I recently learned that Google will be eliminating the ability for users to add a custom background image to their Google homepage. When I opened my browser this morning a little information balloon popped up which read:

Background images are going away on November 16, 2012

Thank you for using background images. As we build a more streamlined Google Search page for everyone, we’ll no longer be able to support customization with background images. So you will no longer be able to see your background pictures starting November 16, 2012.

Click Remove to stop using a background image now. Your current background image and Picasa web albums will still be available to you.

In 2010 I learned that I could replace the white Google homepage with any photo in my Picasa Web album or any photo in a public gallery hosted by Picasa. I chose a picture of my cat Khan relaxing on the balcony in Sept. 2010.

I regularly use three computers: my main desktop when I’m working at home, my Lenovo ThinkPad T520i when I have to do stories or other work on the run, and my super cool Sony Vaio VGN-UX380N ultra-portable micro PC when I need to do computer work on the go but don’t feel like carrying a brick on my shoulder.

I take my computers all over the place and they all are a bit different. When I travel with one of my laptops I often use public wireless at airports, or other public spots. When I log in the wireless will send me to some splash screen advertising some product, business, or service. I love that I can just click my home button and be sent to my customized Google page where I’m greeted by Khan who invites me to check my email, scour my Google Drive, or check the news. It makes me feel a little bit at home wherever I am.

This feature makes my life a little bit better and I’m sad to see it go.