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Did any of this year's April Fools Day gags get your goose? Test your nerd knowledge by pinpointing the actual story below. (Props to TechCrunchfor pulling together an impressive fools list.)
Cloud computing in the sky
In an effort to keep cloud computing moving at the speed of light, Amazon Web Services has introduced Floating Amazon Cloud Environment (FACE). FACE will bring the power and utility of cloud computing to users via helium-filled blimps powered by solar and solid oxide fuel cells.
Tiny black hole on Earth
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), home of the world's largest particle accelerator (the Large Hadron Collider), has created "a miniscule black hole." The Tech Herald, which broke the story, notes that the black hole is under control but being observed closely.
Artificial Web intelligence
Years of research has led to new AI technology for the Web called Cognitive Autoheuristic Distributed-Intelligence Entity (CADIE). CADIE can troll the web, make value-based decisions and create original content (including a blog).
Mind-reading robot
Honda Research Institute has created a helmet that can understand a person's thoughts and use them to control a robot, reports the UK's Guardian. Researchers warn that the robot, which has already learned to talk and run small errands, is not ready for commercial use because it might suffer glitches if the user gets distracted.
Instant message mood detection
At long last, the awkwardness of failed sarcasm in online communication has been solved. Windows Live Messenger has introduced an automatic mood detection system that can "read" a user's emotions (via webcam, keyboard pressure, etc.) and insert the appropriate emoticon. If users laugh out loud at a joke, the computer's mic will pick that up and automatically insert an "lol" in the IM convo.
Online communication autopilot
Are personal emails and instant messaging cutting into work productivity? A new program (from Google) will let users customize a personal auto-response feature to email and chats. Users can choose preferences – including typos, brevity and emoticon use – and the program will analyze incoming messages and generate proper responses.
Still feeling foolish? Post your best guess in the comment field below and tune in for the answer tomorrow.
Image courtesy of iStockphoto/peeop
