On September 4, 1998, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Stanford University students, officially founded Google. Little did they know that their creation would revolutionize the way the world accesses information. Fast forward 25 years, and Google has become an integral part of our daily lives. To celebrate this milestone, Google has unveiled a special Google Doodle and hidden Easter eggs for users to discover.
The Google Doodle
Google Doodles are the search engine’s way of commemorating significant events, holidays, and historical figures. For its 25th birthday, Google treated users to a charming animated Doodle. The Doodle features a birthday cake with 25 candles, and as you click on it, it transforms into a virtual party complete with balloons and confetti. It’s a delightful reminder of Google’s journey from a simple search engine to a tech giant that has expanded into various areas, from cloud computing to self-driving cars.
*2. Easter Eggs Galore: Google is known for its playful side, often hiding surprises and Easter eggs within its products. Here are some fun ones to discover:
source:DW
- “Do a Barrel Roll”: Type this phrase into the Google search bar, and watch your screen do a 360-degree spin. It’s a nod to classic video games.
- “Zerg Rush”: Searching for “Zerg Rush” unleashes a swarm of Google O’s that start eating up your search results. Your mission? Click on the O’s to defend your search results.
- “Google in 1998”: Curious to see what Google looked like when it first launched? Enter “Google in 1998” in the search bar, and you’ll be transported back in time with a retro version of the search engine.
- “Atari Breakout”: Image search “Atari Breakout,” and you can play the classic video game using the image results as bricks.
- “Wizard of Oz”: Type “Wizard of Oz” into the search bar, and you’ll see a pair of red slippers, an homage to Dorothy’s famous shoes. Click them, and the screen will turn black and white, mimicking the transition from the film.
*3. Explore Space with Google: In addition to these playful surprises, Google continues to offer educational Easter eggs. Search for celestial bodies like “Earth,” “Mars,” or “the Moon,” and you can explore detailed 3D models of these celestial objects. It’s a fantastic tool for anyone interested in astronomy or planetary exploration.
*4. Google Arts & Culture: Google Arts & Culture is another treasure trove of hidden gems. You can explore virtual museums, view famous artworks up close, and even use the “Art Selfie” feature to find your art doppelgänger.
*5. Google Assistant Fun: Don’t forget about Google Assistant, which is always ready to assist with trivia, jokes, and even storytelling. Just ask, “Hey Google, tell me a joke,” and you’ll be greeted with a smile.
Google’s 25th birthday is a reminder of the tech giant’s enduring impact on the world. From its humble beginnings as a search engine to its current status as a leader in technology and innovation, Google continues to shape the way we interact with information and the digital world. So, next time you’re on Google, take a moment to explore these Easter eggs and celebrate a quarter-century of the search engine that changed the internet.
The Evolution of Google
Over the past 25 years, Google has evolved from a simple search engine into a multifaceted tech powerhouse. Here are some key milestones that have shaped Google’s journey:
*1. The Birth of Google: Larry Page and Sergey Brin, while pursuing their Ph.D. studies at Stanford, developed a revolutionary search engine that ranked web pages based on their relevance. They named it “Google,” a play on the mathematical term “googol,” representing the vastness of information on the web.
*2. IPO and Global Expansion: In 2004, Google went public, raising $1.67 billion. This marked the beginning of its global expansion. Google’s search engine became available in multiple languages, making it accessible to people worldwide.
*3. Acquisitions and Innovation: Google acquired companies like YouTube, Android, and Nest Labs, diversifying its portfolio. Android, in particular, became the world’s dominant mobile operating system.
*4. Google Maps and Street View: Google Maps, introduced in 2005, changed how we navigate the world. Street View, launched in 2007, allowed users to explore streets and landmarks virtually.
*5. Chrome Browser and OS: Google introduced its Chrome web browser in 2008, followed by the Chrome OS in 2009. Chrome became a dominant browser, and Chromebooks gained popularity in education.
*6. Cloud Services: Google Cloud offers a range of services, including cloud computing, storage, and machine learning. It competes with other tech giants in the cloud industry.
*7. Self-Driving Cars: Google’s Waymo subsidiary is at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology, aiming to revolutionize transportation.
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