Google rolls back Gmail April Fool's prank

The prank was reversed after it caused several Gmail users to unwittingly insert animated photos into business emails

Google rolls back Gmail April Fool's prank
IANS New York
Last Updated : Apr 01 2016 | 5:11 PM IST

Internet giant Google on Friday rolled back its April Fool's Day prank that it played by introducing "send + drop the mic" feature in Gmail for its users that let them have the last word in a tense and unwanted conversation.

Google reversed the prank after it caused several Gmail users to unwittingly insert animated photos into business emails and other important communications, Techcrunch.com reported.

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"Well, it looks like we pranked ourselves this year. Due to a bug, the MicDrop feature inadvertently caused more headaches than laughs. We're truly sorry. The feature has been turned off. If you are still seeing it, please reload your Gmail page," Google was quoted as saying.

Earlier in the day, Google posted on its blog that "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," Google's official blog read when it launched the prank.

The report noted that "the button placement was problematic".

Google substituted "send and archive" button -- which many people use habitually -- with 'MicDrop,' that proved to be a disaster for many.

An initial prank warning was sent out but those who did not notice the catch were in for a surprise.

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First Published: Apr 01 2016 | 3:48 PM IST

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