Welcome to the first of April. The day of the year when brands make fun and you can’t see any marketing announcement of, new product launch campaign without being subjected to a cruel prank. Looking at marketing pranks for 2013 and 2014 make us excited to see how marketers used the annual event this year !
Cambridge University security guards
A key fob-protected door at the University of Cambridge was adorned with a note to trick the clever students – and according to Dr Paul Coxon “so many” fell for it.
It read: “The door access system in this building has been upgraded to include voice recognition – speak your name towards the card reader to gain entry.”
So many people are falling for this 😀 #AprilFools pic.twitter.com/kUo6o7obYw
— Paul Coxon (@paulcoxon) April 1, 2015
Costa and a Kip
Costa is proud to trial a new service that lets customers nod off and have a power nap when they hit an afternoon slump.
Arsenal and PUMA launch left-footed football
Arsenal and PUMA have joined forces to create something truly special…the world’s first football designed for left-footed players. The Left-Footed evoPOWER was created to increase the accuracy, power and precision of a left-footed player.
Galaxy BLADE edge: Chef’s Edition
Samsung is proud to announce the world’s first smart knife with smartphone capabilities, the Galaxy BLADE edge. Galaxy BLADE edge is the ultimate cooking companion, made with the modern chef in mind. Building on the expertise it has already displayed with its Chef Collection series, Samsung is taking its commitment to culinary expertise and cutting-edge technology even further – literally.
Microsoft launches MS-DOS Mobile
A solid combination of idea and execution: Microsoft doesn’t just joke about bringing back its classic command-line operating system — it’s actually making a DOS app available for Windows Phone. Be sure to check out some of its not-so-secret commands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irJQDGw8Ptk
Google Goes Backwards
Looking to put their new “.Google” top-level domain to use, visitors of com.Google (as opposed to Google.com) will find Google… with a bit of a twist. Go ahead and try searching — you know you want to.
Smartbox By Inbox By Gmail
It’s Inbox… for your physical mailbox. Now with a thermo-controlled mail environment, a spam filter that physically blocks junk mail, and more…
Google Webmasters Robot Dance reCAPTCHA
The Google Webmasters Google+ profile added a new reCAPTCHA tool, letting users confirm they’re not a robot, but can dance like one.
Google Japan’s Panda Search Bear
“Google Panda is so simple to use, that even people who don’t normally use devices won’t be able to stay away,” says Yerga.
BMW’s Motor Mouth
BMW have developed the ultimate rugby mouth guard which will be rolled out in the lead up do the biggest event in rugby. BMW has announced the launch of a series mouth guards offering rugby players “the same impact protection as our drivers.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqZ_fwEOoK8
Honda: The Selfie Edition
Honda says: “With 10 cameras across the interior and exterior, the HR-V Selfie Edition allows drivers to snap self-portraits while the car is in park.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzXAZWnKitY
WestJet Self-driving Seats
Thankfully, WestJet has dreamed up Smart Seats to celebrate April Fools’ Day, allowing you to comfortably relax in your seat prior to boarding.
Motorola: #MotoSelfieStick
If you appreciate the art of the selfie, you’ll appreciate the art of our new Moto Selfie Stick show off the elegant and stylish lines of the Moto X with a classic leather back from one of America’s most prestigious tanneries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=584qPWzfhHY
Amazon Dash
Skip the last-minute trip to the store, Dash Button and Amazon quickly delivers household favorites at the same low prices offered on Amazon.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMacTuHPWFI
Selfie Shoes by Miz Mooz
No matter where you go, you’ll always be camera-ready. Just insert your phone into the port at the front of either your right or left shoe, raise it to the perfect angle and click the internal button with a tap of your toe to take the photo. With the Selfie Shoes, you no longer have to use your arm, so now both hands are free to be in the photo.
Zappo’s: “Save Time For You: STFU”
Save Time For U from Zappos.com! Zappos’ new STFU service lets you enjoy more personal time! Need a break from annoying conversations with those around you?
Moral of #AprilFool marketing pranks: Don’t get fooled and always read beyond the headline.
