I really like these newer user interfaces that use a dark gray/black color palette. The first time I saw it was in the early releases of the Microsoft Expression products. Then, I saw the UI of the Adobe CS products shift to a darker palette. And following that, Corel's graphics program shifted to a black/gray interface.
I like the dark UI because it allows the thing you're actually working on to stand out more. The UI itself competes less for the user's attention. The items you want are available and visible...but they're understated...less screaming, "Look at me. Look. At. Me." than products with more colorful palettes.
Question: Anyone know of a UI that uses a dark palette that's not a graphics program?
Below: zBrush
Below: 
Adobe Bridge
Adobe BridgeBelow: CoolIris
Below: Paint Shop Pro X2
Below: Microsoft Expression Design 2
