This past year we've been recruiting developers to begin doing some major updates to Object Desktop over the next year.
First, I'm going to post what our thoughts are on what to focus on but then we want to hear what you would like to see updated. As always, our choices are determined by a combination of factors including technical challenge and market demand.
Definitely getting big updates next year
Fences
CursorFX
SoundPackager
Keyboard LaunchPad
DeskScapes
New Apps
We have three new programs for Object Desktop slated for release next year
Maybe getting big updates IF there's demand
Multiplicity
Tiles
Start10
On the bubble (for getting major update)
WindowBlinds (usage of desktop skinning is becoming less common and skinning has gotten more and more complicated). What would go into v11?
IconPackager (making icons today is a lot of work due to resolution and most people don't bother changing them anymore)
What are your thoughts?
What do you use Object Desktop for and what sorts of things do you want to see updated as well as what new things do you think people would like to see?
Let us know in the comments area.
I like Stardock a lot! Please don't stop anything, I love dressing up my desktop, and if Window's Blinds, or Deskscapes, or Icon Packager, or the sounds one's go, this will be my heart and face... so, please, keep keep keep! My Thoughts! I even like to add widgets, like lava lamps, moveable fish, even, a ball you click on and it bounces all over the desktop,so maybe some widgets would be nice too, thanks!
Logo Studio was great!
Remember Bootskin?
I love fences, and I use multiplicity all the time with 2 computers side by side. I have multiple monitors so never did really care for groupy that much, I might if I were forced to one monitor.
For me I would like things that make what I use the computer to do easier.
Window blinds and icon packager are the two most important programs for me. oh yes and fx and start 10 are great too. I am unable to get the icon packager to change randomly thou, I would like that instead of having to change manually. I have downloaded several skins and icon packages and use them all the time.
I'm new to the community, although I have been using Fences for 5 years and loving it, makes the desktop look SO clean !! But it wasn't until a couple weeks ago when I decided it was time to upgrade from Windows 7 to Win 10 that I went and bought Object Desktop. The main reason I bought it was for WindowBlinds, Start10 (since I really don't like the look of Win10), Multiplicity and IconPackager (some of the icon packs are just amazing and prefer them over Win10's default ones). I downloaded alot of skins and going through them to see which one I like the best before buying some Master Skins from different Master Skinners.
I been looking through SkinStudio because some of the skins I do like have some flaws (on my machine at least) that I would like to correct since I do like the skins itself. But it looks like a real daunting task to learn and so far not found a good guide to learn more about the program. I been trying to search for one before asking in the forums though. Would love if it could slightly easier to use for newbies, to change smaller things at least like making text on some Start Menus be readable, some tabs and drop down menus being to dark you can't see the text on them etc, nothing major but hard to find how to change them unless trial and error.
So. as many already said, WindowBlinds are probably one of the main reasons people come around here to Stardock in the first place. If you would discontinue updating WB then I think that would be a bad business decision. Obliviously I can not speak for others but I for one would not extend the subscription if WB would be put in the "bubble".
That's my two cents, for what they are worth. Now back to fine tune my Win10 desktop look !!
I would love to see DesktopX return the ability to design and make fairly complex gadgets and widgets with scripting that were really usful and kept me busy for many many hours, however now my creation does not work.
Tom, I have done this for years with people and so have others here. Actually time wise to make some changes takes only a minute (s).
My health keeps me off of here like I use to be on 24/7. Try this. Note to star example.
1. like making text on some Start Menus be readable. EX: Text to small, to big, change font.
2. some tabs and drop down menus being to dark you can't see the text on them etc, nothing major but hard to find.
NOTE: These small things can take time as lots do as I call them "hide" but so easy to adjust if one just know without much time required. So list a couple things to see how this example may work for you. Others may also jump in here.
True SKS (skinstudio) could be worked over. Sometimes a company has to weigh cost of fix and repair in the situation. So many of these little things can be answered and notes made how ever each person finds fit. Think about this say over a week, month, couple months. Bet there there would be many quick, simple adjustments pointed out. Each person with their own list. Someone realizes the adjustment list is spreed out over a few people and maybe one could combine them into one as time goes on.
As I mentioned. For years I was on here 24/7. Now I try to get on during the day as much as I can do to my health. Will try to those questions as long as they have an answer which most do have. Giving you and others a suggestion here.
PS I have made many WindowBlinds and have many uploaded. You can PM me with a situation however if you put it on a post many can have access to it.
Think again about it and thank you for taking the time to read all this.
Dave
(davebax)
LAST: I added this to this Wish-list post. Do think this was the best place as so many have and had the same questions. So I also consider it a wish-list that people here can help with certain situations. Love all you people and keep up the great work.
After me reading the above a few times this may be best so this original thread may remain as it is meant for.
Make a new post. Come up with a title that can catch eyes. EX: "Skinstudio adjustment help" "Skinstudio text adjustment locations help. ------- Anything someone thinks that may help. If this thread was to get attention one can also ask a Mod if it could be pinned.
I have been using Start 10 and objectDocks. really how about Make Object Dock great again! It is a great program that you haven't done anything with in years
I can't believe that WindowBlinds, and Skin Studio maybe on the chopping block, if it's true, or the very least; not updated, then it'll be a sad day for us Skinners.
They're not on the chopping block. This is a discussion of which apps are scheduled to get major updates.
On the bubble leads one to think it could go either way. Good to know that you are talking updates rather than sunsetting.
My use of Virtual Desktop goes back to 2004, and I still use it daily under a Virtual Windows under XP via control Center. That XP implementation is far superior to what is currently offered under Windows 10. I wish that what exists under XP was ported to Win10. As a software developer I currently use XP & WIn10 concurrently under a MAC environment every day. Under XP I have 10 virtual windows, can easily flip between them, and I can see via quick browse what is in them. Each virtual windows contains the apps that I want. 1 window may have outlook, another has 2 or 3 editor sessions, another multiple command sessions, another a database data app... easy to use and fast to switch. Under Win10 I can see all the apps that are open via a glance to the sidebar, and select the one I want to bring to the foreground. This is a sub-standard implementation by comparison. I want more than just being able to bring to the foreground. Is there something under Win10 that works like the old virtual Windows under XP?
I have been a Stardock customer from the start.
At this point my daily drivers are:
Start 10
ObjectDock!! Somehow I have some odd version that just keeps working with Win 10. But OD could sure use an update and some new features (docklets) that some 3rd parties did but have now also been abandoned like: "Stacks" and a working Weather Docklet would be great. I am personally on the bubble with Objectdesktop myself. It used to be a no brainer for me. But there fewer and fewer things that I use daily in the suite but if somethings got overhauls I might renew next time.
Completely agree. If WindowBlinds then I'm done with Stardock.
I didn't see it on the list but a really good Virtual desktop app would be great.
Multiple virtual windows.
Each window can have a name.
Each window can have a unique wallpaper.
Be able to drag windows from current desktop to another desktop like a Mac.
Add menu to the title bar to have "sticky" windows/apps that show on each desktop.
There's just nothing out there right now that does this well if at all.
Mick
I would like to be able to sort WB skins by author, etc.
Also, could we get a recent skins list on the start menu, like Winstep? See Pic.
I want some updated/new skinning aps. DesktopX, ObjectBar, ObjectDock like etc.
Skinning is not that complicated as you would think. Understanding the basic format you can make changes to the font and backgrounds of the different parts of the skin. Windows fx is great for window use separation as long as you choose the right graphic to use. I think the only change needed is better memory usage management.
WindowBlinds is the main reason to use ObjectDesktop.
And the next programs in priority:
Icon Packager
I'd like the ability to have sorting rules in WindowBlinds. Like sort by author, that would rock!
When Installing an update to WindowBlinds, I'd like the choice of excluding skins.
Are you guys giving any thought to bringing back SoundPackager?
I'd like to give a shout out to WindowFX, great little utility.
I use ObjectDock too, but would love to see a simple utility to individually size desktop icons, perhaps merely a context menu option.
All in all I've used your products for years. Most are pretty top notch.
I 2nd that Jim.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
Sign in or Create Account