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Google Homepage introduces dynamic themes
Any user of Google's web based offerings probably won't leap at the chance to nominate it for some flashy design award. Let's face it: Google is definitely known for doing function, and doing it well, but the company tends to shy away from rich color and shiny rounded corners because, well, that's just how they roll. That said, you can imagine our surprise today to discover dynamic themes in Google Homepage. There aren't many of them, in fact: pictured above is just one (called 'Bus Stop') of six available themes, but they all bring a very unique, colorful touch to Google's flexible and widgetized landing page service.
A new 'Select Theme' link has been added next to 'Add Stuff' on the right, under which the theme widget will temporarily open at the top right of the widget area. Selecting any theme will change your homepage to match, and once you click 'save' to commit, you'll be offered a Location box to enter or change your zip code, as every theme dynamically changes based on your location, time of day and (for some) even local weather conditions. This is perhaps one of those over-the-top touches Google is known for, but it adds such an interesting layer of creativity to a functional service.After the jump, check out screenshots of all the themes in action, though note that they were snapped at 7:23am Mountain Standard Time in the US; they should all look at least a little different depending on where you are and what time of day when you go to actually play with them yourself.
Beach theme
City Scape - note that it's sunny in our screenshot, even though the thumbnail for the theme is a night shot. Already a good example of just how dynamic these can get.
Sweet Dreams - again, the sun is already up here, and this theme looks different from its thumbnail.
Seasonal Scape - it sure doesn't feel like winter in Colorado anymore, but Google Homepage apparently disagrees.
Tea House - we're definitely going to keep an eye on how this theme evolves over time, especially since it's probably the highest (in pixels) theme of the bunch.
City Scape - note that it's sunny in our screenshot, even though the thumbnail for the theme is a night shot. Already a good example of just how dynamic these can get.
Sweet Dreams - again, the sun is already up here, and this theme looks different from its thumbnail.
Seasonal Scape - it sure doesn't feel like winter in Colorado anymore, but Google Homepage apparently disagrees.
Tea House - we're definitely going to keep an eye on how this theme evolves over time, especially since it's probably the highest (in pixels) theme of the bunch.
Comments
23
Subscribe to commentsRobMar 20th 2007 11:34AM
Hey! My homepage doesn't have the 'Select Them' button... is this feature only available to big-time bloggers?!?
jfhMar 20th 2007 11:55AM
I don't have a "Select Theme" choice either? Anybody know where it is or if it is actually available? Thanks.
jfherringMar 20th 2007 11:58AM
Hey DLS, what URL do you go to when you follow the "Select Theme" link? Thanks.
JeffMar 20th 2007 2:09PM
Mine does not have it either... hmmmm... you're special! LOL
krymsonMar 20th 2007 12:22PM
There's no select theme for me
krymsonMar 20th 2007 12:26PM
There's no select theme for me
Dano28Mar 20th 2007 12:43PM
I'm using Firefox 1.5.0.7 on a Mac with OSX and I don't have the select theme button nor do I have the Add stuff button on my Google homepage. Can anyone help me figure this out? Thanks!
Ryan SullivanMar 20th 2007 12:49PM
http://www.google.com/ig?hl=en# is the link that is in the "Select Theme".
jfherringMar 20th 2007 12:55PM
Thanks Ryan. Doesn't work for me, I guess it isn't available to everyone yet...
keevesMar 20th 2007 1:12PM
I have it in the US (.com) version, however if i use UK personalized homepage the option is not there.
RyanMar 20th 2007 3:41PM
Well I'm just a regular nobody and I saw the link last night and of course immediately tried it out. It really makes one's google homepage stand out. I love it!
JackMar 20th 2007 3:37PM
Sweet Dreams would be nice if it didn't keep jumping from high noon to rosy sunset. Did I mention it's only 1PM here?
jfherringMar 20th 2007 3:57PM
I guess they must have rolled it out to only a select few, then. I've been using the Google personalized homepage for about 5 months, I don't see it on Firefox or IE, Win2000 and WinXP. I didn't realize there were different country versions, mine is google.com/ig...
PaimMar 20th 2007 4:50PM
Im on the beach lol. It shows up at www.g.com/ig, but not .com.au/ig.
JeffMar 20th 2007 5:42PM
It's on their official blog, but it's still not on MY homepage. :(
Chris MorozMar 20th 2007 9:08PM
I saw it when I singed in and went to my personalized page.
kiplinghtMar 21st 2007 4:06AM
Works for me, you just have to go to the american one (i.e. .com not; .com.au or whatever. looks great
SamMar 21st 2007 11:46AM
Yay! I have the "# New! Select theme | Add stuff ยป" button. I love the bus stop theme.
RobMar 21st 2007 11:50AM
Still not available after a day! And yes, I am on the US site. What gives?
SockoMar 22nd 2007 12:06AM
I wonder if they will add support for custom user themes?
Also I picked the bus stop theme and it works great