As a tech enthusiast, I dread the stupid April Fool's Day every year. What should probably be a fun day for children to pull safe and respectful pranks, has evolved into a day when companies announce fake products. Is it all in good fun? Yes, but some of these companies are publicly traded and worth billions of dollars. It's time to grow up. Some of us are interested in legit news.
One such company, Google, provides services to billions of people -- including some for business use. And so it has a responsibility to its users, and shareholders, to not cause harm with goofy jokes. Today, the search giant does exactly that, however, with a prank called "Mic Drop". In fact, the prank was so misguided, that Google has since pulled it.
"Today, Gmail is making it easier to have the last word on any email with Mic Drop. Simply reply to any email using the new 'Send + Mic Drop' button. Everyone will get your message, but that's the last you'll ever hear about it. Yes, even if folks try to respond, you won't see it", says Victor-bogdan Anchidin, Software Engineer. Clicking the button sends a GIF of a Minion dropping a microphone before shutting down the email thread.
Really, Google? Placing a fake send button next to the real one? I am not sure who is in charge of the asylum over there in Mountain View, but people use your email service for serious things. Such a blatant disregard of respect could have dire results for people both personally and professionally.
Over on Business Insider, they share some examples of how things have gone wrong for some users -- if the users are to believed. Trolling or not, the potential for these things are all too real. As someone who planned a family funeral earlier this year, and utilized Gmail to do so, the last thing I would want is an April Fool's prank sabotaging it.
Those that use Gmail for business, could end up losing their jobs, or potentially embarrassing themselves in front of coworkers or clients. While you may think this is overkill, I am honestly rethinking my use of Gmail going forward.
I covered similar nonsense in a 2014 article called "Hey Google, grow up -- enough with the April Fool pranks already". In it, I wrote the following regarding a "Shelfie" prank.
It set my theme as a picture of Katy Perry -- While seemingly harmless, I was checking my email in public. I like to get respect from people I work and meet with. The picture makes me look goofy. I actually like Ms. Perry, but not when I am trying to make a certain impression. Some may say that I could have just closed the window. However, the pop-up says "Not sure? Use the Top Trending Shelfies". I wasn't sure, so that's what I did.
Enough, Google. You have been doing this for far too long. Luckily, with the 'Mic Drop" prank, Google got the message and pulled it. Anchidin writes the following.
Well, it looks like we pranked ourselves this year.
Due to a bug, the Mic Drop feature inadvertently caused more headaches than laughs. We’re truly sorry. The feature has been turned off. If you are still seeing it, please reload your Gmail page.
Calling this a bug is disingenuous, adding more fuel to the fire. Either way, it can't harm anyone else today.
Do you think it is time for Google to drop the April Fool's Day shtick? Tell me in the comments.
Photo credit: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire