Hidden features on websites are one of the coolest ways creators make our online experiences a bit more fun. Think of them as little secrets tucked away in corners of websites that pop up and surprise us when we stumble upon them.
Google, in particular, loves to sprinkle these little hidden gems throughout their platform, hoping we’ll find them. They’ve got a whole bunch of these features spread across games, search terms and knowledge panels. Let’s dive into some of my favorite hidden gems on Google.
Here’s the list of 25 Google features
1. Solitaire
Miss the classic card game Solitaire that used to be a staple on every computer? Don’t worry, Google brings it back. Just type “Solitaire” into the search bar and you can play it right in your browser. Whether you’re killing time or just need a break from studying, it’s a great way to relax and test your skills.
2. Friends
Who doesn’t love the TV show “Friends”? Google has a treat for fans. Search for names like “Ross Geller” and click on icons that appear next to their names for some neat surprises. For Ross, you can click on the couch icon to hear him shout “PIVOT!” while your screen tilts back and forth—super fun!
3. The Answer to the Universe and Everything
Have you read “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”? If so, you’ll remember that the answer to “the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything” is 42. Guess what? Google is in on the joke too. Just type in “what is the answer to life, the universe and everything,” and Google will proudly display the answer: 42. It’s a cool little nod to all the fans of the book.
4. Feeling Curious?
Got a thirst for knowledge? Google’s got your back. Just search “I’m feeling curious” and Google will serve up a random fun fact. Keep searching and it’ll keep dishing out fact after fact. It’s like a never-ending trivia game!
5. Tic Tac Toe
Got a minute and need a break? Why not play a quick game of tic-tac-toe? You can challenge a friend or take on the computer right on Google. Just search “tic-tac-toe” and get ready to make your move. Whether you’re an ‘X’ or an ‘O’, it’s a simple, fast way to have a bit of fun and test your strategy.
6. Google Dinosaur Game
Isn’t it annoying when your internet goes down and you can’t load pages? Google turned that frustration into fun with a hidden dinosaur game. If you’re offline, just hit the space bar on the error page to start the game. A little T-Rex will start running and you have to jump over cacti and dodge obstacles. The coolest part? You don’t need the internet to play. But if you’re online and still want to give it a go, just search for “Dinosaur Game.”
7. Flip a Coin
Who even carries coins anymore? Back in the day, flipping a coin was the go-to method for making a quick decision. Google’s got a digital solution for that. Just search “flip a coin” on Google and it’ll virtually toss a coin for you. Heads or tails? Let Google call it and see where it lands. It’s perfect when you’re stuck on a decision or just for fun.
8. Groundhog Day
You know the movie “Groundhog Day,” right? It’s all about that weird feeling of living the same day over and over. Google pays tribute to it in a hilarious way. Type “groundhog day” into Google and it messes with you by repeatedly asking, “did you mean: groundhog day?” It’s like you’re stuck in your own little Google loop!
9. Pluto
Remember the drama when Pluto got downgraded from being a planet? Google hasn’t forgotten. Search “Pluto the planet,” and you’ll see Google affectionately calling it “our favorite dwarf planet since 2006.” It’s a sweet nod to the smallest underdog of the solar system.
10. Legally Blonde
Ever watched “Legally Blonde”? Well, Google’s got something cool for fans. Search “legally blonde” and click on Elle’s purse in the knowledge panel. Out pops Bruiser, getting a fabulous makeover! After his spa moment, he hops back into the purse, turning all the links on the page into Elle’s iconic pink. It’s pretty stylish.
11. Snake
Remember the classic Snake game that used to be on every old phone and computer? It might not come preloaded on devices anymore but Google keeps the nostalgia alive. Search for “Snake” and start playing right away. Just be careful not to crash into the walls or your own tail as you chase after those snacks.
12. Minesweeper
The timeless game of Minesweeper still stands as a great test of logic and patience. Search “Minesweeper” on Google and you can play it without needing any downloads. Make sure you carefully mark the mines and clear the board. It’s a brain teaser that can get pretty intense but totally satisfying once you clear all the mines.
13. Festivus
Ever heard of Festivus? It’s a quirky holiday celebrated on December 23 as an alternative to the commercialism of Christmas. Type “festivus” into Google and you’ll see a festive Festivus pole appear on the left side of your search results. Next to it, you might find the phrase “A festivus miracle!” It’s a fun, quirky way to get into a different kind of holiday spirit.
14. Diwali
Sticking with the holiday theme, try searching for “diwali.” When you click on the lamp icon in your search results, you’ll be taken to a mini-game where you light candles. It’s a delightful interactive way to celebrate the Festival of Lights right from your browser, bringing a bit of the Diwali sparkle to your day.
15. World’s Best Boss
If you’re into “The Office,” you’ll appreciate this one. Search “world’s best boss,” and Google will cheekily ask if you meant to type “Michael Scott.” It’s a subtle nod to fans that always gets a chuckle.
16. DVD Screensaver
Remember the old DVD screensaver that bounced around the screen? You can relive those pre-streaming days by searching “dvd screensaver” on Google. It brings up an interactive screensaver that bounces around your screen. It’s a fun throwback to those times we all spent watching the DVD logo hit the corner of the TV screen.
17. Wordle
If you’re into trending games, you’ve probably heard of Wordle. Google gives this popular word game a twist. Search “wordle” and watch Google’s logo transform as it guesses different words until it eventually spells out its name. It’s a creative take on the game that makes you appreciate both the challenge and Google’s playful side.
18. Barrel Roll
Ever get tired of seeing your webpage just sitting there… so static and dull? Well, type “do a barrel roll” into Google’s search bar and watch your entire page do a full 360-degree spin right before your eyes. It’s a quick thrill!
19. Askew
If you thought the barrel roll was neat, try typing “askew” into Google. Watch as your whole search page suddenly tilts, making everything look just a bit off. It’s a simple yet amusing twist.
20. Google in 1998
Ever wonder what Google looked like back in the day? If you’re curious, just type “Google in 1998” into the search bar. You’ll get a blast from the past, seeing Google as it appeared when it first hit the internet. It’s pretty basic compared to today but it’s cool to see how much things have changed.
21. Blink HTML
Hey, if you’re into coding, you’ll get a kick out of this. Search for “blink HTML” and watch as all the HTML elements on your search page start blinking. It’s a quirky, eye-catching trick that brings a little life to the plain old web page.
22. Marquee HTML
For another coding-related trick, try searching “marquee html”. This brings back the old-school HTML marquee tag that makes text or images scroll across the screen. Watch as even the search results count starts scrolling away. It’s a nostalgic nod to early web design.
23. Pacman
Who doesn’t love Pacman? This all-time favorite arcade game is available directly on Google. Just search for “Pacman,” and you can play it right in your browser. Dodge those ghosts and munch on pellets as you navigate the maze. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the game, it’s a fun way to take a quick gaming break.
24. Cha Cha Slide
The Cha Cha Slide is iconic, right? To celebrate the song’s 20th anniversary in 2020, Google added a playful twist. Search “cha cha slide song,” click the microphone icon and then the buttons as they appear. Watch as your whole search page starts to move along to the dance. It’s like a little dance party right there on your screen!
25. Superb Owl
Ever noticed how “Super Bowl” can easily slip into “Superb Owl” when you’re typing too fast? Google sure has and they have a bit of fun with it around Super Bowl time. Search for “superb owl,” and you’ll see an animation of an owl playing football. It’s a playful way Google turns a common typo into a seasonal joke.
Conclusion
From quirky games to nostalgic throwbacks, Google’s hidden features bring a dash of fun and surprise to our daily internet routine. Whether you’re in the mood for a brain-teaser, a blast from the past or just a quick distraction, these hidden gems are sure to add a little extra excitement to your browsing experience. So next time you’re online, why not explore these features and discover what fun surprises Google has in store?
Ready to boost your business with innovative digital marketing strategies? At Tribal Pearl Media, we excel in creating unique campaigns that capture attention and engage audiences. Contact us today to elevate your marketing game!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Google’s hidden gems?
Google’s hidden gems are fun, secret features embedded within Google’s search and services, designed to surprise and entertain users. They range from games and special animations to quirky searches that produce unexpected results.
How can I access these hidden features?
To access these features, simply type the specific commands or search queries mentioned in the list (like “do a barrel roll”, “Solitaire” or “tic-tac-toe”) into Google’s search bar.
Are Google’s hidden gems available on all devices?
Yes, most of Google’s hidden gems can be accessed on any device with internet access and a web browser, including smartphones, tablets and computers.
Can these features be used for educational purposes?
Absolutely! Many of Google’s hidden features, like the “I’m feeling curious” or “blink HTML” tricks, can be great educational tools, offering both fun and informative content in an engaging way.
How often does Google add new Easter eggs?
Google frequently updates its list of Easter eggs and hidden features, often adding new ones during special occasions, anniversaries or as part of promotional activities for cultural events and holidays. Keep exploring Google’s search bar for new surprises!
