Google Redesign from Concave to Convex

I am not sure if you noticed but Google rolled out the new design for their core search pages. Juts from my observation many elements are the same as previously introduced in YouTube (more about this at some later point). Here is the rundown.

Google Old Search Page – The old search box is concave, meaning the shadows are structured in such a way that it appears recessed from the surface of the page. The old search buttons are darker gray and they are sharply convex, meaning sharply protruding to the forefront from the surface of the page.
Google Old Search Results Page – There is nothing to add here, you know this page.

Google New Search Page – The new search box is taller (and wider?) by about 5 pixels, the box is now convex (this is the most radical element of the redesign), meaning the shadows are structured in such a way that it (the search box) appears protruding to the forefront from the surface of the page. You can see that they changed the position of the curser (more idiot proof). The search buttons are lighter gray, the are also taller and have a slight gradient tone, i.e. they are not as flat as the old buttons. This is the one element of the redesign that I think was a mistake. I like the minimalist flatness of the old buttons and the letters themselves (“Google Search” and “I’ am Feeling Lucky” ) blend better with the old background.
Google New Search Results Page – There is the “iconized” left options column. Generally this is a good idea, although there are still the same options on top navigation. May be as a transition this is OK, but you shouldn’t have the repetition of the same options on the same page.

Philosophically speaking the search gone from concave to convex.This is a bold move, pun intended. You now search “on the page” not “in the page”. Perhaps the Internet is no longer as permeable as it used to? The search is now less angular and less in contrast, it is less “masculine”. The new search is more oblique, gradient and curvy, how appropriate for the Mother’s Day!

Significantly there is also a new logo. The old logo (above) has a drop-off shadow to appear floating above the page. The new logo has just a hint of a shadow, almost flat on the page. In the old logo the letters are more articulated with the shadows, so they seem more shapely and a bit darker. The new logo has the same colors but without the shadows the same colors appear brighter. I am disappointed with the new logo, if they felt that a flat logo is more contemporary, they would have made a statement by going completely flat, instead there is the corporate half-ass in between compromise. And you can see how the new less convex logo is inconsistent with the new more convex search redesign.