Digital Easter Eggs
Ears looking at you, code lovers!
In the world of computer programming, an "easter egg" is a digital secret tucked inside a piece of code. Easter eggs often take the form of jokes, features, and messages — like what happens when you Google “flip a coin” in Chrome or when you ask Siri to read you a haiku. This month, in honor of Easter, we're featuring our favorite easter eggs on the Internet!
GOOGLE BARREL ROLL
In Chrome, Google the words “do a barrel roll.” Your browser will do a 360-degree spin!
HIDDEN WIKI EGG
On the Wikipedia page for Easter egg (media), click the hedgehog in the image. It links to a secret picture!
ASKEW
In a Chrome window, Google the word “askew”. Your browser will tilt!
CHROME DINOSAUR GAME
You’re probably familiar with the Chrome “no internet” dinosaur — it’s the little pixelated T-Rex that pops up on your browser when the connection peters out. But did you know that the "no internet" dinosaur is a mini game? Hit the space bar, and jump the scrolling cacti!
BUZZFEED CONFETTI DROP
On Buzzfeed's homepage, type the Konami code: up, up, down, down, right, left, right, left, b, a. Confetti will drop from the top of the page! The Konami Code (invented by Kazuhisa Hashimoto) originated as a cheat code—a sequence of button presses that unlocks secret features in a video game, usually making it easier to play.
BONUS: “LUMOS”
This one’s just for iPhone users. There are tons of Easter Eggs secreted away in iPhones, but our favorite is this one: try saying “Lumos” (spell for light in Harry Potter) to Siri. Your phone flashlight will turn on!