April Fools' Day 2026 LIVE — rating the best (and worst) jokes and pranks
Cringeworthy or funny? Help us judge each company's April Fools' Day gags
Learn to speak British
It's often said the United States and the United Kingdom are two countries separated by a common language. That being the case, I'm amazed that nobody else has come up with this idea before.
Timekettle (a company behind AI translation devices) has announced it's introducing British-to-American English translation across its devices.
The company says this new launch is times to coincide with the proposed upcoming U.S. visit of King Charles III and the run-up to America’s 250th anniversary, and not at all because today is April Fools' Day.
Timekettle says: "The update is designed to smooth over the everyday transatlantic misunderstandings that have plagued relations for generations, from 'It’s chucking down' and 'I’m knackered' to the ever-dangerous ambiguity of 'pissed'.”
According to the company, these are the six most-translated phrases from British English to American English:
- It’s chucking down — It’s raining heavily
- Bits and bobs — Miscellaneous items
- Let’s have a chinwag — Let’s have a chat
- I’m knackered — I’m very tired
- Bob’s your uncle — There you go
- Going to the Cashpoint - I need an ATM
Do any of these ring true for you? Let me know in the comments if you've ever been caught out by "Britishisms" from family or friends.
Calling all dudes: your clothes probably stink
Look, I know how life is. You've got work, friends, hobbies and it's so much easier to go all Steve Jobs and just keep wearing the same thing each day. Speaking of Steve, today is also Apple's 50th anniversary, and we're covering all the celebrations around Jobs' iconic company right here.
But back to the clothes, if you're not regularly using one of the best washing machines then odors are going to become a problem. For April 1, British electronics retailer Currys has unveiled the solution: An AI-powered gadget called "SniffGuard" that scans a piece of clothing then "uses advanced scent-sensing technology to analyse the true stench status of garments."
The gadget will deliver a "blunt, colour-coded verdict in seconds, the device is set to replace the 'quick sniff and hope for the best' method objectivity and science."
"SniffGuard brings some much-needed honesty to the nation’s wardrobes and we’re proud to have created a device to finally bring science into the equation and solve the nation’s stench," Lara Brittan, Category Director at Currys, said.
"Even if the answer isn’t always what people want to hear...”
'Build muscle and margin at the same time'
I think we can file this one under the "cringe" category, although there are probably some tech bros out there thinking this is a good idea.
Trading platform IG Group has just let me know about its first-ever iPhone case. Which just so happens to come with a 20KG detachable dumbbell-style handle.
"Part training tool, part trading device, the case lets users swipe, tap and execute trades mid-rep," the company says. Adding that it's "designed for the ‘highly efficient’ trader who wants to build muscle and margin at the same time."
Launch colorways including Bull Run Red and Going Long Green...
Running a marathon this year? Subway has you covered
April plays host to both the Boston and London marathons and as anyone who's currently training for a 26-mile run knows, fueling is crucial.
Subway obviously knows this, which is why the brand has unveiled a limited-edition range of nutrient-packed energy gels that taste just like Subway’s iconic sauces. Perfect for race day!
A Subway spokesperson said, “The rise of running culture within the fitness category has been rapid, and we’re always looking to meet our guests where they are. We wanted to introduce a fresh new way to fuel our customers as a part of a balanced active lifestyle.”
Here are the flavors on offer:
- Chipotle Southwest – a smoky, spicy kick for when the miles get mean
- Sweet Onion – a tangy-sweet hit for when energy levels begin to dip
- Honey Mustard – a balanced sweet and sharp flavour for a midrace moment of glory
Which would you choose?
Grill with AI thanks to Traeger
One of the things I get excited about when April arrives is that it's not long until the summer. And that means we can break out some of the best grills and get cooking!
That experience would be even better if Traegar's AI joke was actually a real product. The company has got in touch to pitch us "MEAT-AI Grilling Glasses" with the following features:
- Heads-Up Display (HUD): Key cooking data like temperature and time projected directly into your field of vision, no more checking your phone
- Doneness Detection: Utilizing thermal imaging allows cooks to see heat zones and cooking progress
- “Meat Vision”: Correct cuts technology guides every slice from the first to the last
- Recipe Radar: Take a look through your fridge and cabinets, and let your glasses create a meal
- Sear in the Dark: Day or night, see your meats perfectly with night vision technology
- Capture Your Cooks: Built-in capability to document and share your BBQ moments with friends
Introducing the Dyson Pet range...
Well, for April Fools' Day, Dyson has unveiled the Dyson Beauty Pet range. Which is — you guessed it — hair care products for our furry friends. Top marks for the slick promotional vid, too.
Time for coffee. And AI!
There's no getting away from AI. And I'll be willing to bet that poking fun at artificial intelligence becomes a recurring theme for today. Eight O'Clock Coffee has kicked things off with the Brew O’Clock Alarm – an AI-powered alarm clock that wakes you up by automatically brewing a fresh cup of Eight O’Clock Coffee at 8:00 a.m.!
"Designed for anyone who needs their cup of joe the moment they roll out of bed, the Brew O’Clock Alarm promises perfectly timed caffeine… because we understand that waking up without coffee is no joke," the brand says.
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