Treasure Hunt in Google Maps

Posted on 31 March, 2013 by Mayitzin

And the guys in Google seem to have lots of free time. Following the concept they created last year with an 8-bit Google Maps, this year they come with a new idea for April’s fool: an old style Treasure Hunt. I don’t know for how long it’s gonna be available but this trick looks very odd (tho funny).

When you open Google Maps for the first time you can see on the upper right options of visualization, an option that states ” Treasure”. Click it. That’s it, you can see now your map as an old middle aged map. They say you can find some hidden treasure chests, but I think it’d be very hard and time-consuming.

But what happens when you wanna have a closer look? Well, unfortunately it zooms in until a definite distance, as they didn’t rendered all buildings and streets, just the main ones. However, if you choose the “Street view”, you will have a surprise having an old telescope-like look.

Aaaaand, that’s this year’s Easter Egg from Google Maps. Maybe not so special but, quite creative and entertaining. Have a look at your city. How much stuff is in it? Did you see the most interesting things?

Assassin’s Creed for Kinect

Posted on 3 April, 2012 by Mayitzin

This is actually one of the April’s Fool creations, however it is still a good idea. As commented by the creators, they shot the entire product in one day supported by friends with the corresponding post-production that made a great impression. Remember, is just a prank, but it remained as a possible solution, that can be implemented in a nearly future on a big titled game such as Assassin’s Creed.

Do we want it? Of course! But it’s not because we are lovers of the Kinect in action games, but because we need to try all kind of technologies in products like these. Some might like to control their games with the body, some not, but in the end those are merely different styles and likes. I would try it.

Google Maps 8 bits

Posted on 1 April, 2012 by Mayitzin

It’s April’s fools and all companies are giving some Easter eggs away. Our god Google can not be an exception and, from the many pranks developed by the company, this has been my favorite.

I don’t consider myself a true gamer (I prefer to go out than stay in front of a computer or a console) but I really enjoyed my 8-bit life with the Nintendo. I even had Atari, Family and Super (among other consoles), but this kind of practical joke really surprised me.

For the lovers of Machine Learning, like me, you can easily notice how they developed such 8-bit Nintendo-like platform so quick and fun. Yes, you know how.

But stop chatting and go to Google Maps and you’ll see the normal interface, except for a small area in the top right corner of the map. Click on “Quest” (“Mission” in the German version) and your map will turn 8-bit. Done, you are ready to play with Goggle Maps as in the Nintendo. If you don’t believe me try it yourself and I’ll put here the video and a picture of my town and surroundings in Google Maps Nintendo.

Be nostalgic, Google gives you the tools.