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Animated Wallpapers!

from WinCustomize Forums

I remember watching Harry Potter and seeing how pictures in frames were animated and thinking "Wow, this is cool!"

For years, many people have wanted to have animated wallpapers. And for years, developers would try to put something together but inevitably, the results were not acceptable for the target audience.

But now, with Windows Vista Ultimate, things have changed.  Now you can have animated wallpapers that on a modern, high end machine use very little CPU.

Having a good engine to run animated wallppaers, is only half the story of course. You also need to have animated wallpapers that people would actually want to use.  After all, if they're distracting or obnoxious, people won't use them.

For many months now, we've been working with Microsoft on a project to create and provide animated wallpapers to users of Windows Vista Ultimate.

We'll have more details soon.

12,121 views 37 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So you are working on Motion Desktop then?
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I am glad Motion Desktop has a new name.. This one doesnt sound Microsoft at all, I like it.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Congrats! Looking VERY forward to this! Should be a blast!
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Congrats indeed for your site and art by the artists.

I noticed a download limit (in my case: 100Mb) and I thought that Vista Ultimate users had no limits. Now I have to pay $19,95 to receive an unlimited download., is there a reason for this?

Great site and thank you in advance for your answer.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I thought that Vista Ultimate users had no limits


Where was that said? Customers and subscribers have no limits because it costs a lot to run this site and they have helped to cover the costs. Seems quite fair and logical to me.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I thought that Vista Ultimate users had no limits


Where was that said? Customers and subscribers have no limits because it costs a lot to run this site and they have helped to cover the costs. Seems quite fair and logical to me.


Running a site costs money: that's true, we've paid a lot of money for Vista Ultimate and Stardock receives money from Microsoft as part of the deal. So It should be free for Ultimate users.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Stardock receives money from Microsoft as part of the deal.


I can't recall seeing that said anywhere on WC or Stardock's sites.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Stardock receives money from Microsoft as part of the deal.


I can't recall seeing that said anywhere on WC or Stardock's sites.


For example: https://www.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?AID=140736&c=1

"Users of Windows Vista Ultimate will be able to download it from "Ultimate Extras", able to download means not paying for it, in that case they should mention "will have to pay for it" (at least according to European laws).

I am sorry that I cannot provide a copy of the contract between Stardock/Microsoft. But there will be money involved (nothing in life is free and we paid as stated before for Ultimate extras so...)

Greetings.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

able to download means not paying for it,

To be pedantic 'able to download' actually means 'able to download'.

In those three words there is exactly no reference to payment of any kind being needed or not.

"Users of Windows Vista Ultimate will be able to download it from "Ultimate Extras".  Moreover, Microsoft has tapped WinCustomize.com as the premier repository for DreamScene content distribution and content by end users. The gallery and landing page will officially go live by the time Windows Vista Ultimate becomes generally available."

The 'it' referenced as 'able to be downloaded' Is the DreamScene program which is one of the 'extras' downloadable from Microsoft.

Wincustomize.com is the premier repository for the 'Dreams' uploaded by skinners/artists..... something quite separate from the Microsoft/Ultimate/Extra program itself.

Hope this clears things....

Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
To be pedantic 'able to download' actually means 'able to download'.


Another classic Jafo! Made my day. Thanks!
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top

XytroX ... to be fair, I'd expect some people might see such comments as...

I am sorry that I cannot provide a copy of the contract between Stardock/Microsoft.

...as some public indication of 'fact', where in this instance the commenter actually has no idea of its veracity at all.

When posting comments/complaints, etc it's imperative that what is stated and/or quoted is entirely accurate.  Failing to ensure that opens oneself to dismissal by those who would otherwise be in a position to assist/inform.

Misquoting, etc only confuses the casual viewer/reader even more....

Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The attitude started here:

I said "I thought that Vista Ultimate users had no limits", the reply was "Where was that said?" and so the story continued in a negative way.

I am a user of many forums and I don't like the attitude here. I hope you'll remove my account as requested. Thank you in advance.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I said "I thought that Vista Ultimate users had no limits", the reply was "Where was that said?" and so the story continued in a negative way.


Stick around XytroX. You asked a legitimate question but I think you are over reacting to the response you referenced. "Where was that said?" by Bebi Buma was nothing more than attempt to understand the basis for your opinion that there should be no limits. If what you thought was a fact was actually written somewhere from an authoritative source, it would obviously have a major impact on the conversation.

So stick around.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
In reference to my part in this thread:

Do as you please, but I actually meant no malice in my response to your post up there.

I really was wondering where you'd seen that stated.

As a multi-forum user myself, I'm aware how things can be perceived in the negative by the reader, hence my use of the "notsure" emoticon.

Still, if you think I meant you malice or had intended to turn this thread into a pissfest, you're mistaken. Not my style, and many here can attest to that.

With that ...I'm done with this.
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
@Jafo, Kenwas and Erk: Thank you for your comment.

I will stick around and enjoy this site. I was dissapointed to see that I had to pay again after buying Vista Ultimate Retail and I understand that artists also deserve payment for their work.

Let's start over in a positive way in the topics to be answered/started.
(Excuse my English sometimes, it's not my native language).
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Excellent! Have a great weekend!
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I will stick around and enjoy this site


Good...hate to see anyone leave because of a misunderstanding. Reading comments in type is often very "cold" and the true meaning in ones words can be misunderstood. I've put my foot in my mouth occasionally and had to appologize and english IS my native language so i can understand. As you will see there is a lot of help and understanding available here. Good Luck and welcome.