Object Desktop 2005 Released

Upgrade Windows to the next level

Published on May 3, 2005 By Stardock Central In WinCustomize News

LIVONIA, MI (May 3, 2005). Software developer Stardock, the world's leading developer of Windows enhancement software, 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.

"We listen to what features PC users wish for and then put them together into a single suite of Windows extension utilities," said Brad Wardell, Product Manager of Object Desktop. "Our goal is to give users and administrators the power to completely customize every aspect of Microsoft Windows to suit their own particular needs."

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

Screenshots:
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-feb05.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-mar05.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-apr05.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-may05.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-may05a.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-may05b.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-may05c.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-may05d.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-jun05.jpg

Object Desktop 2005
$49.95
Requires Windows XP/2000

Developer/Publisher:
Stardock Corporation (www.stardock.com)
17292 Farmington Rd.
Livonia MI 48152

Contact:
Brad Wardell (Bwardell@stardock.com)

Media:
Belinda Banks (Belinda@sspr.com)

# # #
About Stardock:
Stardock is a Midwestern Windows software development company. It is best known for its desktop enhancement products. It also runs the world's most popular customization website, WinCustomize.com which has thousands of skins, themes, icons, wallpapers and more.

Its corporate products include Theme Manager OEM which uses Object Desktop technology to allow companies to create and distribute single-file custom/branded desktops. It also makes DirectSkin, a development library that allows software developers to make their existing applications skinnable.

Comments (Page 1)

Kevin_C

on May 03, 2005

Where do I make feature requests for SD Central? I REALLY hate the stupid splitter in the middle of that program. I can't hide it, it doesn't remember it's size and it's beyond useless.. Please for the love of god remove it!!

Gollums

on May 03, 2005

Using IE, this message has garbled characters on the main page but looks fine from here (where I am adding the message). Just thought I might point that out. This is the first time I've seen that.

danioc

on May 03, 2005

I agree 100%

Jan Oscar

on May 03, 2005

Please for the love of god remove it!!

Please!

Sventekoz

on May 03, 2005

Now I'm sure this has been made very apparent somewhere else - but I haven't seen it so please don't flame me.

If I'm a subscriber, is this update included in the subscription fee, or do I need to purchase an upgrade?

joeKnowledge

on May 03, 2005

Good news! I will save up to renew my subscription. You guys will be seeing me in a few months!!! (cause it will take me that long to save up)

8thNote

on May 04, 2005

This stinks. Not the fact that Stardock upgraded ObjectDesktop, but that they are now charging for previously free Theme Manager and won't update Theme Manger 2004 to make it work.

Autumnmist

on May 04, 2005

Is WindowFX ever going to be updated again? I'd really consider getting OD if a newer better faster WindowFX was included.

Tarkus

on May 04, 2005

A new WindowFX beta was put on ODNT on April 20, so yes it is being updated.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central

ZubaZ

on May 04, 2005

This stinks. Not the fact that Stardock upgraded ObjectDesktop, but that they are now charging for previously free Theme Manager and won't update Theme Manger 2004 to make it work.

This link indicates it is free. Link Why do you think it's not?

8thNote

on May 05, 2005

Oh! I kept getting sent to the old 2004 version. Okay ... unstink.

The Creator of All

on May 05, 2005

Does anyone know which skins will be included with Windowblinds, or at least the one being used in the first preview? Here is the link to the preview. Link

OhGimmeABreakWhatIsThisFor

on May 07, 2005

This link indicates it's free...

Okay, but (as with ALL Stardock products and proceedures), I'm still confused: I just purchased Object Desktop not two months ago (and have just figured out, this weekend, how to get it installed). So I spent my $50 on LAST YEAR'S MODEL? Or do I get to go somewhere and upgrade to THIS YEAR's Model (since I arguably purchased it THIS YEAR)!?

Cliff "a gimp, but not a geek" Walker

Tarkus

on May 07, 2005

You need to install Stardock Central, Cliff. That will give you access to all Object Desktop upgrades and new products for a year.

freeine9

on May 09, 2005

??? ???

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