Google Homepage introduces dynamic themes

Filed under: Design, Internet, News, Web services, Google

Google Homepage introduces dynamic themes

by David Chartier Mar 20th 2007

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.

Tags: google homepage, GoogleHomepage, homepage

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Rob said 11:34AM on 3-20-2007

Hey! My homepage doesn't have the 'Select Them' button... is this feature only available to big-time bloggers?!?

jfh said 11:55AM on 3-20-2007

I don't have a "Select Theme" choice either? Anybody know where it is or if it is actually available? Thanks.

jfherring said 11:58AM on 3-20-2007

Hey DLS, what URL do you go to when you follow the "Select Theme" link? Thanks.

krymson said 12:22PM on 3-20-2007

There's no select theme for me

krymson said 12:26PM on 3-20-2007

There's no select theme for me

Dano28 said 12:43PM on 3-20-2007

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 Sullivan said 12:49PM on 3-20-2007

http://www.google.com/ig?hl=en# is the link that is in the "Select Theme".

jfherring said 12:55PM on 3-20-2007

Thanks Ryan. Doesn't work for me, I guess it isn't available to everyone yet...

keeves said 1:12PM on 3-20-2007

I have it in the US (.com) version, however if i use UK personalized homepage the option is not there.

Jeff said 2:09PM on 3-20-2007

Mine does not have it either... hmmmm... you're special! LOL

Jack said 3:37PM on 3-20-2007

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?

Ryan said 3:41PM on 3-20-2007

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!

jfherring said 3:57PM on 3-20-2007

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...

Paim said 4:50PM on 3-20-2007

Im on the beach lol. It shows up at www.g.com/ig, but not .com.au/ig.

Jeff said 5:42PM on 3-20-2007

It's on their official blog, but it's still not on MY homepage. :(

Chris Moroz said 9:08PM on 3-20-2007

I saw it when I singed in and went to my personalized page.

kiplinght said 4:06AM on 3-21-2007

Works for me, you just have to go to the american one (i.e. .com not; .com.au or whatever. looks great

Sam said 11:46AM on 3-21-2007

Yay! I have the "# New! Select theme | Add stuff »" button. I love the bus stop theme.

Rob said 11:50AM on 3-21-2007

Still not available after a day! And yes, I am on the US site. What gives?

Socko said 12:06AM on 3-22-2007

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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