In So, it's Google Motion (>http://mail.google.com/mail/help/motion.html) this year. Apparently, now you can read, send, delete and even compose mails through body gestures. It lets you control Gmail with your body, and can even be scaled up to Google Docs. Funky, isn't it?
Well, to be honest, Google has done much better launches over the years to celebrate Fool's Day. Back in 2005, the search giant had launched Google Gulp, a fictitious drink that optimises one's use of the Google search engine by increasing the drinker's intelligence. It was claimed this boost was achieved through real-time analysis of the user's DNA and carefully tailored adjustments to neurotransmitters in the brain. Then in 2007, the company launched Gmail Paper, a new service that allowed users of GMail to add e-mails to a "Paper Archive", which Google would print (on "96% post-consumer organic soybean sputum") and mail via traditional post. The service would be free, supported by bold, red advertisements printed on the back of the printed messages. Image attachments would also be printed on high-quality glossy paper, though MP3 and WAV files would not be printed. And then, two years back, the company came up with Google TiSP (short for Toilet Internet Service Provider), a free broadband service supposedly released by Google. This service would make use of a standard toilet and sewage lines to provide free internet connectivity at a speed of 8 Mbit/s (2 Mbps upload) (or up to 32 Mbps with a paid plan).
In short, Google has taken April Fool's Day to a new level all together, with people across the globe either wary or getting fooled by it. But, it isn't as if the day wasn't celebrated before the 'Do No Evil' company came into being. In fact, the tradition of fooling innocent people stretches back to almost the 15th century, with experts claiming to have found a reference in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. From that time on, people have been making fun of their friends, colleagues and even strangers for a few laughs. Even companies have taken up the tradition; for instance, in 2005; a news story was posted on the official NASA website purporting to have pictures of water on Mars. The picture actually was just an image of a glass of water on a Mars candy bar. Meanwhile, in 2008, an executive with the Microsoft Institute for Advanced Technology in Governments posted on his personal blog that Microsoft Research had determined the true-up value of pi to be a definitive 3.141999, or as expressed in company literature, "Three easy payments of 1.047333".
So, if you are the one that is itching to play a prank or pull someones leg, well look no further; we at IT Next Research have collated a list of top office pranks that can be accomplished in a jiffy and provide maximum laughs. These are simple to achieve, and don't need much groundwork. So, what are you waiting for, go ahead, choose one and laugh:
1) Office Rumor
Ask the target some ridiculous rumor, "Is it true you are getting fired?" Other questions could be that they are dating somebody, working for the competition, moonlighting, closet knitter or any other ridiculous rumor. You are only limited by your creativity. If there are more people involved, it will be all the more effective. After they are asked about it enough times they will certainly lose their mind.
2) Ringing Phone
Very simple to achieve, just tape down the phone button on the phone so when the phone starts ringing and they pick it up it will keep ringing. Do it with a cello tape, so the target won't be able to figure it immediately.
3) Famous Prank
This one rocks! Get a whole bunch of people to email target about hearing them on the radio. Allude to something about a secret microphone and that you would be really upset too if they had done that to you. Make sure at least a half a dozen people email them with the same take on the story. Include comments like, "Does your family know about this?" or "I support you no matter what people say." This will really drive them nuts.
4) Project Now
Place a note on your target's desk when they leave their desk for a few moments that says something like, "I need those research notes for The SLP project immediately! The client will be here in 30 minutes and I need to get it done immediately or we are both completely screwed!" Then leave it unsigned. If your boss has a sense of humor get him to wait half an hour and then go up to targets desk to see if he has it done for him/her.
5) Desktop Prank
When the target's left their desk, make a screen capture (print screen) of the person's desktop (preferably with a programme open). Go into Windows Paint programme and paste. Save as a bmp. Load the picture as the person's background. Sit back and watch them double clicking and rebooting fruitlessly. (Note: you can also create a bmp of an entire black screen and do the same. The mouse moves, but there's nothing to click on if you hide the icons!).
6) Loo One
Put an "out of order" sign on every bathroom in the office. Or best, interchange, the signs of Gents & Ladies toilets.
7) Mouse It
Stick a tape on the mouse laser tracker, so that the target is unable to move the cursor on screen or if you can access his desk for a few moments change the mouse settings for great confusion
8) Saint Prank
Finally, since everyone's wary about April 1st and expect you to pull a fast one, surprise them, do nothing, sit back and smile beatifically. But remember to look around sneakily and ask innocuous questions like "Liked the coffee", "Did the boss call", "Alright with your laptop", this will truly drive them nuts.
P.S. Finally, we have an urgent opening at IT Next Research wing. So, if you are interested in it, send in your resumes with pictures of yourself at your office (where you can be seen doing work). The perks are too good, office in Goa, with a nice small bungalow by the beach, and unlimited beverages from Vijay Mallya's company. Work is flexible, much like the timings, but taking scuba diving lessons is mandatory. So, if you think you have it in you, send in an application on why we should appoint you, with a testimonial from your parents or spouse on how good you actually are. Mail the same to >editor@itnext.in :) :) :)
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