Some Google Apps users were surprised — nay, horrified — to find the familiar, easy-to-find Gmail envelope favicon replaced this week.
https://twitter.com/todesschaf/status/378583566105321472
It’s not just you. Behold the horror:
What the hell kind of favicon is that, Gmail? pic.twitter.com/hhnb7BhPYA
— commuter_dirge (@commuter_dirge) September 13, 2013
The “new” favicon is the same one used for Google Admin and while most people think it’s a wrench/gear combo, some see a peacock. Or maybe a turkey, a ribbon or the always-dreaded light bulb with blue hair.
why is my favicon for gmail a peacock @google_CEO ?
— Genny Salvatore (@gymbackG) September 13, 2013
Why is my Gmail browser icon now a turkey?
— Nico Perrino (@NicoPerrino) September 13, 2013
A strange new favicon for GMail has appeared in my browser. It looks like a lightbulb growing blue hair. #gmail pic.twitter.com/jl9skbrGRc
— Ben_Teitelbaum (@humanifold) September 13, 2013
https://twitter.com/quarternotelife/statuses/378362223036350465
Anyone else seeing a weird wrench flower icon in Google Apps Gmail? http://t.co/4TY6ydaZNe
— brian dichiara (@briandichiara) September 13, 2013
Whatever it is, a Google Product Forum thread indicates it’s limited to Google Apps accounts (possibly ones with administrative privileges). Oh, and no one seems to like the “eyesore.”
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Gmail, what are you doing with this favicon, where did you get it, and what did you do with yours? Were you drinking? pic.twitter.com/uxTQklIhMY
— Derek Kessler (@derekakessler) September 13, 2013
@google Why can't my Gmail favicon look like mail? #fail
— Mark Cheshire (@MarkCheshire) September 13, 2013
https://twitter.com/maxlynch/status/378550246583721984
The new Gmail favicon is going to take some getting used to – haven't been able to find find my inbox all day. pic.twitter.com/schxRZ0I6e
— Jacob Esparza (@jacobespa) September 13, 2013
Is the new gmail favicon intentional or is someone getting fired? It certainly doesn't look like anything else in the Google brand.
— Michael David Wilson (@WilsonTheWriter) September 14, 2013
If the wrench-turkey-peacock browser icon is throwing you off, here’s a possible workaround:
My temporary workaround for the new @gmail gear favicon eyesore http://t.co/n27IpOsth2
— Rick Johnston (@rickincanada) September 14, 2013
If Google weighs in, Twitchy will update with additional information.
Update, 9/17/2013:
Will the blue-haired light bulb be banished some time soon?
This message attributed to a Google Enterprise Support employee was posted on the Google Product Forums today.
Thank you for contacting Google Apps Support. I understand you want to know more about the favicon you noticed on your Gmail.
This is actually supposed to be the favicon for the Google Apps Admin Console. It is definitely nothing to worry about. We are working on deactivating it for the moment and expect to have the favicon back to the mail symbols with the colored M by the end of the week.
Please be aware this is just a cosmetic icon and in no way has there been any security issues in the appearance of this favicon over the last few days.
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