DesktopX 1.98: Something wonderful is about to happen...

from WinCustomize Forums
Every so often a real milestone comes to skinning. Where the technology available happens to coincide with the hardware people happen to be using.

Winamp 2's release would be an example of such a time. Windows XP and the release of WindowBlinds 3 near the same time would be another.

We think DesktopX version 2 may be such a time. Tonight version 1.98 beta was put up onto Object Desktop (via Stardock Central). If you don't have Object Desktop, you can get it by going to www.objectdesktop.com ( http://www.objectdesktop.com ). But for those of you who have access to it, this might be a good time to try it out the beta of DesktopX if you hvae any interest in skinning.

I'll be putting out a video demo so that it'll be more clear. But this version comes with some sample objects that give you a taste of what is possible and there are a ton of incredibly cool objects coming down the pike.

We will be splitting the DesktopX section into 2 sections - objects and themes. DesktopX themes are different than objects. A "theme" takes over your desktop whereas an object is merely enhancing your existing desktop. DesktopX 2 objects are fully scriptable and it's much easier to use than...well anything else that is even remotely similar. I could, for example, create an object and have it change its color based on the time of day in less than a minute.

As a fairly simple example, the beta includes some fish objects that swim around your desktop. These are just DX objects with a few dozen lines of VB scripting to give the fish some "intelligence".

DX objects can also be ActiveX controls which means if you're a developer you could use DesktopX to rapidly develop an application.

We're very excited about this. The video we'll be releasing this week will show more of it off but in the meantime, if you have Object Desktop already go ahead and give this a shot if you're comfortable running beta software.

16,895 views 28 replies
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm gonna go play with some fish
WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Pretty nice, except the script editor crashes desktop x every time I try to use it, or create a new script. Could I be needing some extra files?
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just waiting for it to show up in my component tray to try out. Looks pretty sweet. i wonder how practical it will really be for everyday computing but it does look pretty sweet/ Good for wowing people.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Script editor-crashes DX here, too.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Please note that this is a beta. You will see the full thing in the future.
In the meantime here's another view of what you can look forward to: https://www.stardock.net/people/martin/temp/fish_tease.jpg

Note that all the objects (fish, plants, bubbles etc) are fully animated
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"Please note that this is a beta. You will see the full thing in the future."

Does that mean there is only a goldfish in this version (and yes I do know there is more to this than the fish )

wallpaper?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is great, something that I think will send DX over the top. Keep up the great work. Where will we be able to get more fish?
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
c242 could you email your .dmp file (in your Desktop directory) to [email protected]? Also, what OS and such are you using?

You might want to try uninstalling/reinstalling.

And finally, check to see that there aren't two dxahost.dll files in your DesktopX and DesktopX sub-directories.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
this is great stuff guys, can't wait to get the full fish tank. Then it's going to be like finding nemo.. lol

Keep up the great work!
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If the script editor is crashing, try disabling Script Blocking in Norton Anti-Virus.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ah I almost forgot about that. Yea, Norton Anti-virus is a bit too aggressive at stopping scripts and it currently will crash the script editor. We're looking for a work around.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've got 2 monitors and almost everything with the new beta causes it to crash. I don't nkow if that is the cause, but I thought I'd throw that in. The fish look great for about 3 seconds, and then Desktop X crashes.

The XML feed causes it to Crash right away, but my old objects all work fine.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Samurize code is script based. Anyone know how much effort it is to convert scripts over? Thanks.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Disabling the Script Blocking in Norton cured the issue of my script editor crashing. Thanks DaWebMassa for the idea.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's a doddle - it's all vbscript. Just need DX specific stuff to set data to objects etc
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A fix for the Norton-DXScript issue has been implemented and will be in today's build.
-Ian
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And soon the DX themes will come... those who never see their desktop will still marvel over the shortcuts and hidden bars that can be made

... thos who do see thier desktop will be amazed at the quickness of thier new configured desktop, the fun in using it, and the joy of having a customized desktop to fit your usage will


DX2... The revolution begins...

I think Frogboy ment to say that but he forgot. I gladly said it for him because I agree. I have many plans for DX; many plans (Some already in progress)

Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is not showing up on my Component Manager, shouldn't it be there? Will it work with ME? SOunds like it doesn't work for many people.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"if you're comfortable running beta software."
It's what makes life worth living!!
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oh boy, time for me to dust off the old FauxS-X (Laststep) theme for a version 2.0. Looking forward to it.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yeah, no crashes for me anymore. Way to go !