DesktopX 2.4 improves widget support
New version supports configurable widgets
Thursday, December 16, 2004 by Frogboy | Discussion: DesktopX
Software developer Stardock has released a significant update to DesktopX today. The world's most popular widget enabling program has found competition growing from programs such as Konfabulator, Avedesk and others.
While those programs do not support DesktopX's ability to build complete desktops and distribute them, they do support a robust "widget" architecture. Widgets in the desktop customization market are mini-programs that are designed to reside on your desktop. Where the desktop was once the exclusive home to icons, widgets (and DesktopX objects) allow users to extend the desktop functionality of Windows.
DesktopX widgets can be brought to the front with a function key (default is F9) or hidden entirely until needed (default is F10). But DesktopX widgets were previously not very configurable by end users. If a user wanted to change the color or tweak the shadow or even the Z-order, the user had to load DesktopX, import the widget, make the changes, and then re-export them. With version 2.4, users can go to the properties of the DesktopX widget and change them directly.
"One of the key advantages DesktopX has over other widget-enabling programs is that DesktopX widgets are EXEs that can be run without running DesktopX. However, many users requested the ability to be able to modify how those widgets functioned without having to import them into the DesktopX environment. We consider 2.4 really the start on this journey," said Brad Wardell, Product Manager of DesktopX at Stardock. "Future versions will add labeling, and plugin configurability right into the context menu. Eventually a DesktopX widget will have all the advantages of a stand along program while using a fraction of the memory and resources that a typical stand alone program uses."
DesktopX 2.4 is a free download. Stardock provides an enhanced version that supports premium widgets as well as the ability to export content as widgets. The enhanced version is available stand alone or as part of Stardock's overall suite of desktop enhancement utilities called Object Desktop.
Visit www.desktopx.net to get the new version of DesktopX.
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Reply #2 Thursday, December 16, 2004 1:25 AM
ScottK must be using some piss poor monitor if he thinks the widgets in that screenshot are awful. Stepping through them...
I see a fish swimming on the desktop. Konfabulator and Avedesk can't even do animated widgets like this. Ditto for the globe. I have that globe and know it spins fluidly and the animated lava lamp.
The picture frame widget looks just as good as the Konfabulator one and Avedesk doesn't have one at all. The iTunes widget looks as good as any Avedsk similar widget. I like the Konfabulator one better visually though so Konfab get a point finally but there are a lot of other media player widgets for DesktopX.
Reply #5 Thursday, December 16, 2004 1:44 AM
You know, even if they are crappy looking (which quite clearly they're not), DesktopX gives you the ability to easily create your own widgets and objects. You can create your own images and add your own functions to them quite easily.
To come to the home of DesktopX and begin insulting its creators and contributors and putting down the software seems rather childish to me. By your own behaviour it seems you still have a few years left in elementary school.
Could you please post a link to some of the widgets you yourself have created for any of the other software you mentioned?
Thanks.
Reply #6 Thursday, December 16, 2004 1:48 AM
Reply #7 Thursday, December 16, 2004 3:29 AM
Reply #8 Thursday, December 16, 2004 7:02 AM
Reply #9 Thursday, December 16, 2004 7:03 AM
Reply #10 Thursday, December 16, 2004 8:21 AM
Reply #11 Thursday, December 16, 2004 8:55 AM
Reply #12 Thursday, December 16, 2004 10:32 AM
Nice work on Desktop X guys, the widgets are looking better, the interface is greatly improved. Keep it up.
Reply #13 Thursday, December 16, 2004 10:44 AM
Ah Unbeliever (if that is you), yes, people who would object to some loser coming on and referring to DesktopX as "crapware" and other silliness are "yes men". But I guess that's the kind of logic one can expect from someone who calls people "fagboy".
Reply #14 Thursday, December 16, 2004 11:15 AM
Whoever it is really needs to get a life over this stuff. If this really is you Unbe, then sorry man, I have lost the modicum of respect I had for you.
Reply #15 Thursday, December 16, 2004 2:03 PM
Reply #16 Thursday, December 16, 2004 2:58 PM
Reply #17 Thursday, December 16, 2004 3:01 PM
Reply #18 Thursday, December 16, 2004 3:07 PM
I agree with mormegil:
| Perhaps you shoul show us some of your fine work? so we can all learn form the master. |
PLEASE oh Paint Shop Pro Master.. show me what a "REAL" widget looks like.
Reply #19 Thursday, December 16, 2004 3:49 PM
Reply #20 Thursday, December 16, 2004 3:58 PM
Um, what if I'm using ToonXP?
Awesome suite btw! I wish I had the time to waste giving advice on things that I don't understand that will be promptly dismissed!
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Reply #1 Thursday, December 16, 2004 1:19 AM