Nature themes for Google

[cangoou]

Since today I see a text on the Google mainpage beneath the query-field saying:

New! Design your Google startpage with nature-themes from
National Geographic, Audubon etc.

This is a really a complete new idea!

[tedster]

I'm not seeing this, at least not yet - whether I'm logged in or logged out.

[Leosghost]

Nor here ..( if ) it happens = semi catchup = DIY Bing :)

[icedowl]

I see them in iGoogle. Pretty nice.

[andrewsmith]

May I need to open National Geographic site to design google startup page, i don't think so!

[Robert Charlton]

semi catchup = DIY Bing

Yes and no. There's definitely an element of imitation. The Bing design team and photo editors, in fact, deserve a big bonus for some of the success of Bing. The pictures are selected very well, and the mouse-around interface on the Bing photos goes beyond the one link from the Google anniversary logo in adding an extra dimension of exploring related searches.

That said, there's a strong commercial aspect in Bing's home page Travel photos, as Bing has a direct paid Travel affiliate section linked from its home page.

Google has intermittently played with affiliate (or paid) search forms at the top of some of its travel serps. I could argue for or against either approach as perhaps crossing a line.

I haven't checked to see whether Google might be selling animal puzzles. ;)