You stare at the same desktop wallpaper every day, and your screen saver is a blank screen or a bouncing logo. !Magic 3D Images replaces that with a rotating set of stereogram pictures, the hidden-depth images made popular as "Magic Eye".
Quick facts
- Type: screen saver with wallpaper option
- Version listed: 1.0
- Platforms: Windows 95/98/ME, Windows NT/2000, Windows XP
- License: shareware
- Images: 40 stereograms
Key features
40 stereogram images that rotate on their own
The screen saver cycles through 40 stereogram images. You don't need red/green glasses, polarizing filters or a projector. Only your eyes.
Over a dozen transition effects between pictures
Over a dozen visual effects can appear as one image gives way to the next.
Use any image as your desktop wallpaper
Each of the 40 pictures can also be set as wallpaper. A screen saver control and a wallpaper control are included.
A Sticky Note message while the screen is locked
The Sticky Note feature shows a message of your choice on the screen saver. If the screen saver is password-protected, the computer stays locked while passers-by can still read your note, for example when you're at lunch or in a meeting.
How to see the hidden image
Method 1: put your face close to the stereogram, relax your eyes and look through it as if focused on a point behind the surface. Then slowly move away without changing the position of your eyes.
Method 2: look at your own reflection in the screen, then slowly shift your attention to the stereogram without changing the position of your eyes.
Who it's for
It suits you if you remember the Magic Eye craze and want those pictures on your screen, or if you want a screen saver that doubles as a small puzzle for visitors to your desk.
Pros and cons
- Pro: no glasses or extra hardware needed.
- Pro: images double as wallpaper.
- Pro: a configurable message can show on a locked screen.
- Con: only 85 to 90 percent of people can see stereograms in three dimensions.
- Con: the viewing technique takes some practice.
- Con: the fixed set is 40 images.
FAQs
Do I need special glasses?
No. A stereogram looks like a flat random-dot or tiled pattern until you use a specific viewing technique.
Can I use the pictures as wallpaper?
Yes. Each of the 40 images can be displayed as your desktop wallpaper.
Can I leave a message while my PC is locked?
Yes. The Sticky Note feature shows a message you choose on the screen saver.
What if I can't see the 3D image?
Try the reflection method, or move slowly back from the screen. Some people simply can't see stereograms.
System requirements
Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 or XP.