Google's New Favicon.

I see that Google has a snazzy new favicon. If you don't know what a favicon is, it's the miniature (16x16 pixels to be precise), customizable logo right in front of the site name in your bookmarks (favorites), or along the bookmark toolbar above the main window if you use that. Even shortcuts from the Windows quick-launch area if you use that! Not sure about the docks in OS X or Vista - whether they use the custom site icon or the generic browser icon.

"Fav(orites)icon" - Get it?

Anyways, it looks like this (old and new comparison):

Much more modern aesthetic (some would even say Apple-esque) than the old ugly-but-trusty icon, though it now no longer dovetails in with Google's logo and homely-but-friendly home page aesthetic. I wonder: Is this a sign of bigger changes to come regarding Google's branding design? Note the other "Google sites" of importance - Gmail, Docs, Groups, Calendar, Picasa, and so on - all have their own unique favicons as well. These are nothing new, but the look of the main homepage and its icon is the company's most identifiable asset, like Mickey Mouse for Disney or the bitten Apple for, er, Apple. Or the big steaming turd for Microsoft.

Ok, so this was one of the more pointless blog entries I've done. Hey, I'm only human. Besides, as an amateur graphic designer and typographer, I notice these things.