As expected, Google has now changed back to a similar look for the Google bar from back in November. Why?
Google said:
Based on your feedback, we realized there were some elements of the new bar that we could improve, and with that in mind, we're introducing an updated version that we believe will provide a better experience.The new design retains many of the feature changes we made in November that proved popular, including a unified search box and Google+ sharing and notifications across Google. The biggest change is that we've replaced the drop-down Google menu with a consistent and expanded set of links running across the top of the page.
Here are screen shots....
New Google Bar:
The Big Bar Google is Dropping:
During the switch over, some are seeing issues with the styling, you can always try to shift refresh to fix those issues.
With any major change like this, you have those who hate it and those that like it.
Forum discussion at Google Web Search Help, WebmasterWorld, and Google+.