1920x1200 The History Behind Microsoft Xp's Р’С’Сљbl... вљЎ

Released on , " Bliss " became the face of the new "Luna" interface, which favored colorful, friendly aesthetics over the grey boxes of earlier versions.

: While the exact amount is confidential, reports suggest it was the second most expensive license ever paid for a single photograph at the time.

: Despite popular belief, the image was completely unedited . The vibrant colors were the result of a specific type of Fuji film and the timing—winter rains had turned the hills emerald green, and a brief break in a storm provided the crisp white clouds. 1920x1200 The History Behind Microsoft XP's “Bl...

The iconic " Bliss " wallpaper, originally titled , is arguably the most-viewed photograph in history, with Microsoft estimating it has been seen by over one billion people. The Moment of Creation

: Because the original film was so valuable, no shipping company would insure it for the full amount. O'Rear had to personally fly to Microsoft’s headquarters in Seattle to hand-deliver the transparency. Cultural Impact Released on , " Bliss " became the

The photograph was captured in by former National Geographic photographer Charles O'Rear . While driving through Sonoma County, California, to visit his girlfriend, O'Rear pulled over along Highway 12/121 to photograph a lush, rolling green hill under a brilliant blue sky.

: Microsoft engineers selected the image to be the default wallpaper for Windows XP (codenamed "Whistler"). The vibrant colors were the result of a

O'Rear originally uploaded the photo to , a stock photo agency that was later acquired by Corbis , a licensing company owned by Bill Gates.