Google 'Bouncing Balls' Logo Amuses, Puzzles Users

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - Google's latest logo reincarnation is drawing both awe and complaints around the web today as the company decided to get a little bouncy.

Visitors to Google's homepage are being greeted with dozens of colored balls that scatter before falling into the traditional logo. When you move your cursor near the balls, they jump away and scatter.

Reports differ as to the reason for the playful Google logo. The Guardian suggested it was a little birthday fun as Google celebrates its 12th anniversary. Google set up shop on Sept. 7, 1998 in Menlo Park, Calif.

The Guardian also said that the logo is an attempt to draw attention to CSS3, a cascading style sheet language that is part of HTML5, the next version of the web programming language HTML. Google has suggested that HTML5 can offer designers more possibilities because it can be more interactive with less effort by the designers.

The catch is that there is not always consistency as to the date upon which Google celebrates its birthday. A timeline posted on the company's website lists Sept. 4, 1998, as the date on which the company filed for incorporation.

The website Search Engine Land said Google has credited different dates over the years. In 2006 the company said "the exact date when we celebrate our birthday has moved around over the years, depending on when people like having cake."

Search Engine Land also reported that a Google spokesperson said that the logo "is not related to Google's birthday but is fast, fun and interactive, just the way we think search should be." The website suggested that could mean something "fast, fun and interactive" will be announced at a Google press conference to be held on Wednesday.

Whether it is a birthday logo or not, not everyone is amazed with the latest logo.

"I hate today's Google doodle," tweeted freelance journalist and blogger Louise Bolotin. "Those balls are a nightmare for those with visual problems. So glad my epilepsy is not photo-sensitive."

The Register said users have complained that 'it was sucking up too much CPU."

A user on a Google forum claimed that idling the search home page on her laptop "led to a 60% CPU load ... " and caused it to overheat.

Going to the SSL Google homepage, https://www.google.com/ , eliminates the bouncing balls.