Over the weekend, Google began testing yet another user interface. This one has a new top bar, using a black background instead of a white or light gray color.
Here is a closer look:
There are some complaints from daily Google users that the black bar looks wrong. Even worse, those that customize their Google home page find the new black bar to completely ruin their custom Google home page.
That being said - Google is indeed testing the new black bar.
They are also testing a new grayed out design.
Google often tests new interfaces, positions and colors throughout the year.
Forum discussion at Google Web Search Help and Google Blogoscoped Forums.
Update: It is now official, more details at over here.
