It looks like things are getting a bit more serious and corporate now, with the new logo being trademarked and protected as intellectual property etc.... I personally don't like new logo and colour scheme. It hurts my eyes a little because of the contrast (I am slightly red/green colourblind). I also don't like the night mode so much, but may have to get used to it.

It is now a clear separation from Steem. That's probably in line with the new SMTs etc, and other services running on the Steem Blockchain, so that Steemit isn't bundled up with Steem, and has its own identity.