Google, the world’s most used search engine, is widely recognized not only for its advanced search capabilities but also for its playful side. One such example of Google’s innovative and fun-loving nature is its collection of “Easter Eggs”—hidden features or jokes that can be discovered when certain terms are searched. Among the most popular of these is the “Thanos Snap” Easter egg. This article takes a closer look at this fascinating feature and how to find it.
What is the Thanos Snap Google Easter Egg?
As part of the excitement leading up to the release of “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019, Google introduced a unique Easter egg that ties into the movie’s storyline, specifically relating to the character Thanos. This feature became known as the “Thanos Snap” Easter egg.
The Google Thanos Easter egg was designed to mimic the infamous “snap” by Thanos—the cataclysmic event in “Avengers: Infinity War,” where Thanos snaps his fingers after collecting all the Infinity Stones, resulting in the instantaneous disintegration of half the universe’s population.
How to Find the Thanos Snap Easter Egg
To experience this clever Easter egg, follow these simple steps:
- Open Google’s search page.
- In the search bar, type “Thanos” and hit Enter.
- To the right of the search results, you’ll see an interactive box with a small image of the Infinity Gauntlet, the powerful glove used by Thanos.
- Click on the Gauntlet.
Upon clicking, you’ll witness the Gauntlet snap its fingers, and then, much like in “Infinity War,” several of your search results begin to disintegrate, accompanied by a dust effect. Furthermore, the number of search results reduces by approximately half, mirroring the catastrophic event in the movie. Clicking the Gauntlet again will revert the effects and bring back the ‘vanished’ search results.
Why Easter Eggs?
Google’s Easter eggs are more than just amusing tricks; they are an expression of the company’s culture, reinforcing its image as a fun, creative, and user-centric organization. They serve as pleasant surprises that break the monotony of routine searches, turning an everyday task into an exciting and interactive experience.
Furthermore, these Easter eggs often pique users’ curiosity, driving them to explore and search more, thus increasing engagement. They can even serve as viral marketing tools, spreading through word of mouth and social media shares, ultimately increasing Google’s visibility and reach.
Other Google Easter Eggs
The Thanos Snap is just one of many Google Easter eggs. Others include:
- “Do a Barrel Roll”: If you type this into the search bar, the entire search results page will do a 360-degree spin.
- “Google in 1998”: Typing this phrase transports your search page back to how it looked when Google first launched.
- “Askew”: This command will tilt your search results slightly to the right.
- “Zerg Rush”: A homage to the game StarCraft, typing this will trigger a game where you have to defend your search results from being eaten by ‘O’s.
Conclusion
Google’s Thanos Snap Easter egg and others alike reflect the company’s commitment to delivering not just functionality but also fun and engaging experiences to its users. They allow Google to express its creativity, celebrate pop culture moments, and connect with users in unique ways, thereby enriching the overall user experience. So next time you’re on Google, try a few Easter eggs and join in the fun—your search results page holds more surprises than you might think!