Google Chrome adds better theme support, gallery in the works

Extensions in the wild may be a little slow in appearing, but themes for Google Chrome? They've just gotten a lot easier to install and there may be a flood of them available very shortly.
Right now, there are only two demo themes available -- Snowflake (screenshot) and Camo. Based on the thumbnail in Chrome's new tab, Google has a whole lot more that are nearly ready for public consumption. The actual link returns a 404 error, and then, of course, the thumbnail breaks accordingly.
Once the link goes live, you'll have easy access through Options -> Personal stuff. Buttons have been added to reset Chrome to its default theme or download something new.
It's a huge step forward from the old method - renaming and replacing a .dll in your application data folder. CNet's Stephen Shankland reports that this is working on Mac OS X as well.
To try it out, you'll need to update your dev channel build or download it from Google.
Right now, there are only two demo themes available -- Snowflake (screenshot) and Camo. Based on the thumbnail in Chrome's new tab, Google has a whole lot more that are nearly ready for public consumption. The actual link returns a 404 error, and then, of course, the thumbnail breaks accordingly.
Once the link goes live, you'll have easy access through Options -> Personal stuff. Buttons have been added to reset Chrome to its default theme or download something new.
It's a huge step forward from the old method - renaming and replacing a .dll in your application data folder. CNet's Stephen Shankland reports that this is working on Mac OS X as well.
To try it out, you'll need to update your dev channel build or download it from Google.












Comments
9
Subscribe to commentssRcJul 30th 2009 6:17PM
pointless of course, but its kind of nice. I always run dev channel so turning it on is a snap, Camo I dont like much so I'll run snowflake
tigsfanJul 30th 2009 6:55PM
If you're interested in some better looking themes, I would recommend checking out www.chromeplugins.org , Here is a link to a great looking "Grey" theme, which I found on their site.
http://www.chromeplugins.org/google/chrome-themes/gr4y-theme-7942.html
It installs just like the themes listed above do, and no messing around with the "default.dll" files as Lee mentioned.
horsethiefbanditJul 30th 2009 9:31PM
Yawn ... themes are boring. Wouldn't someone's time be much better spent developing extensions?
Level 5Jul 30th 2009 10:52PM
I love Chrome..really I do, but without AdBlock, Firefox is still my primary choice.
jeremyJul 30th 2009 11:22PM
@ Level 5
why would google support adblock when it's big money maker is ads???? that would be kind of a dumb idea. as many products and services google gives away for free, i'm sure, they want to keep the way they make money protected....
MysteriusJul 31st 2009 2:15AM
Didn't someone already make a Chrome adblock extension? I could have sworn it was mentioned in a previous post.
Level 5Jul 31st 2009 9:31AM
Jeremy -
Of COURSE Google wouldn't make an extension to block ads. But does this stop me from wanting one? No, it doesn't. Likewise, Mozilla didn't make the extension for FF either. As far as there already being one, I thought this was more of a proxy kinda deal that's auto-configured to block ads. Proxy = slow, slow = not for me. I'm just saying the ability to block ads and other annoying flash content is a very large benefit for me, and it is in fact a deal breaker when it comes to using Chrome, irregardless of Google's stance on ads.
sharkbaitJul 31st 2009 1:14AM
Works with the official Linux dev channel and the unofficial Chromium PPA too, though it takes a couple seconds to actually change the theme. Also, Chrome/Chromium can use the current Gtk theme style and colors, giving it a native look. (It's also under Options->Personal Stuff)
jakechampion_jake2Jul 31st 2009 1:28PM
the comment number on the homepage is broken for this page, it always says there is only one comment when there is really 8.. now 9....