Published on November 19, 2008 By Island Dog In OS Customization

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

Screenshots: http://www.objectdesktop.com/screenshots.asp


Comments
on Nov 19, 2008
When will BootSkin Pro be a standalone download?
on Nov 20, 2008

So for those who already have ODN Ultimate 2008 when will the new version and the version of dreamscapes that works with XP be available?

on Nov 20, 2008

NM, I see the new version of Dream that supports XP is now avail. Plan on upgrading to a new Vista 64 system soon but nice to see it now on my old XP box

on Nov 20, 2008

I just purchased 2008 ultimate last week.how do I get an update to 2009 ultimate?dgolf33

on Nov 20, 2008

I just purchased 2008 ultimate last week.how do I get an update to 2009 ultimate?
Install Impulse and register with the email you used to purchase- Impulse Client - Full

All the apps you are entitled to will appear on the appropriate tab.

Have fun!

on Nov 24, 2008
When will WinFX be up and running?
on Nov 24, 2008

When will WinFX be up and running?
WinFX works well in XP.

on Nov 26, 2008
I upgraded OD from already standalone copies of other programs, is that the same as buying OD right out I can't seem to find how to download OD from Impulse.
on Nov 26, 2008

I upgraded OD from already standalone copies of other programs, is that the same as buying OD right out I can't seem to find how to download OD from Impulse.
yes . . you are upgraded.

on Nov 30, 2008

I upgraded OD from already standalone copies of other programs, is that the same as buying OD right out I can't seem to find how to download OD from Impulse.

Take a look at this walkthrough, it should help.

http://islanddog.impulsedriven.net/article/326193/Screencast_Impulse_Interface_Walkthrough

http://islanddog.impulsedriven.net/article/320903/Stardock_Impulse_Adding_New_Registrations