We are back from a long holiday weekend, and while we catch up with e-mails and other goodies, here’s some themes that came in during that time.  Be sure to check them out and share them to your social networks if you belong to any.   ...

We have released a small beta update for Start8 today.  User who wish to try the beta out can do so from the link listed below. In this beta: Updates for Windows® "Blue" compatibility testing Optimizations to icon loading code and frequently used apps list Beta download - http://storage.stardock.com/files/Start8_1.14_beta_setup.exe More info about Start8 can be found here. https://www.stardock.com/products/start8/

We released the Fences 2.1 Beta 2 update today with several fixes which have been reported by customers.  Current users can download the beta update from  http://download.stardock.com/. Note: v2.09.1 in the installer (though the About dialog has already been updated to say 2.1).   

Here’s some featured skins that have been submitted in the past few days.  Quite a variety of skins coming in, and I’m sure you’ll find something useful.  

ModernMix is a groundbreaking new application that gives you the capability to run Windows 8 “Modern” apps in a window on the desktop. Updated Features: Improved usability for control overlay graphics Added button to access the Charms bar from overlay graphic Added option to create desktop shortcuts from the right-click or configuration menu Closed applications no longer show on the Winkey + Tab switcher Assorted improvements and bug fixes Click here for ...

ComputerWorld looks at ModernMIx and chats with Stardock's Brad Wardell. "The two traits of Windows 8 that have raised the most complaints are the disappearance of the Start button and menu, and the jolting transition between the desktop and Modern UIs. Stardock has now created workarounds for both, which Wardell said was good for not just his company, but for Microsoft." Read more: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9237515/Slick_trick_5_tool_runs_Modern_ap...

Neowin has an interview up with Stardock’s Brad Wardell about our newest app for Windows 8, ModernMix. “ Stardock is releasing its third Windows 8 product, ModernMix. How did the idea behind it come about? It was during the Windows 8 beta. We just couldn't believe that Metro [now called "Modern"] apps were forced to run full-screen on a desktop PC. Seeing a weather app or a stock ticker app running full screen on a 22 inch monitor is nuts. The thing is, the Wi...

PCWorld has published their review of Stardock's Decor8 application for Windows 8 which lets users customize their start screen and lock screen with their own custom images. "Decor8 joins the growing ranks of applications aiming to fix Windows 8's many deficiencies. It's evolutionary, and it works. If you're frustrated by not being able to set your own backgrounds for Windows 8's Start and lock screens, Decor8 offers a painless, inexpensive solution." Read the full ...

A benefit of an Object Desktop subscription is early access to our upcoming software releases before the general public. Today we updated Object Desktop subscriber’s Stardock Accounts with the Fences 2.1 beta. They will also have access to the full release version in the near future. Fences, the world’s most popular desktop organization tool has been updated with enhancements to help you manage your desktop icons intuitively. Features: Enhanced desktop pages feat...

Personalize your Windows® 8 start and lock screens with pictures and colors. Updated Features: Option to display a clock on the start screen Added translation support New background images Assorted fixes Visit your Stardock account to download the latest update now! Or purchase Decor8 today: http://tinyurl.com/akxqubq

DeskScapes TM 8 now supports Windows® 8 and features an all-new user interface to make customizing your desktop wallpapers easier than ever. Features: Windows 8 support (Windows 7 also supported) Windows 8-ready Dream Library on WinCustomize Apply any dream as your PC screensaver Support for custom wallpapers on each monitor And more! Plus an all-new Dream included celebrating Valentine’s Day! To learn more visit: http://tinyurl.com/az32zd...

LightStar has shared another Master WindowBlinds skin with us this week, called Enticer.  Wood textures can be tricky, but beautiful if done right and LightStar pulled it off brilliantly.  Grab this skin today and WinCustomize Subscribers get a 20% discount! Enticer by LightStar

Happy Friday everyone!  Lets end this week and get ready to close the month of January out as well with some favorite skin picks from the past week.   Construct FX by neone6   Something Blue by gmc2   Touch the sky by c31marius

If you have already upgraded to Windows 8 Pro, be sure to visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/feature-packs before January 31 to take advantage of the free Windows 8 Media Center Pack offer. The Media Center pack also includes video codecs for decoding MPEG2 videos (these were previously available in Windows 7, but are limited to the Media Center pack for Windows 8 Pro users). Even if you have no plans to use Media Center, we encourage you to take advantage of this f...

Windows 8 is here and tons of users have downloaded Start8 to bring back the missing Start menu in Windows 8.  Among the many features of Start8 is the ability to have custom start menu buttons.  Start8 includes several already, but users can also create their own and upload them to WinCustomize to share with others. This is a relatively new gallery on WinCustomize, and I’d like to encourage you to create some buttons and get them uploaded. Start8 gallery - https://www.win...