April Fools’ Day 2013 – Jokes on the Internet

April Fools’ Day is either one of the most loved, or most hated days on the Internet.

And every year it seems the jokes are getting bigger and companies are going to more extremes to get attention from big sites and blogs.

Here’s a look at what is making the rounds this year (so far).

On Sunday YouTube announced it is closing down, and apparently the last eight years have all been to find the best video ever created.

Google says it has 30,000 technicians working to find the best video and released a video documenting the project with some of YouTube’s biggest stars.

Google has also created a treasure map mode on Google Maps.

You go to Google, click on Maps, and then click on ‘start treasure hunting’ and it will take you to a different map where you will be tasked with deciphering some encrypted symbols.

Twitter is rolling out a two-tiered search starting today.

For those who don’t mind about using vowels on Twitter, the service will still be free, but if you want to use vowels, the service will now cost you $5 a month.

Twitter says they not only want to increase revenue, but allow users to pack even more info into a Tweet without all those pesky vowels.

‘Y’ will always be free.

They have set up a new site to help you make the transition at twttr.com

Google has also created something they call ‘the new scentsastion in search’ – Google Nose.

It helps you find out what you search terms smell like.

Not one to miss out on an opportunity, Sony has also rolled out a new site today, Animalia.

If you’ve ever thought your pets needed some ‘tech-specific’ products, then this is the site for that need.

#techforpets includes doggie TV, headphones for cats, and speakers for a hamster.

WestJet started a new program, easing the restrictions of pets in the cabin. They call it their ‘furry family’ program.

Simon Fraser University is also launching their ‘healthy campus’ initiative to see all the chairs removed from lecture halls, computer labs, and offices.

But not everyone is on board.

Lululemon is pushing the boundaries with a new video posted on their site about leather pants for yoga. ‘Choose your cut’ the slogan reads.

It appears an elusive species has also been sighted on camera at one of Banff’s wildlife crossings. Parks Canada put out a notice that a Sasquatch or Yeti had been sighted on March 28.