Google decided not to fully go ahead with the homepage redesign that was planned for the 10th June. Instead they pulled out after just hours after implementing the change apparently due to pressure from unhappy users.
Google had planned to add a full page background picture, one that changes daily, to highlight their latest ‘customisable’ options. This also seemed another step for Google to look even more like Bing. The Googlers backlash started from minute one with angry Twitter users opposing the change. Google reacted a few hours later and the familiar plain white homepage was returned.
Marissa Mayer, Google Search Vice President said, “”We had planned to run an explanation of the showcase alongside it, in the form of a link on our home page,” Marissa continued “Due to a bug, the explanatory link did not appear for most users. As a result, many people thought we had permanently changed our home page.”
For those of you, which includes me that actually LIKED the change you don’t need to worry. Look for the ‘Change background image’ link in the bottom left of the screen. You will need to be signed in to see this; also, if you’re in iGoogle you will need to revert back to classic view.
There are 4 different options to choose from.
‘From my computer’ is pretty obvious with the ability to upload your own image as long as it is larger than the 800×600 pixel minimum.
‘My Picasa Web photos’ simply allows you to use the images you have uploaded to the Google Web Album, assuming they are big enough to use.
‘Public gallery’ is again fairly straight forward with a range of optimized images from Google. They range from an Umbrella to your usually cityscape\Forest scenes. The sort of thing you see on wall art in high street stores. My favourite is the smiley post-it-note on a plain wall. It’s fun and unobtrusive and can cheer you up.
The last section ‘editor’s picks’ is not too much different to the previous section but whoever the ‘editor’ is must really love colour. They are pretty crazy. There is a lovely rainbow over a forest and also a really quaint looking aerial English Countryside scene. You can also choose from a few plain colour backgrounds.
Of course, you can always just use the search function until you find one that suits your style.