet browsing? Type “Google in 1998” in the search box. You will see how Google looked in 1998, and you’ll also get search results from that era, thanks to the Wayback Machine. Click “Take me back to the present” to get real search results about Google in 1998.
Blink HTML
“Blink HTML” in the search bar will trigger the words “blink” and “HTML” to start blinking.
Life, the Universe, and Everything
Type “What is the answer to the question of life, the universe, and everything?” In honor of A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, you’ll get an appropriate answer.
Change The Interface
Feeling a bit adventurous? Playful? Quasi-sophisticated? Try Google’s Pirate interface. There’s one for the Muppets’ Swedish Chef, too, plus a Pig Latin interface.
Google Pac-Man
If you are feeling nostalgic for the video game that became a 1980s sensation, type “Pac-Man” in the search bar. You’ll be running from blue ghosts in no time.
Flip a Coin/Roll Dice
Can’t decide which of these tricks to try? Type “flip a coin” in the search bar, and a coin-flipping simulator will pop up. You can also type “roll dice” to get a dice simulator.
What’s Your Favorite?
Are there other Google tricks or Easter eggs you know? Send us an email or leave a comment below.
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