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New Gmail Feature: Custom Time

BrianS [PersonRank 7]

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
16 years ago11,875 views

Anybody else see the link for "Custom Time" in gmail? It links to the following URL which is a 404 right now.

   http://mail.google.com/mail/help/customtime/index.html

Maybe new feature in celebration of Gmail's birthday or is it just an April Fools joke about to be released.

Jérôme Flipo [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Don't have it, but do you have any screenshot?
I don't think it will be an April Joke if it is the "send later" feature that's expected... or it wouldn't be funny

Haochi [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Gmail on April Fool's: EPIC FAIL.

Colin Colehour [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Seeing it here in Minnesota.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2378626115_38722600ca_o.png

Colin Colehour [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Link is a 404 error page for me too at the moment. An hour till April 1st here.

BrianS [PersonRank 7]

16 years ago #

Thats what I see too Colin. Thanks for doing the screenshot.

Colin Colehour [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

There is a Google Group post about the "Custom Time" link. Already has 32 responses.
http://groups.google.com/group/Gmail-ABCs/browse_thread/thread/ef1ee6ff59a95370/ec7d837a36782069

Richard [PersonRank 0]

16 years ago #

no doubt...it's gotta be a joke

BrianS [PersonRank 7]

16 years ago #

It's working. April fools indeed.

Josue R. [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

"Introducing Gmail Custom Time (tm) – Be on time. Every time."

How do I use it?

Just click "Set custom time" from the Compose view. Any email you send to the past appears in the proper chronological order in your recipient's inbox. You can opt for it to show up read or unread by selecting the appropriate option.
Is there a limit to how far back I can send email?

Yes. You'll only be able to send email back until April 1, 2004, the day we launched Gmail. If we were to let you send an email from Gmail before Gmail existed, well, that would be like hanging out with your parents before you were born – crazy talk.
How does it work?

Gmail utilizes an e-flux capacitor to resolve issues of causality (see Grandfather Paradox).

Beta User Testimonials
"The entire concept of 'late' no longer exists for me. That's pretty cool. Thanks Gmail!"

Miriam S., Delivery girl
-------------------

Sorry no screenshot, am at work & PC sucks... but you'll enjoy it. It's hilarious. I love April Fools! can't wait for the new feature/etc to come out if they are releasing anything.

Niraj Sanghvi [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

I think this should work to show a preview in this thread:
http://mail.google.com/mail/help/customtime/images/screenshot.gif

Colin Colehour [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Be on time. Every time.*

*The term "Every time" is used loosely here to represent the number 10.

I think all of these April Fools Jokes would be better without the testimonials. It would make it a little more believable since no new Google products ever have testimonials.

beussery [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

The "power of ten" yet again and also an interesting reference to the Fibonacci series.

beussery [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Happy April Fools Day! :)

DPic [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

>>no new Google products ever have testimonials.

I remember that happening with something and i think it was discussed here on blogoscoped

Colin Colehour [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

They even changed the login page to show "Custom Time" option.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2381311010_dc08dd4818_o.png

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