It's that time of the year again — April Fools' Day, and Google is getting into the spirit of the holiday.
The Mountain View company delivered some pretty good pranks in past years, but it has also had its share of gags that didn't exactly go so well.
For April Fools' Day 2017, Google's series of high jinks include the Gnome, the Wind, some bubble wrap, Haptic Helpers, and something that involves Assistant.
Google Gnome
With Google Gnome, the smart yard is finally here. But why? For a little help outdoors, of course.
It can tell you the weather, turn on the hose, and answer various questions, but no indoor questions are allowed. Apparently, it's also sentient to boot.
Regarding customizations, there's a wide selection to choose from too, ranging from Raign Gear and Gnest to Happy Camper and The Abominable Gnomeman.
As for the price, it's probably around the same ballpark as the indoor — and possibly inferior — version Google Home, which costs $129.
Google Wind
The Netherlands team is introducing Google Wind, taking the cloud platform to the next level.
Basically, it's a system that consists of all 11,070 windmills in Holland, and with the magic of "machine learning," it can clear the skies and more or less control the weather.
Strong winds through streets and people's homes may not be such a good idea, but hey, Google Wind gets the job done, which is to literally make the rain go away.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant is with you this April Fools' Day, giving you advice on how to get through the holiday without getting pranked.
Just ask it anything about April Fools' Day, and it'll provide tips to steer clear of horseplay.
Google Bubble Wrap Keyboard
(Click on CC for English subtitles)
Google Japan is bringing to the table a neat bubble wrap keyboard.
Put simply, you pop the bubbles to create words and put it through a reader to send a message, and some models even come with scents. That's pretty much it, and it's a far cry from something that adds convenience. Still, it's neat.
Incidentally, the team is also behind the high-tech party whistle thing that made rounds online in 2015.
Haptic Helpers
Haptic Helpers seems to be Google's take on the Geek Squad with a little VR twist.
What the team does is make your VR experiences all the more real, with a crew member visiting your home and using tools to simulate various sensations, from aroma to touch.
Bonus: Google Maps 'Ms. Pac-Man'
Google is once again mixing Pac-Man and Maps together, just like in 2015. Only this time, it features Ms. Pac-Man.
That's it for Google's list of antics so far. What do you think of what the company cooked up this April Fools' Day? Feel free to drop by our comments section below and let us know.
