Today is April 1. That means watch your cellphone, don’t leave your Facebook account open at any cost, and most importantly, don’t believe anything Google tells you.
On this day, the world celebrates mistrust and paranoia worthy of the Cold War. This is our list of the best April Fools’ pranks in the wireless world.
Google is perhaps the kings of April Fools’ pranks. Last year, it released the “Magic Hand,” a fake hand that operates your mobile device for you.
This year, they are offering up a bit of nostalgia in the form of Google Fiber “Dial-up Mode.”
As they put it: “The loading bar is a signal to many of us to take care of those little things –like making a cup of coffee, taking that bathroom break or just petting the dog. We have been told that Fiber’s seemingly instant connections have taken away that valuable time. So today we are introducing Dial-Up Mode to slow your Fiber speeds down. Relax to your 56k connection and get those precious moments back.”
Samsung got in the act a little early (or did they?) debuting the Galaxy Blade Edge, the world’s first smart knife yesterday.
On its blog Samsung said, “Samsung is taking its commitment to culinary expertise and cutting-edge technology even further – literally.” With smartphones becoming thinner with each new release, it seems like the logical next step.
With features such as a smart handle to “create the perfect rhythm and inertia,” a security system called KNOX that uses a “finger-detection mechanism” that will retract the blade if it detects a finger in the way of the blade and a human blood sensor that prevents the device from being used in violent situations.
Samsung has not officially said this is an April Fools’ joke, but if it is, they definitely put some thought into this one.
T-Mobile US’ contribution is the Pets Un-Leashed Plan.
https://youtu.be/_Kj-4F8pWfk
In a press release, the major carrier branded itself the un-carrier for the day, proclaiming, “It’s true. The other wireless carriers hate their customers. But you know who they hate more? Their customers pets! They ignore them and treat them like they aren’t even part of the family. That’s why today T-Mobile is launching Pets Un-Leashed, a revolutionary way to help your entire family stay connected.”
The plan includes apps such as “Fetch Freedom,” an augmented reality version of fetch; “FitPet,” for pets to track and manage fitness goals (wheel not included) and “Pet Tinder,” “Where pets can swipe to find their ideal match (pets over 18 only in equivalent dog/cat/alpaca years).”
Amazon unleashed “Dash Buttons” that allow customers to re-order products immediately using buttons that you can stick all around the house.
https://youtu.be/NMacTuHPWFI
Again, we are not sure if this is real, but folks on Twitter seem to be detecting deceit.
Or, as this guy on Twitter pointed out, it might be a little of both depending on how well it is received.
Then there’s this from Motorola. I’ll let the video speak for itself.
https://youtu.be/584qPWzfhHY
Finally, in observation of this most sacred of days, RCR Wireless News will be featuring this informative video detailing the history of wireless infrastructure on our website.
Happy April Fools’ Day! Trust no one. You have been warned.
