Star Wars fans can have their Google apps themed based on their favorite side of the force
We’re fastly approaching the launch of Star Wars Episode 7, and Google’s design team seems to be getting just as excited as any hardcore fan. You can sign into your Google account and declare your allegiance to whichever side of the force (light or dark) you fancy. When you do, Google’s various apps (across iOS, Android and the Web) may be themed or contain easter eggs based on Star Wars and the alliance you identify with.
Here’s a quick list of some of the apps and sites Google has changed:
- Android Wear
- Chrome
- Chromecast
- Gmail
- Inbox by Gmail
- Google Calendar
- Google Maps
- Google Now
- Google Search
- Google Translate
- Waze
- YouTube
The changes are mostly cosmetic, with most of the apps and web counterparts simply offering up a different background. Waze and Google Maps may guide your routes using a C-3PO droid. It should all help get you into the mood for the launch of the next trilogy, which is scheduled to happen December 18th with Episode 7’s arrival.
We should note some other important details:
- This only applies to your personal Google account — Google Apps accounts won’t be able to participate so as to respect your workplace’s professionalism.
- You can change sides or disable the feature at any time.
- The feature will automatically shut down February 1st, 2016, so you’ll be able to enjoy it well after the film’s launch.
- It may take a few hours for the changes to fully propagate throughout all your apps, so don’t panic if you’re not seeing it right away.
And that’s that. Simple, fun, and a great way to get the hype machine rolling. Which side are you on? PS: Google says more is on the way, including a VR experience that’ll let us check out the Millennium Falcon “in person.” That should be a wild one.
[via Google]