Object Desktop 2005 released
Posted by Brad Wardell on 03 May 2005 - 16:09 · 15 comments & 1891 views
Software developer Stardock has released Object Desktop 2005.

Object Desktop is a suite of desktop enhancement utilities that enable users to enhance virtually every aspect of the Windows environment. When these programs are put together, it is like having a future version of Windows today. Object Desktop 2005 is the annual milestone build of the suite.

The programs that make up Object Desktop include:

  • WindowBlinds: A customization utility that enables users to change the look and feel of the Windows graphical user interface (GUI) with their own “visual styles”.
  • IconPackager: A program that allows users to change all of their icons in a single action by applying a “package” of icons.
  • DesktopX: A program that extends the Windows desktop to support true objects that can be combined to create mini-applications called widgets or used to create completely new and unique desktops.
  • Keyboard LaunchPad: A program that allows users to assign mouse and other actions to hot keys that work system wide. It can assign clipboard contents to a hot key.
  • RightClick: A program that allows users to replace their desktop menu with one of their own choosing that can have added functionality to improve productivity.
  • Desktop Gadgets: A series of useful mini-applications that can live on the Windows desktop that include a To-Do list organizer, Stock price monitor, CPU meter, memory monitor, RSS reader, and more.
  • Theme Manager: A program that integrates the various programs of Object Desktop (and third party ones as well) into a single interface.
  • Stardock Central: Allows users to access ObjectDesktop.net, a free service that comes with Object Desktop that allows users to get instant updates to all of the core Object Desktop programs along with over a dozen other Object Desktop programs.

The Object Desktop 2005 CD also includes SkinStudio and IconDeveloper; programs that make it relatively easy for users to create their own skins, icons, and themes.

Object Desktop can be used strictly for productivity gains or to transform Windows into looking, feeling and behaving like a whole new operating system – or both.

The programs that make up Object Desktop are in use by over ten million users worldwide. Companies ranging from Microsoft to GE Medical have licensed Object Desktop based technologies for their use. Alienware’s new “Star Wars” branded PC includes Object Desktop based technology to give their PCs a Star Wars look and feel across the entire operating system.

Object Desktop 2005 is available on CD or can be purchased electronically. Users who purchase it have access to all the programs that make up Object Desktop (nearly two dozen) as well as all updates made to Object Desktop for a full year after purchase.

Object Desktop won PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award in the May 10, 2005 issue.

Object Desktop’s home page is www.objectdesktop.com

Screenshot: WindowBlinds in action
Screenshot: WindowFX morphing a minimizing window
Screenshot: IconPackager in action
Screenshot: DesktopX in action
Screenshot: Theme Manager in action
Screenshot: Stardock Central
Screenshot: RightClick, IconX, and gadgets in action
Download: Object Desktop home page

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There are 15 additional comments
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(7 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #1 Posted by DomFel on 03 May 2005 - 16:39
Very very nice products! The only thing I don't like is DesktopX: Konfabulator is a much better product, and with a huge-high quality gallery.

Cheers
Quote this comment #1.1 Posted by Cordelia on 03 May 2005 - 16:53
I much prefer DesktopX to Konfabulator. DesktopX's bundled widgets are just as nice as Konfab's and DesktopX includes a way to easily create your own widgets. And DesktopX uses a lot less memory.
Quote this comment #1.2 Posted by aitf311 on 03 May 2005 - 17:03
Konfabulator just seems much more professional to they eye...its my pick also. I like the windowblinds theme in the screenshot, I realize what their stuff can do but it just doesnt have that professional feel that I am looking for
Quote this comment #1.3 Posted by bangbang023 on 03 May 2005 - 17:12
The only reason I use Konfab over DesktopX is because there is no TVScraper like widget for it. There are maybe 2 channel listing widgets for DesktopX and they look ugly as hell and rely on a third party app to gather the information.
Quote this comment #1.4 Posted by Mascrin on 03 May 2005 - 20:38
That's really just a matter of taste in terms of the default content. From a feature point of view, there's no comparison, DesktopX does so much more and does it using far fewer resources.

The default widgets with desktopX (SEEN HERE) seem just as professional as the default Konfabulator widgets. The difference is that with DesktopX's stuff, i can import those widgets in and start modifying them and making my own. With konfabulator, they do what they do and that's it. and like somebody else said, konfab uses quite a bit more memory. plus, konfabulator can't create desktops, it can only do widgets. DesktopX can create entire desktops.
Quote this comment #1.5 Posted by DomFel on 03 May 2005 - 21:44
Editing widgets its also available in Konfab too, there is a widget for that (!)!. Well in my case with a fresh installation and a freaking fast computer configuration, Konfab does take a little bit more memory (15mb compared to 11 for the same number and type of widgets), but cpu time is 0% and there is NO COMPARISON between the elegance and quality of Konfab widgets and desktopx widgets. DesktopX widgets look like are made for kids, not for a nice and clean and useful desktop.
Anyway I totally agree that Dx is far more configurable than K.
Quote this comment #1.6 Posted by c242 on 05 May 2005 - 10:12
QUOTE
DesktopX widgets look like are made for kids, not for a nice and clean and useful desktop.


So what stops You from doing some professional looking ones for all of us ?
Quote this comment #1.7 Posted by ogman on 14 May 2005 - 13:56
I'll take Kapsules. Better price.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #2 Posted by ev0| on 03 May 2005 - 18:20
This is the cheapest way to get this stuff.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #3 Posted by Darken on 03 May 2005 - 20:24
Great news!!
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #4 Posted by caerma on 03 May 2005 - 21:24
This is great...
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #5 Posted by PR. on 03 May 2005 - 21:44
Can you lock the desktop items for different resolutions?

My TabletPC switches between 1024x768 and 768x1024
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #6 Posted by caerma on 04 May 2005 - 04:47
hey is objectbar include with Object Desktop?
Quote this comment #6.1 Posted by weenur on 04 May 2005 - 07:25
With an OD subscription, you get access to all the Stardock stuff, including alphas, and betas.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #7 Posted by smashguy on 05 May 2005 - 04:36
Nice progrsm!
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