The clean simplicity of Google's search page has been one of its key themes for years. Fast to load and generally consistent in layout, it's become a welcome sight amongst the complexities of the Web. "You are here to search", it states, "and we will make that simple."
Yes, there are the occasional Google logo changes, what they used to call a Google Doodle, commemorating events and holidays. But that's it. Logo. A few links. Search box. Lots of white space.
Then along came Bing!, Microsoft's search offering, with customisable backgrounds. Keen to take a slice of the Google pie, Bing has tried to differentiate itself by building in flexibility which they hope will appeal to searchers.
So now Google have added in their own background customisation. As well as a range of stock photos and artwork, Google users can upload and use their own pictures as backgrounds. They can also share these with other users.
Which rather opens them up to some interesting results from people determined to add a little commentary to their search page.
Click here for one - but I'm sure there will be much better ones to come.
