I have frequently used sites listed on my new tab, and use those to quickly navigate without typing.

Besides that, I don't use or care about anything on the "new tab" tab. Backgrounds, sounds, weather, news - that's all junk/noise to me. There seems to be no value for me in having them on the empty tab, when they're a click (or, in case of the weather, a glance on my phone or watch) away.

Just how it works for me, of course. Other's mileage may vary.