Object Desktop 2004 Announced

Published on October 21, 2003 By Stardock Central In WinCustomize News

Object Desktop 2004 Announced

Desktop Enhancement suite provides unprecedented ability to transform the look and feel of Windows

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Bradley Wardell
bwardell@stardock.com
734-762-0687, x226

Canton MI (TuesdayOctober 21st, 2003) – Stardock announced Object Desktop 2004 today. Object Desktop is a suite of programs that are designed to enhance the base feature set of Windows while allowing complete control over its look, feel, and function. Stardock expects to release Object Desktop 2004 on November 11, 2003.

Object Desktop is delivered primarily electronically. A user purchases Object Desktop and receives everything that is already available plus everything updated or added for an entire year. At the end of the year, the user can re-subscribe. If they choose not to, their software continues to work (they just don't get new versions).

Object Desktop 2004 is a CD snapshot of Object Desktop where Stardock has focused its development schedule to release a whole set of major updates to many of the individual programs that make up Object Desktop.

Object Desktop 2004 includes:

* WindowBlinds 4 is a program that changes the look and feel of the Windows GUI. It applies “visual styles” that skin the title bars, push buttons, scrollbars, radio buttons, and other elements of the Windows interface. It can also extend the Windows interface to support new controls such as roll-up buttons, website buttons, always on top buttons and more.

* DesktopX 2 enables users to dramatically enhance the look and function of the Windows desktop by allowing Windows users to have true objects on their desktop. These objects can be of any size and shape, be used for new functionality or to enhance the visual appeal of the desktop.

* ObjectBar is a program that enables Windows to have multiple “bars” that greatly enhance the feature set of the original Windows Start bar. Tear off menus, virtual desktops, skinning, system tray customization, and advanced taskbar filtering are just some of the additional features ObjectBar adds.

* IconPackager 2 is a program that lets users change all of their icons at once on their system by applying “packages” of icons.

* SkinStudio 4 is a program that lets people build their own visual styles for use with WindowBlinds or Windows Media Player.

* Icon Developer is a program that allows users to easily create their own Windows icons. It can load up .BMP, .PNG, and other common graphics formats and instantly convert them to Windows compatible icons. It has a number of tools to enable mass colorization and more.

* Theme Manager (WinStyles) allows users to put the features of Object Desktop together to apply themes that can dramatically alter the Windows environment in a single click.

* Stardock Central allows users to instantly access updates to Object Desktop along with a dozen other Object Desktop components electronically such as ControlCenter, ObjectZIP, Tab LaunchPad, ObjectEdit, TreeView, WindowFX, and much more.

Users of Object Desktop electronically will also be able to receive Object Desktop 2004 on CD free (other than a modest media fee). Object Desktop 2004 can be at https://www.stardock.com.

Screenshots:
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-nov03.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-jan03.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-oct03.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-sept03.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-aug03.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-july03.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-jun03.jpg

Over the coming weeks Stardock will be releasing major updates to WindowBlinds, DesktopX, WinStyles, ObjectBar, IconPackager, SkinStudio and IconDeveloper as part of its Object Desktop 2004 effort. For example, DesktopX version 2 is scheduled for release next week.

If you already have Object Desktop (either an active Object Desktop subscription or an expired one) you can renew at:
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odrenew.asp You will be able to purchase the CD for only a nominal media fee. Users can purchase Object Desktop electronically today and will also be able to get the Object Desktop 2004 CD for free (other than the aforementioned media fee).

To purchase Object Desktop visit: https://www.stardock.com/order.asp?product=ObjectDesktop

Comments (Page 1)

GhoS

on Oct 21, 2003

Once you start using these programs you'll never go back to boring regular Windows again. This is well worth the price. I might even have the new CD sent to me, since I never got one before when I ordered. It isn't a must have, but couldn't hurt.

thehighlander

on Oct 21, 2003

my subscription doesn't expire till april. does this mean i have to renew 6 months early and pay for a cd before i can get the new programs?

Brice

on Oct 21, 2003

I purchased Object desktop just prior to a major release, a matter
of a couple of days so I have an older version on CD.

Now, there is a link added after the advertisement of 2004 only to
find it is for buying 2002, although it makes it clear what version it is I find this mis-leading because the link is included with the newer version 2004.

I plan on getting the 2004 version on CD even if my account is still active and don't appreciate being mis-directed.

-=Brice

MogWaEE

on Oct 21, 2003

Unrelated, but where is that aqua/itunes skin pictured in the screenies??? Thanks!

Nakor

on Oct 21, 2003

Object Desktop "2002" _is_ 2004, so long as your subscription hasn't expired. You're still getting exactly the same components. But there comes a point when we have to update some of the branding across the board. This is the start of that.

Frogboy

on Oct 21, 2003

Object Desktop 2004 is a CD snapshot of what's on Object Desktop at a given date.

Many people are still not comfortable with the whole electronic commerce thing.

insekta

on Oct 21, 2003

So, since my subscription doesn't expire until next year, when I run Stardock Central will the updating be the equivalent of purchasing a cd? Or do I need to buy one? Sorry, it's a bit confusing and I really need some caffeine...

insekta

on Oct 21, 2003

Actually, nevermind. If I'd have bothered to restart my computer when prompted I'd have found out the answer is "yes."

gr00vy0ne

on Oct 21, 2003

YEah, what skin is that? It's like a cross between the Longhorn and Panther skins. In fact, it looks like the "iTunes for Windows" skin...

Can we download it somewhere?

Frogboy

on Oct 21, 2003

insekta: Correct, you're all set.

Richard Sturiale

on Oct 21, 2003

I Must be slow..but,what does all this mean in english!
Thank You

HaLLuCiNO

on Oct 22, 2003

Grrrr where is this Itune winblind theme, im gonna die!!!! TEASING BASTARDS.

`Roboman

on Oct 22, 2003

Yeah I love that skin too...so where is it???

rikkie

on Oct 22, 2003

link underneath story ( first link) points to a website that's "under construction"

Rushed the story a bit, guys ???

Grog

on Oct 22, 2003

rikkie: Nahh just an extra "." some how snuck in at the end of the link.

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