Today’s Picks mostly come from my desire to not overwhelm you with tons of Google news. I wish Microsoft or Yahoo–or anyone–would do something worthy of attention. Until that happens, it’s all Google, all the time.

• Google has added three new experimental features to Gmail labs.
• Two ex-Googlers add new video analytics to their Ooyala video platform.
• Google backs a project to bring internet to those that lack it, via the launch of 16 low-cost satellites.
• If you’re a code monkey you’ll be thrilled to learn that Google Analytics is now fully hackable via Google Code.
• Eric Lander wants to know why Google continues to allow reputation damaging claims to sit at the top of its search results. (via)

Darlin’ you look absolutely divine in that new iGoogle theme! You must tell me the name of your designer?

As Fashion Week hits high gear, Google has joined in with the launch of 28 new iGoogle themes–designed by top fashion designers and musicians.

This group is amazing, spanning a wide range of styles and genres: Radiohead and Gnarls Barkley used radiant colors; Gucci, Burberry, and Vera Wang illustrated beautiful patterns; and Bob Dylan and Celine Dion created an iconic look (of course). So depending on what you’re interested in, there’s lots of great art to choose from to suit your personality, taste or mood.

Wait, did they say Gnarls Barkley? This Gnarls Barkley?

It think there is a tipping point of sorts when a once dominant player in an industry is described as a making a bid to remain relevant. That PR kiss of death was offered by the WSJ for AOL’s latest efforts to prove that it has a place at the adult table this Thanksgiving. I have a feeling that the folks at Yahoo! breathe a sigh of relief every time they come to the realization that their continued slide into mediocrity pales in comparison to the AOL fast track to internet oblivion that has people like me asking “Oh, they ‘re still around?”.

Oh my goodness, it’s Linky Goodness! (You know you missed it!)

• AdAge reports that YouTube will be premiering HotSpots to track when the audience watches (as opposed to rewinding and fastforwarding) and increase video viewership. (Dear YouTubers: were in ur videos, trackin ur eyes.) via
• Didit says that swing voters may be influenced by search ads. While 7% of voters online doesn’t sound like much, elections have been decided by smaller margins!
• Back in March, Microsoft lost CMO Joanne Bradford to SpotRunner. She’s on the move again: and now she’s at Yahoo Senior VP of US revenue and market development.