GOOGLE, WHO HAVE previously had good form in April Fool’s Day pranks, got on the wrong side of people with this year’s effort.
This morning, they ‘introduced’ Gmail Mic Drop – a feature that sent a gif of a Minion (ugh) dropping a microphone, signalling the end of a conversation.
Can’t see the video? Click here.
You could send the gifs with a new Send + Mic Drop button, according to this note on the Gmail blog:
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.
Sounds fun on paper, but soon people began pointing out that it wasn’t exactly ideal that the prank button had replaced the useful ‘Send + Archive’ button:
And others said the Mic Drop gif still sent even when they pressed the regular send button:
There were also tons of complaints in the Gmail forum, with some people going as far as claiming they’d lost their jobs and/or significant others by accidentally sending Mic Drop gifs.
Google pulled the prank a few hours later, apologising to users for the misstep:
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.
Back to the drawing board for next year, folks.
