Object Desktop 2008 Guided Tour

The Ultimate Windows Experience

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 by Frogboy | Discussion: OS Customization

 
Object Desktop 2008 Guided Tour

Introduction

Object Desktop is the defacto standard when it comes to changing your Windows experience. If you want to take control over how Windows looks, feels, and functions, Object Desktop is the way to do it.  Since its original release for Windows back in 1999, Object Desktop and its components have garnered millions of users worldwide.  Parts of it have been licensed to virtually every major technology company you can think of at one time or other.

Over the years, Object Desktop got bigger..and bigger...and bigger to the point where it had dozens of programs that came with it. Needless to say, it became a little unwieldy for the average user.  So for 2008, Stardock has split the product into two versions:

  • Object Desktop (WindowBlinds, IconPackager, DesktopX, DeskScapes, SoundPackager, MyColors)
  • Object Desktop Ultimate (the above plus over a dozen other programs)

In addition, Object Desktop 2008 marks a major change in Stardock's approach to the desktop experience: It will be including content as part of the package.

When someone purchases Object Desktop, they not only get everything that's in it right now, they also get a one-year subscription to ObjectDesktop.net. This digital distribution subscription provides automatic updates plus adds new programs to the suite as they become available.  At the end of the year, users can renew their access to keep getting new updates (and if they don't, they can continue to use what they have forever).

Overview of features in Object Desktop 2008

In the past, a user who purchased Object Desktop would receive in email a serial # and a link to Stardock Central. They then installed Stardock Central and were kind of left on their own to figure out how to get Object Desktop going.  This worked fine when Object Desktop was mostly used by power users.  But by 2008, customizing ones computer had become mainstream and such a clunky first impression was no longer viable.

With Object Desktop 2008, users now install Object Desktop 2008 as a single package which automatically sets up the primary components of the program for the user.

The primary components of Object Desktop 2008 are:

  1. WindowBlinds
  2. IconPackager
  3. DesktopX
  4. DeskScapes
  5. SoundPackager
  6. MyColors

These 6 programs now make up the core of Object Desktop.  Users who opt for Object Desktop Ultimate get those 6 programs plus ObjectBar, RightClick, SkinStudio Pro, TweakVista, IconDeveloper, WindowFX, Keyboard LaunchPad, along with some new programs that are in development that should be out within the next year.

On top of the 6 core programs, however is something new: MyColors themes.  MyColors themes are premium suites designed to use the core parts of Object Desktop seamlessly. In the past, users who purchased Object Desktop were essentially expected to fend for themselves to find cool stuff.  With Object Desktop 2008, users will receive 4 premium MyColors themes through the course of the year plus discounts on all MyColors themes (normally they're $19.95 apiece but for Object Desktop users they'll range between $8.95 to 16.95 depending on licensing requirements).

In terms of value, the individual programs of the core of Object Desktop add up to over $100 not counting the premium themes.  However, Object Desktop remains only $49.95.

WindowBlinds

WindowBlinds is a program for Windows XP or Windows Vista that changes the look and feel of the Windows GUI.  It integrates seamlessly into Windows and allows users to alter the appearance of Windows safely -- it doesn't alter any system files (in memory or on disk).  A user of WindowBlinds can make Windows look like another operating system or something completely original.


WindowBlinds enables users to change the actual Windows
graphical user interface to whatever they want. There are
literally thousands of different visual styles (skins) to choose from.

IconPackager

IconPackager is the industry standard way of changing all the icons on Windows in a single click. Users choose a set of icons (known as an icon package) and then hit apply and IconPackager will change them all.  For users of Windows Vista, IconPackager is the only program that supports live folder icons on Windows Vista and will automatically enhance XP icons to support Windows Vista.


IconPackager makes it a snap to apply entirely new sets
of icons to Windows XP or Windows Vista.

 

DesktopX

DesktopX is the grand daddy of desktop enhancement programs. It was the first program on any platform to allow users to create mini-applications on their desktops (commonly called today "widgets" or gadgets"). Long before there was a Mac Dashboard or Konfabulator or Windows Gadgets, there was DesktopX.  But DesktopX is so much more than that.  It can build entire desktops from scratch. Its integrated editor makes it a snap to share your creations with others users.

For Object Desktop 2008, DesktopX gets updated to support Windows Vista more fully. Now, DesktopX creates can be exported to be placed on the Windows Sidebar.


DesktopX makes it a snap for users to add cool stuff
to their desktop.

 



The latest version of DesktopX can even export your creations
to natively integrate into the Windows sidebar!

 


DesktopX lets users combine their objects together to build
entire desktops of their own design.

 

DeskScapes

DeskScapes is an animated wall program for Windows Vista. It takes advantage of the new Windows Vista compositor to do animation without impacting performance.  Object Desktop 2008 will come with DeskScapes 2.0 which is designed to run on all versions of Windows Vista.  While currently only available for Windows Vista users, Stardock is investigating some of the recent video driver advances on Windows XP...


DeskScapes runs .DREAM files as animated wallpaper.
.DREAM files can contain either video content or dynamic content.

 

SoundPackager

SoundPackager is a pretty straight forward program. It lets users change their Windows sound scheme. What's amazing is that somewhere along the line, Windows quit allowing users to load up distributed sound schemes. You are now expected to set each sound individually (a far cry from the Windows 95 days).

SoundPackager, by contrast, makes it a snap to make your own sound schemes and distribute them out. It also comes with some really high quality sound schemes.


SoundPackager makes it a snap to create and trade sound schemes.
There's already a ton of sound packages available on WinCustomize.com.

 

MyColors

MyColors combines the 5 preceding elements together into a symphony. A MyColors theme can dramatically alter the look and feel of Windows by changing the Windows GUI, the icons, the background, add widgets, and change the sound scheme.  MyColors themes are created exclusively by Stardock to ensure a bullet proof experience.  We may open it up to others down the line to create MyColors themes but for now, we want to focus on making sure that the user experience is exquisite.

For Object Desktop users, Stardock will be releasing at least 4 MyColors themes per year. The longer one keeps their access to ObjectDesktop.net, the more MyColors themes they'll accumulate.


MyColors brings it all together.

 

Impulse

While not technically part of Object Desktop 2008, Impulse will debut with it.  Impulse is Stardock's next-generation distribution platform.  Existing users can still use Stardock Central if they want, but Impulse will be available to easily manage not just software but content as well.


Impulse lets users manage, update, and get more
software and content for their PC.

 

Object Desktop Ultimate

Anyone with an active subscription to ObjectDesktop.net on March 31, 2008 will automatically get upgraded to Object Desktop Ultimate free of charge.  Object Desktop Ultimate will be $69.95 for new users.

Object Desktop Ultimate is designed for the ultimate PC power users.  It adds a host of additional programs. While Object Desktop Ultimate is a better deal (you get a lot more for just $20 more), it is intended for users who know are looking to turbo-charge their Windows experience to the ultimate level.

Availability

Stardock is targeting March 31, 2008 as the release date for Object Desktop 2008.  If you have previously purchased Object Desktop but your subscription to ObjectDesktop.net has expired, now would be a good time to renew it so that you automatically get Object Desktop Ultimate.

First Previous Page 3 of 4 Next Last
Frogboy
Reply #41 Wednesday, March 12, 2008 8:16 PM

Object EditIconXcomponent TrayEnhanced File DialogObject SweeperObjectMediaStardock Virtual DesktopsTab LaunchPad

Most of what you mentioend was discontinued awhile ago. You get them because were a subscriber back when they were still being developed.

 

PuterDudeJim
Reply #42 Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:17 PM
I question Brad's leadership based on the songs in the IconPackager screenshot.


ROFLMAO!!!!!!   
PuterDudeJim
Reply #43 Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:30 PM
One think i'd like to be pointed out is if all those programs will have skins stored the same way as WB6 skins in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Stardock or if there will be a possibility to leave them elsewhere (on a second partition for example ... )


Yes, it would be very nice to be able to store them on a different drive, I have gigs of stardock stuff on my PC. That's why I call it my Stardock Box!
DandoB
Reply #44 Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:37 PM
Object EditIconXcomponent TrayEnhanced File DialogObject SweeperObjectMediaStardock Virtual DesktopsTab LaunchPad

Most of what you mentioend was discontinued awhile ago. You get them because were a subscriber back when they were still being developed.
 



Not complaining just looking for clarification, are these apps all discontinued.
angus1949
Reply #45 Thursday, March 13, 2008 9:03 AM
I'm really excited and can't wait until the end of the month for the Ultimate version.  
Aquamonkey
Reply #46 Thursday, March 13, 2008 5:27 PM
CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT   
jokerjon
Reply #47 Thursday, March 13, 2008 11:02 PM
i'm really excited about the free upgrade, however i'm not sure how i'll be able to backup the whole suite with the new platform. I like to keep all my stuff on one dvd if possible. should i use a re-writable dvd? And for that matter, what parts of the files do i need to backup. I know to backup all the stuff i've downloaded. but will i need to save anything else? will I still be able to download the software if necessary after my subscription runs out? I have issues with my computer cause it has a mind of it's own and a wicked temper to boot(no pun intended ) HELLLLLLLP!
Jeffrey Bombard
Reply #48 Friday, March 14, 2008 12:46 AM
Will you be able to choose which 4 MyColors themes you get?
Or will there only be 4 per year and those are the ones you get?
gardenerstouch
Reply #49 Friday, March 14, 2008 2:00 AM
In reference to My Colors, will I still be able to use Theme Manager to apply my current suites? And if so, will Theme Manager be updated to allow use of CursorFX and Sound Packager?
PCPrincess
Reply #50 Friday, March 14, 2008 10:34 AM
Yes, it would be very nice to be able to store them on a different drive, I have gigs of stardock stuff on my PC. That's why I call it my Stardock Box!
I totally laughed when I read that. I have an external hard drive sitting next to my PC that I plug in just for when I download new OD stuff. I have every blind, icon, cursor, etc etc. stored on the drive. (Just in case) Omg, I can't imagine losing 7 years worth of customization downloads. Yikes! Oh and I'm also very psyched for the release. I'm actually pretty hyped to see what Impulse is like also. I wonder if it will be easier to interact with the community from within? I'll be darned if I can get the 'discussion' section to work right to this day.
gradv50
Reply #51 Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:38 AM
Yes i agree, it is going to be very interesting, looking forward to this release, it does look an excellent programme. However am afraid i am going to reserve my judgement, being one of these people that have frequent problems with od.
Pantaleao
Reply #52 Sunday, March 16, 2008 1:50 AM
One think i'd like to be pointed out is if all those programs will have skins stored the same way as WB6 skins in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Stardock or if there will be a possibility to leave them elsewhere (on a second partition for example ... )

If everything will have to be on C:\ i think i will personally give up with stardock ...
Yes, it would be very nice to be able to store them on a different drive, I have gigs of stardock stuff on my PC. That's why I call it my Stardock Box!
I couldn't agree more!!! There's nothing more irritating - and risky!! - than having to manually edit the registry after every (beta) update of WindowBlinds!!! I have tons of skins and they don't fit inside my C: drive! Guys, be nice and preserve user settings or, at least, supply a way for the user to specify setting's locations, will you? Now let's just hope things go smoothly with this change... *crosses all fingers*
wolepi
Reply #53 Monday, March 17, 2008 3:36 AM
Yes, I second (third, fourth) that motion (about WB). I think it's immoral to mess with someone's directory structure, and unethical to force someone to adopt your configuration scheme. I believe that's an invasion of privacy. And I'm being serious here. Also, that moving all my files to the C drive on my Vista 64-bit machine doesn't work!!!! It keeps telling me it's moving stuff, but I come back two hours later to have WB6 still moving this same 5k file for past two hour. Please leave my directory structure intact, and leave me preferences alone. Beside that, I can't wait for tne new release.
JaLooNz
Reply #54 Tuesday, March 18, 2008 9:33 PM
Now partially available

https://forums.wincustomize.com/304605/page/1
RAMWolff
Reply #55 Wednesday, March 19, 2008 2:21 PM
Firstly, this is really shaping up nicely! I'm looking forward to the updates! Question.... I run a 3D program called DAZ Studio. It's main display is based off of OpenGL. What I'm experiencing is that the widgets, whether they are from Stardock, Yahoo or anyone else, seems to show in the main work area of the interface. DAZ Studio is like Poser, a 3D posing and character creation package but Studio is more pose and render, it's being expanded upon much since the 2.0 release but still this is a BAD thing having animated widgets showing it's square box moving across the work area within Studio. I'm sure your not going to rewrite your software for this one issue I'm having but if you could explain why this is happening perhaps the DAZ team would be willing to look into it a bit more. With out info they really don't "get" what I'm going on about. To be a bit more clear, they are leaving a trail of sorts in the main work area and it's quite distracting and a bit disturbing! PS. I apologize for the size of the image folks. Y'all really aught to make a forum sized version that can be viewed at full size when clicked on.
Alternate Setting
Reply #56 Thursday, March 20, 2008 8:01 AM
PS. I apologize for the size of the image folks. Y'all really aught to make a forum sized version that can be viewed at full size when clicked on.
All things are possible...
MindTooth
Reply #57 Saturday, March 29, 2008 7:35 AM
Really good thing that I did purchase it today. Non aware that I got the Ultimate upgrade. Birger
natalyn
Reply #58 Saturday, March 29, 2008 10:34 PM
I want to know if WindowFX will be Vista compatible in OD Ultimate?
starkers
Reply #59 Sunday, March 30, 2008 4:56 AM
Will you be able to choose which 4 MyColors themes you get?


Yes, that's a pertinent question for me, too... being that I'm in Oz and wouldn't be too interested in US sport or college based themes.

Also, are the 4 themes available yet, and if so, where does one get them?
Vad_M
Reply #60 Monday, March 31, 2008 3:41 PM
Stardock is targeting March 31, 2008 as the release date for Object Desktop 2008.


hmmm...    Seems I'm sleeping.

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