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April Fools' Day: When Businesses Prank [SLIDESHOW]

April 1, 2014
Each year, businesses up the innovation stakes. For one day, they are no longer competing in the world market for the next best idea or game-changing breakthrough. On April Fools', it becomes a battle of wits as companies face off to deliver the most outlandish pranks to the masses. 

Gmail #Shelfie

Gmail kicked off the prank pulling a day early, unveiling on March 31 its new feature: the Shelfie -- the SHareable sELFIE. 

Because so many users make selfies their Gmail background, or custom theme, Gmail decided to give them a way to share those images.

"Gmail Shelfie is built on the idea that you shouldn’t be selfish with your selfie," software engineer Greg Bullock writes on the Gmail Blog. 

"With just a few clicks, your mom, your aunt, or that girl you have a crush on can set your Shelfie as their Gmail theme so they can enjoy checking, reading, and writing emails while seeing your friendly face in the background." 

Orbotix #SelfieBot

Orbotix, which makes the smartphone-controlled toy ball, Sphero, debuted the #SelfieBot

The white drone hovers nearby, always waiting for the right opportunity to snap a photo of you. 

The #SelfieBot's tagline? "Always watching for life's most precious moments." 

Fruit of the Loom Undie Iron

Fruit of the Loom solves that pesky problem of getting the wrinkles out of your undergarments with its Undie Iron

The USB-compatible device fits on one finger and comes in three finger-flattering colors: aqua, lime and canary.

However, the iron does come with one major warning: "Please do not iron underwear while on your body."

Reese's Peanut Butter-Less Peanut Butter Cups

Reese's tweeted an ad for its popular peanut butter cups promoting a new variety of the treat: the peanut butter-free peanut butter cup.

The brand, however, was careful to include a disclaimer: "April Fools! (Phew.)."

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