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Google's Mic Drop April Fool spectacularly backfires: Firm apologises for Gmail prank that may have cost users their jobs

Internet firm introduced a Mic Drop feature to reply to all in email threads
The prank included an animation of a minion dropping a microphone
But users have taken to forums to complain the prank went too far
Users called it 'the most stupid thing Google could possibly come up with', and interfered with business and job opportunities

Published: 06:22 EST, 1 April 2016 | Updated: 07:56 EST, 1 April 2016

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April Fool's pranks have the habit of being more annoying than they are funny, and Google is seemingly leading the pack this year.

A prank which saw the search giant introduce a new 'joke' function to Gmail has spectacularly backfired, leaving users angry and the firm being forced to apologise.

Earlier today, Google announced on its blog it was introducing a 'Mic Drop' feature to let users reply all to email conversations, having the last word - but many didn't find it funny.

A prank which saw the search giant introduce a new 'joke' function to Gmail has spectacularly backfired, leaving users angry and the firm being forced to apologise. Earlier today, Google announced it was introducing a 'Mic Drop' feature to let users reply all to emails (pictured) - but many didn't find it funny

Google explained: 'Simply reply to any email using the new 'Send + Mic Drop' button. Everyone will get your message, but that's the last you'll ever hear about it. Yes, even if folks try to respond, you won't see it.'

Along with the response is an animated GIF of a minion dropping a microphone and walking off - now the internationally accepted short hand for 'conversation over'.

Any replies coming back after the user sends a Mic Drop reply would then be hidden from the user, but still accessible through the 'All Mail' tab.

GOOGLE PRANK BACKFIRES

An April Fools prank from Google has left users angry and left the search firm apologetic.

Google introduced a reply button which would send a reply all response in Gmail along with an animated GIF of a minion dropping a microphone.

Any replies coming back after the Mic Drop reply would then be hidden, but still accessible through the 'all mail' tab.

However, a number of Gmail users were left unimpressed by the jape, reporting accidentally sending the replies to potential employers, colleagues and others.

The most popular threads currently on the Gmail help forum are iterations of 'how to remove Mic Drop feature'.

Google has since removed the feature and apologised for a 'bug'.

However, a number of Gmail users were left unimpressed by the jape, reporting accidentally sending a Mic Drop reply to potential employers, colleagues and others.

The most popular threads currently on the Gmail help forum are iterations of 'how to remove Mic Drop feature.'

One incensed user, who described using Gmail for work, wrote: 'I can't afford for you clowns to mess around with my business.

'I use Google for everything, but I need to rethink my online solutions.

'You can't even be bothered to get rid of that stupid conversation view for mobile - after how many years of complaints?

'And now this. Clearly you can't be trusted with my email if this is the level of respect you give to your users.'

While another forum user complained the prank may have potentially cost them a job, calling it 'perhaps the most stupid thing [Google] could possibly come up with'.

'I have been interviewing with this company for three months now and mistakenly sent the email directly to guess who? The HR! Why would you do that? I so want this job; was due to start on Monday!'

The function was due to be active for today only, but has since been removed, with Google citing a 'bug'.

In a reconciliatory tone posted in an update, Google software engineer Victor-bogdan Anchidin, wrote: 'Well, it looks like we pranked ourselves this year. 'Due to a bug, the Mic Drop feature inadvertently caused more headaches than laughs. We're truly sorry.' An example of the email is pictured

In a reconciliatory tone posted in an update, Google software engineer Victor-bogdan Anchidin, wrote: 'Well, it looks like we pranked ourselves this year.

'Due to a bug, the Mic Drop feature inadvertently caused more headaches than laughs. We're truly sorry.

'The feature has been turned off. If you are still seeing it, please reload your Gmail page.'

MailOnline contacted Google to get to the bottom of the prank, but received no additional comment.