The Gmail blog has a post up right now that’s interesting for a few reasons. First, it was posted around midnight of a Friday (this is supposed to be my no-news quiet time, Google). Second, it’s written as a chat exchange between two Google employees. And third, it has a kick-ass new Nintendo-esque theme.
Truth be told, the Nintendo-like theme (called “High Score”, undoubtedly to prevent any trademark lawsuits), makes Gmail nearly impossible to read — at least at night, when the background is all black (below). But it’s awesome having a Mario-esque backdrop and Space Invader-like guys are your buddy chat indicators.
There are three other new themes as well (the first Gmail has launched since themes launched in November). They are: “Orcas Island”, “Turf”, and “Random”. The first two are rather ho-hum compared to High Score. The random one is kind of cool if you like change, which, as I just explained, I do.
This still isn’t quite as good as FriendFeed’s interactive Duck Hunt theme, but it’s close.
That’s a shame that you can’t switch that night version off, or can you? I think it’s actually the coolest theme Gmail currently offers.
In my personal opinion, all the new themes are a waste of time. Suck..
1. What is Turf? But a revamped Mountain Theme with turf in the background.
2. Random? A rehash of Desk theme.
3. Only High Score is unique. But again it is Nintendo. So, nothing original.
I wish Google brushes up and designs some really awesome themes…I love the Tea House very much…changed to Turf now..but realized it is an eyesore and switched back to Tea House.
Random is random, it’ll change.
google’s never been known for ground breaking designs. So dont hold your breath.
How about a clean yet elegant Google search page like theme? Certainly, FriendFeed is better off. And waiting for the day when Facebook will shred its blue-white skin and switch to themes.
That’s not going to happen.
I think the High Score is best looking theme Gmail currently offers. Can you switch that night version off?
Looks great. I just wish they would sync up iGoogle with GMail’s themes. I mean I just switched to Super Mario Brothers on iGoogle which is close but this is a truly great interface.
It is just a theme, just making cool to look. Themes can be alike, because I think it is not a Patented one.
Sold just switched and damn them for their late night escapades.
MG you’re such a geek
[...opens gmail to search for the awesome new Mario theme, fingers trembling with excitement]
My favorite comment on my favorite post of the night…
I haven’t checked the new themes yet but if I find those themes cool, I’ll use it probably.
Seriously speaking didn’t liked it
wow… it does appear a lot like Mario from the Atari Era
very nice new theme i think i might go to Gmail now and change mine to that now
thanks for the heads up MG
Well i wouldn’t say it was brilliant, could off added more texts and links options.
Infact looking back at it, reminds me of the old spectrum type setup, surely we have moved on from the old speccy type designs.
I just dont understand why…. but I feel that the default theme is the best!!1
I just love the sky blue color!
Is this really worthy of a TC post? What is it 4 new themes in Gmail – ummmmm
Why dont you just put a blog roll for the Gmail blog on TC, would save you copying out every minor tweak.
Google got Nintendo to license some official iGoogle themes, so it’s odd this wouldn’t be.
I’m wondering when Google will allow themes on the Apps versions of Gmail. I’d be obliged if you could pester your Google sources about that!
I’m using High Score right now and I don’t see a problem with it at night. Sure, the background is black, but all text is nicely contrasted with that. Did they fix it?
Tell me again TC, why does your logo for Gmail in CrunchBase still have “Beta” on it?