Are you curious about what Google looked like in 1998? If your answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place
Google serves not only as a search engine but also provides entertainment through various games and hidden Easter eggs. If you’ve been searching for these hidden surprises, you’ve landed at the right destination!
Continue reading this article to learn more about them.
Google In 1998
The Google search engine was developed in September 1998 by two Stanford University Ph.D. candidates named Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Initially conceived as a research project, Google aimed to utilize an algorithm to find relevant search results.
By analyzing relationships between individual webpages based on their cross-references, the algorithm—later known as PageRank—assessed the value of each one. Interestingly, the name “Google” is a play on the word “googol,” which represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeros (10^100).
Interested in a trip to the past? Thanks to Google’s 15th-anniversary Easter Egg, it’s possible. By typing “Google in 1998” or “Google 1998” into your search engine, you’ll be transported to a search results page resembling the layout from December 1998, offering a glimpse into Google’s early days.
What Is An Easter Egg In Google?
Google and the internet feature virtual Easter eggs, hidden elements including pop-culture references, images, messages, and more. They’re commonly found in video games, crossword puzzles, films, and websites.
Discovering these Easter eggs is a treat for curious internet users, akin to staying in the theater longer to watch bonus scenes or bloopers from a favorite film.
Google has recently integrated Easter eggs into many of its services, including Google Search and YouTube.
More About Google In 1998 Easter Egg!
To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Google introduced a playful Easter egg depicting the site’s original 1998 design. Simply enter “google in 1998” (without quotes) into your search engine to see it for yourself. However, this retro version of Google does not allow for real searches.
Upon entering “Google in 1998,” the Google.com website transforms to reflect its appearance when the company was first established. Don’t be surprised if the old style and exclamation point remind you of Yahoo. Below the search box, you’ll find a large blue link labeled “take me back to present,” which returns you to the current Google.
Also, note the invitation Google extends to users at the bottom of the page, encouraging them to try their searches on other popular search engines of the time, including AltaVista, HotBot, Excite, Infoseek, and Lycos. Clicking these links grants access to archived versions of these traditional search engines.
It’s fascinating to see how much the search engine has evolved, despite the limitations of the outdated version of Google.
Other Popular Easter Eggs
Now that you know about Google’s 1998 Easter egg, let’s explore some other fun facts! Google has provided numerous Easter eggs over the years to entertain users.
Some involve asking the search engine quirky questions, such as “the answer to the most important question in life, the universe, and everything,” to which it responds “42,” or “define anagram,” to which it suggests “did you mean: nerd fame again.”
You can also ask Google to “do a barrel roll,” which results in your screen rotating continuously, or play the famous PAC-MAN game by typing it into the search bar
Here are some of the most popular Google Easter eggs you should know about
- Do A Barrel Roll: This search term surprises you by performing a 360-degree flip, with the results possibly displayed upside-down.
- Google Gravity: Upon searching for this Easter egg, the entire result page shatters into pieces, leaving you with a blank screen. You must drag each piece upward to restore them to their positions.
- BLINK: Typing “BLINK” into the search box causes certain words on your search engine results page to blink.
- Snake: Typing “snake” or similar terms displays the classic game’s outcomes.
Wrapping It Up!
If you were searching for information about Google’s appearance in 1998, I hope this article has been helpful. For any other queries on the topic, feel free to leave your comments and queries below, and I’ll be happy to respond as soon as possible!
FAQ 1: How can I see what Google looked like in 1998?
Conclusion: To view Google’s 1998 layout, simply type “Google in 1998” into your search bar, and you’ll be transported to a replica of the website from December 1998. Although it resembles the original, note that this version does not support actual searches.
FAQ 2: What is an Easter egg in Google?
Conclusion: Easter eggs are hidden elements, including pop-culture references, images, and messages, embedded within Google’s services like Google Search and YouTube. Discovering these surprises adds a fun element to the user experience.
FAQ 3: How do I access other popular Easter eggs on Google?
Conclusion: To explore other popular Easter eggs, try searching for specific queries like “the answer to the most important question in life, the universe, and everything” or “do a barrel roll.” Google will surprise you with entertaining responses and interactive features.
FAQ 4: Can I play games like Pac-Man on Google?
Conclusion: Yes, you can play games like Pac-Man directly on Google by typing the game’s name into the search bar. Google has integrated various games and interactive features over the years to entertain users and keep them engaged.
FAQ 5: How has Google evolved since 1998?
Conclusion: Google has undergone significant evolution from its early days of basic search results to a more dynamic platform offering universal search items like images, video, and news. Despite advancements, Google continues to entertain users with nostalgic Easter eggs and innovative features.
