Gmail Gets Themes
Gmail's interface was revolutionary when it was first released, but the design was a bit too plain for a lot of users. After a short while, users started to develop Greasemonkey scripts and Firefox plugins that could bring some more excitement to the standard Gmail theme. Today, however, Google itself announced that will be rolling out over 30 different themes for Gmail in the next couple of days.
A few lucky Gmail users are already seeing a 'Themes' tab appear in their settings menu, though as is typical for Google, it might take a day or two before this new feature has been rolled out to all users.
Looking at the array of themes, some are clearly more playful than others (think ASCII logos and ninjas), though all of them keep the standard Gmail interface. Interestingly, most of these themes also feature modified Gmail logos, similar to the modified Google logos that often appear on the Google homepage on holidays.
Google also announced a 'minor facelift' for the default Gmail interface to make it look 'crisper and cleaner.'
Dynamic Themes
Similar to the themes for iGoogle, some of these new themes also change according to the local weather and time of day, which is a neat effect, though obviously not very useful.
Overall, this is not a dramatic update to Gmail, but a lot of users have been waiting for this feature, and judging from the early reactions to the announcement we have seen so far, these new themes are going to be a quite popular.
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Wow, its about time. Now if only http://www.picmember.com could add themes to my PicInbox. Life would be colorfully enriching.
I'm one of the lucky lads with access to themes. Very cool. Ninjas!
I just got the themes myself. They are nice, but I LOVE the cleaner UI.
I'm a fan of the new look, and actually think these look much better than the iGoogle themes. Can't wait to give them a try.
I just tried out the themes and they're pretty cool. Its a little hard on the eyes though. Or maybe its just me.
My fav one is the Ninja one. Graffiti would be my second fav.
Since themes tab was active in my account, chat has been acting funny....
gmail themes is realy cool!
watch how this work at here:
http://tubedirects.net/index.php?q=mike-mussina-interview
great video sample!
Great but I did not see this in my gmail yet
Themes not also appearing in my Gmail ,It may take time to roll this feature all Gmail users
Wow, I'm a big fan of some of those uber-clean interfaces. Shiny is brilliant.
As from this morning I also have themes ;)
Hi
Thanks for giving opportunity for changing the theme.
But here i thing that i am facing not in a position to get a new theme.
My Details are
Emai id: kumarkamal314@gmail.com
i don't see my gmail themes in my setting.. why?
sad.. reply me .. plz
Check out the terminal theme... so geeky :-)
The new default theme is much worse for usability. Contrast on the listings is measurably worse (28%).
http://www.newmediacampaigns.com/page/gmails-new-default-theme-is-a-step-backwards-for-usability
I guess I'm not one of the lucky ones, as I still have the plain old theme.
Why won't they allow me to just personalise and brand my gmail account though?
Just noticed the new theme option on my Gmail account and I'm liking it so far. It's a much needed face lift to the Gmail Interference. Gmail just keeps getting better and better. :)
I've just been playing around with it, and I must say I'm thoroughly impressed. Only problem so far is that the text in RWW's newsletter doesn't change from black when using a dark theme, unlike all the other emails I get. This is a royal pain in the bum, as I quite enjoy the Terminal theme.
If you could fix this it would be most awesome!
I got my igoogle theme. I got my gmail theme. I want a google reader theme!!!!!
Google rolled out “Themes” for Gmail today, causing everyone to scramble to see if they had access.
http://www.iwebie.com/gmail-themes
My issue is that, Gmail is still not fully stable / functional on slow connections (think dialup & GPRS). I would prefer a widget, which checks my connection and adjusts itself (text version etc) accordingly, so I can send / receive emails without hangups.
Am I one of the few who really *doesn't like* the new themes? Personally I like my Gmail clean and tidy.
There's still a link up for "older version" of the UI, but there's no cookie on it so for a while I had to keep clicking the same link. Very annoying!
But then, okay, I did try out some of the themes - definitely found them all a little too hard on the eyes. I like my white space.
Then I finally realised that the "classic" theme gives you what we've always had. Done deal.
I'm glad other people enjoy them but for others... its just messing with something that's already good. And forcing them on users... not so cool, Google!
i haven't gotten the gmail themes yet... ):
i've been waiting for a while already. my sister has it but its on another computer....
do would it have to do with my computer???
but anyways...im hoping i can get it soon
you could fix this it would be most awesome!
Look at Gmail Dynamic Themes Preview page - http://tutanhamon.com.ua/technovodstvo/gmail_themes/ that contains all possible (I hope) decoration styles for dynamic themes and weather conditions description as a bonus.
Posted by: tutanhamon.com.ua
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November 28, 2008 10:47 AM