Themes

Google on Tuesday launched a gallery of 29 themes for Google Chrome (requires Google Chrome 3.0 beta for Windows). But Mozilla, while refraining from sniggering, boasted it's now up to 20,000.

Cosmetic changes are, well, cosmetic, but a lot of people like them as a way to add some flair to their machines. Many had been pestering Google to add themes support even though Chrome employs a Spartan user interface without much acreage for artistry. Last week's developer version of Chrome added a "Get themes" button in the Options dialog box, and now Google … Read more

It looks like Google is nearing release for a gallery showcasing themes to customize Chrome's appearance, judging by one reader's experience.

When a person opens a new empty browser tab in Chrome, the browser shows an array of thumbnails of previously visited sites. One of those sites, the reader said, was labeled "Google Chrome Themes Gallery." The screenshot shows a multicolored array of themes for the browser.

It's a good thing Google apparently is working on the Web site, because already Chrome is ready to be directly connected to it.

The latest developer version of Chrome supports themes … Read more

Google's Chrome tries to make a virtue out of its minimally intrusive browser interface, but that doesn't stop people from wanting to change its colors. So customization fans probably will be happy to learn that themes are now activated in the newest developer release of Google's browser.

Themes have been gradually getting simpler to activate in the browser, but they became enabled by default in the newest developer releases this week, version 3.0.195.3 and a hasty bug-fix release Wednesday night, version 3.0.195.4. No longer must you mess with pesky "--enable-extensions" command-line switches or other nitty-gritty options. … Read more

ObjectBar is a customizable toolbar that allows users to add and remove various elements. We found it to be a nice addition to our Windows experience.

The toolbar itself can be customized with an assortment of themes and skins, and the ability to tweak the toolbar's contents means that the interface can be just about whatever a user wants it to be. However, the interface with which the user manages the toolbar could be better designed. It's easy enough to add and remove programs, but other functions, including changing themes and skins, aren't so intuitive. The program'… Read more

Big Mountain Valley Animated Wallpaper is a great way to breathe some life into your stagnant desktop. With a peaceful scene as your background, this wallpaper will speak volumes about your personality.

The program's interface could not be much simpler. With only a few settings, this program is either on or off with not many decisions to make. Users will not find a Help file, but will not miss it, since the program is so simple. The program consists of a peaceful scene depicting a pond and wildflowers with a mountain in the background. All of it is a … Read more

Haunted House 3D Screensaver provides users with a spooky way to let their computer rest. By taking you on a tour of a haunted house, this fun tool will certainly give your computer some personality.

The program's interface will be simple for anyone who has ever set up a screensaver before. By going to the Control Panel and choosing this program, users can set up and customize this screensaver in such a simple way that they will not be fazed by its lack of a Help file. The program consists of a well-drawn trip around the grounds of an … Read more

Aside from some technical difficulties today and a giant bug bite, we've got a great show featuring all three of your favorite Web celebrities. Before we get to the stories, we want to remind everyone of The 404 logo contest and of our appearance on our buddy Clayton Morris' FoxNews.com's Strategy Room to talk about all the good tech, video game-related goodness at 2 p.m. EST.

On today's show, find out ways that kids now are using abbreviations in text messages to hide things from their parents. Apparently, "RU/18" is something that kids these days are getting on their cell phones. Also, Pfizer is giving away free three-month supplies of Viagra and Lipitor because of the recession, but only if you were on the drugs before you got laid off. We hope Justin isn't itching to get fired for this deal.

In regard to a story about China shutting down a sex-themed park, Wilson gives us way too much information about "the talk" with his mom when he was 15. Justin and Jeff learned everything from "Sesame Street." Speaking of more things naughty, there is a new version of "Star Trek" called "Star Trix", and we can't really say much more about it other than it's totally NSFW.

Finally, showers make you more productive at work. Just be sure to watch out for peephole-size openings at work. Be sure to write in at the404 [at] cnet [dot] com. We'd love to see more of your submissions for our logo contest. See you on Tuesday after the Memorial Day break!

RapidWeaver occupies a middle ground between entry-level Web design applications like iWeb and the big-gun programs intended for Web design professionals. You still get access to higher-powered features (especially with the use of plug-ins and code snippets), but RapidWeaver is never daunting, focusing on simplicity over flexibility. You get all the tools you need to quickly create attractive, relatively complex Web sites--including easy integration of blogs, images, and video--without any coding and using a visually appealing interface that's so intuitive you'll barely have to crack a manual.

RapidWeaver offers a fast, sensible workflow, giving you many possibilities for … Read more

Windows Mobile's interface is getting better all the time, but it could use some help. Swooping to the rescue are interface replacers like Spb Mobile Shell. With integration for Facebook photos, intuitive navigation, and widget customizations, Spb's mobile interface alternative go a long way toward making Windows Mobile engaging.

The professional view sports a clock and weather widget, your various voice mail and message in-boxes, alarms, and the calendar on a glossy background whose maroon default you can change. Below is a contact icon that opens your contact list. Newly added Facebook integration lets you pick among your … Read more