We've spotted tons of people doing this on Flickr. They're setting up their desktop images to match what's behind them, making the computer screen look transparent. Are we missing something? Has this been done for, like, ever? The "special effect" is suprising, and the idea does its little part in reducing the interruption of space. We think we like it. See more examples of what appears to be an epidemic after the jump...




I think I need to do that at work.
view stillreign's profile
This is only going to work from one precise viewing angle and distance...
view Michael's profile
Personally I would find this confusing -- too much visual clutter
view Kat1's profile
clever and fun
view SD913's profile
very interesting...except the one with all the cords...they need to read the book...
view Jess2nola's profile
There's a pretty impressive hack to be able to make the picture change to a virtual 3d environment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd3-eiid-Uw), and by combining this and a "virtual" screensaver background on a mac, or a webcam aVis, audio visualisation / 360 degree panoramic static picture compatible with Winamp for a PC, so the illusion would work in EVERY angle. Then again, too much tech and devotion for most people, but doable and more "real" if you're going to be a b*tch about having to be at a "precise viewing angle and distance".
view Djluckyonline's profile
I wish I had that kind of time.
view Jon_B's profile
Yeah, this has been going on forever. I think it was really popular about a year ago maybe? Anyway, still pretty cool. The iMac one is especially impressive. How did she get the metal bar thing in the picture?
view Graham's profile
Isn't this the same basic technology that they use to make army tanks invisible?
view nazrd's profile
I did this...about 8 years ago. Old news.
view universal mod's profile
I think my husband has one of the best examples of this ... :D
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smorgan42/206648622/
view Marbargarbo's profile
that black cat is about to take a swipe at the photographer!
view Sassy in SF's profile
This is a parlour trick, they don't actually leave the background like that.
view vagary's profile
No, this could really be awesome. I understand the whole "only works from one angle", but what if that angle was you at your desk and your computer was always set up in the same spot. How neat. I've never seen this before.
view st@cy's profile
how was this done
view ayz's profile