This may not be immediately apparent but Google have launched a new look for the home page.  When you go to the Google home page all you get is this….

Until you move your mouse.  This is when the fade-in happens…

The rationale from Google is straightforward:

“Since most users who are interested in clicking over to a different application generally do move the mouse when they arrive, the ‘fade in’ is an elegant solution that provides options to those who want them, but removes distractions for the user intent on searching.”