Stardock has released the 2009 edition of its popular desktop experience
suite Object Desktop. Object Desktop is a set of utilities that enables users to
completely transform the desktop experience of Windows XP or Windows Vista.
Object Desktop includes 6 utilities that focus on enhancing a particular
aspect of Windows. These are:
- WindowBlinds. A program that enables users to completely alter the
look and feel of the Windows GUI by applying "skins" to it. These skins can make
Windows look like an alternative OS like MacOS or Linux or something completely
different. Because it takes full advantage of the latest video cards from AMD
and nVidia, WindowBlinds can also improve the video performance of Windows Vista
and XP. Object Desktop 2009 includes a new version of WindowBlinds that lets
users apply textures to their existing skins as well as well as providing
explorer backgrounds.
- IconPackager. The world's only program for changing all the icons on
Windows XP or Windows Vista to a completely different set. Thousands of
different icon packages are available freely on the net. Object Desktop 2009
includes a new IconPackager that lets Windows Vista users change the color of
icons and folders on the fly.
- DesktopX. DesktopX is a program that allows users to add true objects
to their windows desktops. These objects can be any size and shape and be as
simple as a glorified icon or scripted to add functionality to become widgets or
entire desktops. What's special about DesktopX is the ease in which these
objects can be made.
Object Desktop 2009 adds a new version of DesktopX
that allows users to export their widgets as Windows gadgets for use on Windows
Vista and Windows 7.
- DeskScapes. A program that can apply animated wallpapers to Windows.
It supports the Stardock developed .DREAM animated wallpaper format that allows
for animated wallpapers that are video loops or dynamically generated via
DirectX that use virtually no CPU. Object Desktop 2009 includes a new version
of DeskScapes that supports Windows XP as well as Windows Vista.
- BootSkin Pro. BootSkin Pro is a new program introduced with Object
Desktop 2009 that allows users to create and apply alternative Windows Vista
boot screens. By default, the Windows Vista boot screen is blank with just a
progress bar. BootSkin allows for high resolution, high color boot screens
instead.
- Theme Manager. Theme Manager 3 is a new program added to Object
Desktop 2009. It allows users to make use of all the other programs together
from a single interface. In addition, users can save their customized desktop as
a .suite file for later use or to share with others users on the Internet. Theme
Manager integrates with WinCustomize.com to allow users to quickly design their
own unique desktop experiences.
Theme Manager also includes a brand-new
desktop suite created by Stardock called Aero Midnight that replaces the Windows
GUI, icons, wallpaper and adds gadgets. For Windows XP users, they get an
enhanced Windows Vista look. Windows Vista users get an enhanced Aero look that
adds 2 years of usability feedback to the Windows Vista experience.
- MyColors themes. Stardock also provides MyColors as a way for users
to apply new themes created by Stardock's design team. Object Desktop users get
4 free MyColors themes within a year of purchasing Object Desktop. In addition,
MyColors has access to hundreds of other themes created in conjunction with the
NBA, NHL, NCAA, Ford, GM and countless other partners.
Object Desktop is $49.95 new. Stardock also offers Object Desktop Ultimate
($69.95) which provides everything listed above plus over a dozen other
utilities that focus on productivity and UI design such as TweakVista,
SkinStudio, Keyboard LaunchPad, ObjectBar and much more.
Users can purchase Object Desktop directly from its website at www.objectdesktop.com. Users who
purchase Object Desktop receive everything available at the time of purchases as
well as everything added or updated in Object Desktop for the subsequent year.
Users who have previously purchased Object Desktop can renew their access to
Object Desktop for $34.95.
Website: http://www.objectdesktop.com
