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Object Desktop 2010 Preview

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Object Desktop 2010 Preview

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2010 Preview

What it is

Object Desktop is a suite of desktop enhancement utilities designed to enable users to turbo-charge their Windows experience. It has been described over the years as a “third party upgrade to Windows”.

With Windows 7 arriving on the eve of the 10th anniversary since the initial Windows release of Object Desktop, this year’s version is particularly special.  This article will walk you through the basic elements of Object Desktop, what’s new since last year, and why it has remained so popular with power users.

Anyone who gets Object Desktop today will automatically get Object Desktop 2010 plus everything we release for a year from their purchase.

The Goods

There are many programs that make up Object Desktop but a few of them are the real-stand outs and have gotten the lion’s share of the effort this year. 

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The featured programs of Object Desktop 2010

Below are just a few highlights…

 

WindowBlinds 7

Since its initial launch, WindowBlinds has been the star of Object Desktop and in November, WindowBlinds 7 gets released on its own and is already in late beta on Object Desktop as I write this. Having been involved on WindowBlinds since the start, I can safely say that this version is definitely the most significant update ever.

Here are some highlights:

 

 

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WindowBlinds 7: Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users get a massive upgrade.

 

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Native support for Windows 7

 

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WindowBlinds 7 can skin Windows Aero.

 

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The new WindowBlinds configuration screen

 

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Remember all those skins made in the Windows XP era? No problem, they will work natively on Windows Vista and Windows 7 and can now be modified in the program to be better than ever.

 

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Apply textures your skins to create your own custom look. You can even create your own textures right from the program.

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Aero skinned.

 

 

Fences Pro 1

Fences is a brand-new program that lets people organize their desktop icons easily. It can also, with a simple double-click, hide all your icons at once. It’s quickly become one of the most popular programs on the Internet.

 

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Fences makes it easy to organize your desktop.

 

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A fence can hide a lot of clutter.

 

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Double-click on the desktop and all your icons will disappear. Double-click again to bring them back.

 

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Creating a fence is as easy holding the right mouse button down and dragging

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Fences Pro goes beyond what is in the free version and allows users to have Fences collect new icons based on type – auto organizing their desktop.

 

DeskScapes 3

DeskScapes is the world’s most popular animated wallpaper program.

The first version allowed users of Windows Vista to apply a new type of wallpaper called “Dreams” that were either video or rendered animation dynamically.  The second version added support for Windows XP.  The new version, Version 3, adds support for “Hybrid” dreams which allows users to take a static picture and animate it.  In addition, it also supports adding effects to your existing wallpaper gallery.

Here’s an overview in pictures:

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DeskScapes gets a new, easy to use configuration screen

 

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Your existing wallpaper library gets a whole new life thanks to effects. All effects are done on the fly without ever effecting the actual wallpaper.

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Got a cool photo that is too colorful as a wallpaper? Use the DeskScapes Sepia effect to tone it down.  Doesn’t touch the actual file, just the wallpaper in memory.

 

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Hybrid dreams allow users to integrate animated pieces into static images. As a result, a subtle, interesting animated wallpaper can be made that isn’t distracting and uses virtually no CPU. Users can even pick and choose which animated elements to use.

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There are thousands of high quality animated wallpapers (Dreams) available on the net already and with DeskScapes 3, you can apply effects to them as well.

 

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Got a large screen monitor and your wallpapers are a lower resolution? Then you will definitely want DeskScapes 3. It has options to take those wallpapers and apply effects so that they look good at higher resolutions. DeskScapes even provides options for handling wallpaper on multiple monitors.

 

 

DesktopX 4

DesktopX is a program that allows users to add true “objects” to their Windows desktop.  DesktopX 4 is the long-awaited update that adds full support for Windows Vista and Windows 7 and streamlines its user interface. Here’s a sample of what it can do:

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Now adding an object is as easy as right-clicking on the desktop.

 

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Users can make their desktop objects and size or shape. JavaScript or VB Scripts can optionally be used to give them function.

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Users can export their creations as objects (to be used within DesktopX), widgets (programs on a system that has DesktopX), or as a Windows sidebar gadget.

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Users can gather their objects together and build desktops and then save them as a .desktop.

 

IconPackager 5

IconPackager is a program that enables users to apply packages of icons to their Windows system to change all their icons at once or individually.

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IconPackager gets support for Windows 7.

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Windows 7 specific icons can now be easily changed in one spot.

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Right-click on a data file and IconPackager 5 will allow you to change the icon for that file type and can even sort through different icon packages to find just the right icon.

 

The Impulse Dock

Object Desktop 2010 now automatically includes the Impulse Dock. This simple dock snaps to the taskbar and can be set to auto-hide.

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This simple and powerful dock makes it easy to organize the programs you regularly run and complements your existing taskbar.

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Customize the look of your dock with the included high-resolution icons or use your own.

 

Tweak 7

If you have Windows Vista or Windows 7, then the new version of Stardock’s premiere tweaking program (TweakVista and Tweak7) will help you get the most out of Windows. Here’s some of what’s new:

 

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Tweak7’s simplified interface makes it much easier to find out what’s running on your system and help get rid of all the junk that gets loaded safely.

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Fine tune the UAC even beyond what Windows 7 can do (even on Windows Vista).

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Windows tends to try to force you to put all your “stuff” on the C drive. Tweak7 allows users to safely and seamlessly move those directories to other partitions – without even having to reboot normally.

 

 

Theme Manager

Theme Manager helps put it all together. The new version of Theme Manager refocuses on .Suites.  A suite includes everything you need to change your desktop – a WindowBlinds skin, an icon package, a DeskScapes dream, DesktopX objects, etc. all put together and applied from a single UI.

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The new Theme Manager includes several new suites right within it along with some exclusive animated wallpapers for DeskScapes users.

 

Conclusions

This is just a quick summary of some of the work Stardock has done on Object Desktop these past few months. There’s a lot more to it than this and there’s a lot of great stuff cooking in our labs for the forthcoming year too.

If you don’t have Object Desktop, you can get it here: www.objectdesktop.com. 

On December 2, 2009, Object Desktop and Object Desktop Ultimate will be merged into Object Desktop. Users with Object Desktop Ultimate will get a full year added to their account (so now is the ideal time to pick up Object Desktop Ultimate). 

Object Desktop: It’s like getting the next version of Windows today!

308,992 views 94 replies +1 Loading…
Reply #52 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"Native DWM" support? What is meant by that?
DeskScapes - Bring your desktop background to life.
Reply #53 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And is there any more news on DesktopX4? From a developmenters point of view. Improved scripting environment? Being able to create reusable objects?
Reply #54 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting thomassen, reply 53
"Native DWM" support? What is meant by that?
End of thomassen's quote

 

DWM = Desktop Windows Manager

Reply #55 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I know - I was curious of the "native" bit.
Reply #56 from WinCustomize Forums Top
All current Ultimate users will receive a FULL YEAR added to their subscription on the launch of Object Desktop 2010. I have an Ultimate Edition now end it will expires on 22th januari 2010. Do I need to extend/upgrade my license or do I just get an "extra" year...?
Reply #57 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I don't know if it has been discussed, I'd like to know if some programs from the current ultimate will be left out when it becomes simply Object Desktop? If yes, will we have to purchase them separately?

Reply #58 from Stardock Forums Top

I know - I was curious of the "native" bit.
End of quote

I think that means they use DWM's own native APIs when they are available.

Reply #59 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I retract my statement of last night when my wife arrived home to learn the I had let a couple of bills lapse and our water had been cut off; there is, indeed, a God! All that I can say is thank you Brad and the rest of the hard-working staff here for for not just throwing out an impressive product and then flying on the the laurels of said 'impressive product', but rather continuing to innovate above and beyond *my* expectations, at least. [p]Like my x64 brethren, I'm looking forward to dumping 32 bit stuff, but I'm also rational and understand that there are still a few out there clinging tenaciously to their tubes and transistor radios (: so I'll defer on that complaint.[/p] Once again, in terms adding not merely that extra dab of color to our desktops--yes, I remember waiting impatiently for each new build of the very first Windowblind betas--a good decade or more ago (I've lost count), you've also managed to to actually add value to these Windows systems. And just when I thought I couldn't be any more satisfied with Windows 7, you come along with this list of drool-worthy enhancements. Last but not least: Do mine eyes decieve me, or is Stardock sympathizing a little with its die-hard consumers in a time of financial crisis? Next thing you know, we'll see Brad and Company on Capitol Hill making full use of some Senator's office in an effort to help Congress offer healthcare AND eliminate the deficit. Hehe, ChunkyMunky, anyone?
Reply #60 from WinCustomize Forums Top

ChunkyMunky, anyone?
End of quote

 

I'm not sure where Messiah is :|

 

:D

Reply #61 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just quickly, I apologize for the big block of unseemly text.
Won't let me edit it; so I'll blame it on the meds. Again, my apologies  ;p 
Reply #62 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just went to renew subscription and saw the 32 bit only deal. No can do. Am running 64 bit on two or my three machines. Am having to change my firewall and a couple other programs to use Windows 7 64 bit but I've already crossed the 64 bit bridge and am not turning back. Send out a notice when 64 bit is ready and I'll check it out again-- but not until. Don't have any idea if your 64 bit versions will be out in one, two or ten months-- doesn't do me much good if I can't use it so I'll wait until 64 bit Stardock is staring me in the face AND the majority of the bugs are worked out.
Reply #63 from WinCustomize Forums Top

ChunkyMunky, anyone?
End of quote

I'm not sure where Messiah is
End of quote

:grin:

Reply #64 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Gary, reply 63
Just went to renew subscription and saw the 32 bit only deal. No can do. Am running 64 bit on two or my three machines. Am having to change my firewall and a couple other programs to use Windows 7 64 bit but I've already crossed the 64 bit bridge and am not turning back. Send out a notice when 64 bit is ready and I'll check it out again-- but not until. Don't have any idea if your 64 bit versions will be out in one, two or ten months-- doesn't do me much good if I can't use it so I'll wait until 64 bit Stardock is staring me in the face AND the majority of the bugs are worked out.
End of Gary's quote

What is 32 bit only?

Reply #65 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I already Purchased a Entire suite, about 8-9 months ago, What will Object Desktop 2010 give or improve on what I already have, seeing as I already have almost everything, other than the Free Version of Fences.
Reply #66 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I already Purchased a Entire suite, about 8-9 months ago, What will Object Desktop 2010 give or improve on what I already have, seeing as I already have almost everything, other than the Free Version of Fences.
End of quote

If you bought Object Desktop 8 - 9 months ago then you already have the free version of Fences available to you also. As for the rest of the question did you read the OP? ;)

Reply #68 from WinCustomize Forums Top
That is sad as that is the primary reason why I have OD.
Reply #69 from Demigod Forums Top

Just went to renew subscription and saw the 32 bit only deal. No can do. Am running 64 bit on two or my three machines. Am having to change my firewall and a couple other programs to use Windows 7 64 bit but I've already crossed the 64 bit bridge and am not turning back. Send out a notice when 64 bit is ready and I'll check it out again-- but not until. Don't have any idea if your 64 bit versions will be out in one, two or ten months-- doesn't do me much good if I can't use it so I'll wait until 64 bit Stardock is staring me in the face AND the majority of the bugs are worked out.
End of quote

Huh?

I don't even have a 32-bit OS-driven machine anymore.  

Object Desktop supports 64-bit Vista and 64-bit Windows 7. A lot of the programs don't just support it but have native 64-bit versions.

Reply #70 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Still hoping that WindowBlinds 7 will feature a 'select folder' option to designate where skins are kept/accessed.

It would greatly assist those dual and triple booting, through a singular library for all OSes.... not to mention significantly reducing full system AV/anti-spyware scans.

|-)

Reply #71 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting starkers, reply 71
Still hoping that WindowBlinds 7 will feature a 'select folder' option to designate where skins are kept/accessed.

It would greatly assist those dual and triple booting, through a singular library for all OSes.... not to mention significantly reducing full system AV/anti-spyware scans.

End of starkers's quote

Sharing a skins folder between OSes is not supported as it can cause problems with some of the WB4 files if you mix WB versions and OSes.

Reply #72 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Neil, reply 72

Quoting starkers, reply 71Still hoping that WindowBlinds 7 will feature a 'select folder' option to designate where skins are kept/accessed.

It would greatly assist those dual and triple booting, through a singular library for all OSes.... not to mention significantly reducing full system AV/anti-spyware scans.


Sharing a skins folder between OSes is not supported as it can cause problems with some of the WB4 files if you mix WB versions and OSes.
End of Neil's quote

I don't exactly follow your drift here... as in how could WB4 files be problematic on one OS but not on another... eg; XP to Win 7?  I have quite a few old WB's (like from my XP days) in my WB backup folder, but I had no conflict issues when triple booting XP Pro x86, Vista Ultimate x86 and Vista Home Premuim x64.  The entire content of the backup folder was copied over to the WB folder in each OS and (not that I applied every single skin) everything seemed to work as it should have. 

I realise blinds made for WB4 do not support the latest features, and that they may not fully skin the UI in Vista and Win 7, but what actual harm could it do to have a shared folder?

And why would anyone be running different versions of WB on the same physical machine but different OSes when WB7 is the latest and supports all the new features, etc??  It just doesn't make sense to be keep WB4/5/6 when 7 is available.

Reply #73 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting starkers, reply 73



Quoting Neil Banfield,
reply 72

Quoting starkers, reply 71Still hoping that WindowBlinds 7 will feature a 'select folder' option to designate where skins are kept/accessed.

It would greatly assist those dual and triple booting, through a singular library for all OSes.... not to mention significantly reducing full system AV/anti-spyware scans.


Sharing a skins folder between OSes is not supported as it can cause problems with some of the WB4 files if you mix WB versions and OSes.


I don't exactly follow your drift here... as in how could WB4 files be problematic on one OS but not on another... eg; XP to Win 7?  I have quite a few old WB's (like from my XP days) in my WB backup folder, but I had no conflict issues when triple booting XP Pro x86, Vista Ultimate x86 and Vista Home Premuim x64.  The entire content of the backup folder was copied over to the WB folder in each OS and (not that I applied every single skin) everything seemed to work as it should have. 

I realise blinds made for WB4 do not support the latest features, and that they may not fully skin the UI in Vista and Win 7, but what actual harm could it do to have a shared folder?

And why would anyone be running different versions of WB on the same physical machine but different OSes when WB7 is the latest and supports all the new features, etc??  It just doesn't make sense to be keep WB4/5/6 when 7 is available.
End of starkers's quote

.WB4 files are specific to the OS and WB version.  If you switched OS WB would be being forced into rebuilding them every time which is a fairly costly thing to do.

Reply #74 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'm looking forward to this.  I've had Windows 7 on my computers for quite a few months now and I'm getting sick of the look of the standard OS. I'm wanting to get back into skinning again.

Reply #75 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Looking good. I confess I'd got to the "why renew?" stage after finding that the only thing I was actively using was ObjectDock Plus (on Windows 7 x64). Not entirely Stardock's fault as they didn't make me run a beta OS for so long ... But also over a long period I had activation and update problems that took too much time to resolve. I came to dread updates. Over the past several months however Impulse seems to be working *almost* perfectly, and more importantly I'm seeing that Stardock has been very busy. The most important (to me) parts of the Suite are very usable betas and I await DesktopX with great interest. An indication that I'm once again fully on board is that I've just added a year to my subscription even though you're very kindly adding another for free. Nice one! Thanks Stardock.