Since last fall, Yahoo has been testing new concepts for its homepage, but the company says it is now getting close to a final design. The other day Yahoo issued an update on the homepage testing and included a recap of what has been done and what is still being done.

The biggest thing so far has been the addition of the Apps section. Now they’ve announced over 25 new apps for things like eBay, Wired.com, Forbes.com, etc. They’ve also beefed up the Sports and Finance apps with elements like providing schedules, team standings, blogs links, and one-click access to stock portfolios and stock quotes.

Here are the things Yahoo says they’re working on:

- many more apps in the coming weeks

- "Most didn’t like the dark color that we tested initially — see the screenshot below of the new visual treatments we’re testing."

- Easier ways to access and preview email and instant messaging accounts are in the works

- It should be easier to get to other Yahoo! services

Yahoo has been testing its homepage through people in the US, UK, France, and India. They are placing a large amount of emphasis on user feedback via comments on their Yodel Anecdotal Blog, feedback forms, and customer care inquries. Look for the new design to launch soon.