Hi, It seems adsense is testing the larger font sizes in the ad blocks. I have come across interesting blog about the loook and feel of the new ad layout. I feel its good one. what you feel? http://www.jensense.com/2009/02/08/adsense-testing-larger-font-in-ad-units/
Larger font seems to draw more attention to the ad which is always a good thing. I have seen this happening on my pages and thought it was some kind of error, so thanks for pointing out what their doing.
I suspect revenue is down @ Google, economic downturn aside - the stopping of arbitrage really put a dent on earnings. so I think all these ideas have spawned from the idea of needing to make up for those monies lost. These big fonts will probably get a lower CTR on account it clearly looks like an ad, less likely to be read -no flow
google is testing new things all the time. its a win win solution for both google and publishers if it brings more clicks
It is obvious that every company lost money on the slow down. i don't think we cannot predict that it will lower the CTR. because even though it is big font it may get more attention. google should allow publishers to select the smal or big font size . that would be nice.
even if it is not much successful, google might come up with some other ideas. It is good that now adsense favouring publishers wealth. lets hope it brings more clicks.