Google has introduced a new design for desktop search results that includes colorful icons in the top navigation bar. The new look was first noticed during testing back in March, and it now seems to be available to all users. Previously, the top navigation menu consisted only of text, so these icons add a bit more personality to the search results pages. The examples show how these new icons light up with color when selected.
The updates to the desktop search results are purely cosmetic, with no changes to functionality. The presentation of search results below the top navigation bar remains the same.