Friday, April 1, 2011

Google playing its April Fools' prank: Gmail Motion

Google, just like they do almost every year, are playing another prank on us all. This time, it is Gmail Motion beta, which allows you to "control Gmail with your body". They say that they have given Gmail Kinect-like powers. You can control almost every aspect (even typing a message) with body gestures.
About half an hour ago, I saw this tweet by the Gmail team, and thus became one of the first people in the world to discover it.

You can go to this webpage, which tells you about Gmail motion, complete with an authentic looking Google-made video (embedded below). There are some expert testimonials in there too. Lorraine Klayman, "Environmental Movement Specialist" says that humans are not meant to sit in a single position, typing away all day. It is necessary to get up and move a little.



They claim that using your body to control Gmail makes you up to 12% faster. Movements are "designed to be simple and intuitive for people of all skill levels". The best part is that they even provide you with a printable gesture guide too.

And there's more to it. Google Docs Motion is coming soon.


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