Here’s a list of some really interesting facts about Google that you might not have known. If you’re a Google enthusiast like me, be sure to check out the 10 Most Awkward Google Street View Captures and 10 Most Bizarre Google Search Suggestions lists too. Google keeps growing, so I might have more Google lists for you in the future. Let’s dive into these fascinating Google tidbits.
Lets start with 10 Interesting Facts About Google
I Feel Lucky Button:
Most Google users, including myself, rarely use the “I’m feeling lucky” button. Surprisingly, when Google considered removing it, people didn’t like the idea. They found comfort in seeing that button on the search page.
| Google Fact | Key Points |
|---|---|
| I Feel Lucky Button | – Rarely used by Google users. – Removing it made users uncomfortable. |
| The First Google Storage | – Constructed from LEGO. – Used in 1998 to test PageRank algorithm. – 10 four-gigabyte hard drives assembled in Lego. |
| Googol | – The name ‘Google’ was a spelling mistake, meant to be ‘Googol.’ |
| Google’s First Tweet | – Google’s debut tweet was in binary code, saying “I’m feeling lucky.” |
| Google’s First Company Snack | – “Swedish Fish” candy was the first company snack ordered in 1999. |
| The First Google Doodle | – Featured a man with arms raised. – Signaled when Larry and Sergey were away. |
| Off Center Google Logo | – Logo was off-center until March 31, 2001. – Earlier version had an exclamation mark. |
| YouTube Deal At Denny’s | – YouTube founders met Google and Yahoo! executives at Denny’s over mozzarella sticks. – Google outbid Yahoo! for YouTube. |
| Minimal Homepage Design | – Google’s simple design due to founders’ limited HTML knowledge. |
| Google Renting Goats | – Google rents goats to control weeds at headquarters. – 200 goats, a herder, and a border collie. |
The First Google Storage:
Google’s first storage solution was quite unique – it was made from LEGO! Back in 1998, when Larry Page and Sergey Brin were still PhD students at Stanford, they needed a massive amount of disk space to test the PageRank algorithm. They solved this by assembling 10 four-gigabyte hard drives into a low-cost cabinet made out of Lego. Google’s journey started with these creative solutions.
Googol:
The name ‘Google’ itself was a mistake! It was originally intended to be ‘Googol,’ but a spelling error led to the name we all know today.
Google’s First Tweet:
Google’s very first tweet was a unique one: “I’m 01100110 01100101 01100101 01101100 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01101100 01110101 01100011 01101011 01111001 00001010.” This cryptic message translates to “I’m feeling lucky” in binary code. A playful start to their Twitter presence.
Google’s First Company Snack:
In February 1999, the first-ever company snack ordered into Google’s office was the chewy candy known as “Swedish Fish.” A sweet start to office traditions.
The First Google Doodle:
Google’s iconic homepage doodles have become famous, but the first one wasn’t as elaborate as today’s creations. It featured a man with his arms raised and was added during a weekend when Larry and Sergey were away at the Burning Man festival in Nevada. It was a way to let users know they were out of the office.
Off Center Google Logo:
Google’s minimalist homepage design is well-known, but the logo wasn’t actually centered on the page until March 31, 2001. In its earlier days, it leaned to the left, and in 1998, it even had an exclamation mark, much like Yahoo’s style.
YouTube Deal At Denny’s:
When YouTube co-founder Steve Chen was in talks with Google and Yahoo! executives, they opted for an unconventional meeting place – Denny’s in Palo Alto over mozzarella sticks. Eventually, Google outbid Yahoo! for YouTube, shaping the future of online video.
Minimal Homepage Design:
Google’s homepage is celebrated for its simplicity, and this minimalistic approach was born out of necessity. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google’s founders, had limited knowledge of HTML, so they kept the design clean and straightforward.
Google Renting Goats:
Here’s a fun one! Google actually rents goats from a company called California Grazing. These goats help Google maintain its headquarters by munching on weeds. It’s an eco-friendly and entertaining alternative to lawn mowers, involving 200 goats, a herder, and a border collie.
So, there you have it, a collection of intriguing facts about Google. It’s amazing to see how a small idea born in a dorm room has evolved into the giant we know today.
