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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
3-20-2007 @ 11:34AM
Rob said...
Hey! My homepage doesn't have the 'Select Them' button... is this feature only available to big-time bloggers?!?
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3-20-2007 @ 11:55AM
jfh said...
I don't have a "Select Theme" choice either? Anybody know where it is or if it is actually available? Thanks.
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3-20-2007 @ 11:58AM
jfherring said...
Hey DLS, what URL do you go to when you follow the "Select Theme" link? Thanks.
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3-20-2007 @ 12:22PM
krymson said...
There's no select theme for me
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3-20-2007 @ 12:26PM
krymson said...
There's no select theme for me
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3-20-2007 @ 12:43PM
Dano28 said...
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!
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3-20-2007 @ 12:49PM
Ryan Sullivan said...
http://www.google.com/ig?hl=en# is the link that is in the "Select Theme".
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3-20-2007 @ 12:55PM
jfherring said...
Thanks Ryan. Doesn't work for me, I guess it isn't available to everyone yet...
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3-20-2007 @ 1:12PM
keeves said...
I have it in the US (.com) version, however if i use UK personalized homepage the option is not there.
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3-20-2007 @ 2:09PM
Jeff said...
Mine does not have it either... hmmmm... you're special! LOL
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3-20-2007 @ 3:37PM
Jack said...
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?
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3-20-2007 @ 3:41PM
Ryan said...
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!
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3-20-2007 @ 3:57PM
jfherring said...
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...
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3-20-2007 @ 4:50PM
Paim said...
Im on the beach lol. It shows up at www.g.com/ig, but not .com.au/ig.
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3-20-2007 @ 5:42PM
Jeff said...
It's on their official blog, but it's still not on MY homepage. :(
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3-20-2007 @ 9:08PM
Chris Moroz said...
I saw it when I singed in and went to my personalized page.
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3-21-2007 @ 4:06AM
kiplinght said...
Works for me, you just have to go to the american one (i.e. .com not; .com.au or whatever. looks great
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3-21-2007 @ 11:46AM
Sam said...
Yay! I have the "# New! Select theme | Add stuff ยป" button. I love the bus stop theme.
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3-21-2007 @ 11:50AM
Rob said...
Still not available after a day! And yes, I am on the US site. What gives?
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3-22-2007 @ 12:06AM
Socko said...
I wonder if they will add support for custom user themes?
Also I picked the bus stop theme and it works great
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