Apple’s Aqua-tinted Web site interface is gone, and replaced with a fresh new look that emphasizes black and brushed metal.
The new Web site launch coincides with the conclusion of Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ keynote address to attendees of the 2007 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is taking place this week at the Moscone West conference center in San Francisco, Calif.
At WWDC, Jobs took the wraps off some improvements to Mac OS X v10.5 “Leopard,” which is due to be released in October, 2007 for $129.
Leopard takes center stage on the new home page. Apple counts more than 300 changes and improvements in this new version, including a redesigned Finder, “Quick Look” feature that lets you view files without opening applications, “Time Machine” built-in backup, “Stacks” that help you organize your desktop, changes to Mail, iChat and more.
The new Web site design is the stark opposite of what it was before — the previous design emphasized a liberal use of white space and tabs, buttons and interface elements that mimicked the Aqua interface favored in Mac OS X.
The new Web site, meanwhile, emphasizes the same brushed metal interface on black background we’ve seen Apple use throughout its pro applications and on Web pages where those applications and pro-oriented hardware like the Mac Pro and MacBook Pro are referenced.