If you’re curious about what Google looked like in 1998, you’ve come to the right place.
Google serves as more than just a search engine, helping us find answers to our queries. It also offers entertainment through various games and hidden Easter eggs. If you’ve been seeking out these hidden surprises, you’re in the right spot!
Continue reading this blog to discover more about them.
Google In 1998
The Google search engine was created 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 for finding relevant search results.
The algorithm, known as PageRank, evaluated the importance of individual webpages by analyzing their interconnections. 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 journey to the past? With Google, it’s possible. Specifically, you can experience it through “Google 1998.”
This feature was developed to celebrate Google’s 15th anniversary. By typing “Google in 1998” or “Google 1998,” you’ll be transported to a search results page that mirrors the layout from December 1998, offering a glimpse into Google’s early days.
What Is An Easter Egg In Google?
In both Google and the broader internet realm, there are virtual Easter eggs. These hidden gems encompass pop culture references, images, messages, and other surprises. They are commonly found in various video games, crossword puzzles, movies, and websites.
Discovering these Easter eggs can be a delightful experience for curious internet users. It’s akin to staying in the theater a bit longer to catch bonus deleted scenes or bloopers from a beloved movie.
Google has recently introduced 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 that showcases the original design of the site from 1998. Simply type “google in 1998” (without quotes) into your search bar to see it in action. However, it’s worth noting that this retro version of Google does not allow for real searches.
Upon entering “Google in 1998,” the Google.com website will transform to reflect its appearance when the company was first established. While the old-school layout and exclamation point may evoke memories of Yahoo, don’t worry. Beneath the search box, you’ll find a prominent blue link labeled “take me back to present.” Clicking this link will return you to the current version of Google.
Additionally, take note of the invitation Google extends to users at the bottom of the page, encouraging them to try their searches on other popular search engines from that era, such as AltaVista, HotBot, Excite, Infoseek, and Lycos. Clicking on these links will grant access to archived versions of these traditional search engines.
It’s fascinating to observe how much the search engine has evolved since its early days of simple blue links. Today, Google offers more dynamic search capabilities, including universal search features like images, video, and news. Despite the limitations of the outdated version of Google, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of the search engine’s humble beginnings.
Other Popular Easter Eggs
Now that you’re well-versed in the Google 1998 Easter egg, let’s explore some additional fun facts! Google has delighted users over the years with a plethora of Easter eggs designed to entertain enthusiasts like myself.
These include quirky responses to specific search queries, such as asking Google for “the answer to the most important question in life, the universe, and everything,” to which it humorously replies “42.” Similarly, querying “define anagram” prompts Google to suggest “did you mean: nerd fame again.”
Other playful commands involve asking Google to “do a barrel roll,” which results in the screen rotating continuously instead of providing a traditional response. But wait, there’s more! You can even play the classic PAC-MAN game directly on Google by simply typing it into the search bar!
Here are some of the most popular Google Easter eggs that you should be aware of in 2023:
Do A Barrel Roll
When you search for this term, the Easter Egg surprises you by performing a 360-degree flip. The amusing part is that the search results may even appear upside-down.
Google Gravity
Prepare to be amazed as the entire search results page on your screen shatters into pieces upon searching for this Easter egg, leaving you with a blank screen. To restore everything to its original position, you’ll need to drag each piece back upward.
BLINK
Despite being somewhat annoying to some, one of Google’s most entertaining Easter eggs for users is the Blink HTML effect. What happens when you enter “BLINK” into the search box? Certain words on your search engine results page start to blink.
Snake
Remember the classic games you used to play endlessly as a child, like Memory Game and Snake? Simply type “snake” or similar terms like “snake game,” and the search results will display the game for you to enjoy.
Wrapping It Up!
If you were seeking information about Google’s appearance in 1998, I hope this article has provided some assistance. If you have any other questions on this topic or related matters, feel free to leave your comments and queries in the box below. I’ll be happy to respond as soon as possible!
FAQs
What is the Google in 1998 Easter egg and how can I access it?
The Google in 1998 Easter egg is a playful feature introduced by Google to commemorate its 15th anniversary. To access it, simply type “google in 1998” or “google 1998” into your search bar. This will transform the Google.com website to reflect its appearance in December 1998, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Google’s early days.
What exactly is an Easter egg in Google?
In the realm of Google and the broader internet, Easter eggs refer to hidden surprises or features embedded within various services, including Google Search and YouTube. These Easter eggs often include pop culture references, images, messages, and other entertaining elements that users can discover by typing specific commands or phrases into the search bar.
What are some other popular Easter eggs offered by Google?
Google has delighted users with a variety of Easter eggs over the years. Some popular examples include “Do A Barrel Roll,” which causes the search results page to perform a 360-degree flip, and “Google Gravity,” which shatters the entire page into pieces. Additionally, searching for “BLINK” triggers certain words on the search results page to blink, and typing “snake” or “snake game” allows users to play the classic Snake game directly within the search results.
How has Google evolved since its inception in 1998?
Since its establishment in 1998 by Stanford University Ph.D. candidates Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google has undergone significant evolution. Initially conceived as a research project, Google has since become the world’s most widely used search engine, offering dynamic search capabilities such as universal search features for images, videos, and news.
Where can I find more information about Google Easter eggs and its history?
For those interested in learning more about Google Easter eggs and its history, there are numerous online resources available. Websites dedicated to technology news and updates often cover topics related to Google Easter eggs and provide insights into the company’s evolution over time. Additionally, Google’s official blog and social media channels may occasionally feature articles or posts about Easter eggs and other fun features offered by the company.