DesktopX 3 is coming!

And a new website is on the horizon...

http://www.desktopx.net
from WinCustomize Forums

Stardock, the world's leading developer of OS enhancement utilities, announced DesktopX 3 and DesktopX 3 Pro today which will be released on March 1st.

DesktopX is the program that helped introduce the concept of desktop content that does more than icons but aren't traditional applications (what later became known as "widgets"). With DesktopX, users could design their own mini-applets or entire desktops and export them for others to use. First released in 2000, DesktopX has received millions of downloads, including over 2.5 million downloads on CNET's Download.com alone making it one of the most popular OS enhancement programs of all time.

DesktopX 3 includes a host of new features over DesktopX 2. But most importantly, it is being presented in a whole new way.  In DesktopX 3, the development environment is separate from the user portion. In previous versions of DesktopX, the content creation aspects were integrated with the end user portions. With DesktopX 3, users who just want to use widgets and desktops created by others can do so without interacting with the development environment.

"The entire presentation of DesktopX is being streamlined and simplified," said Alberto Riccio, Project Manager of DesktopX. "The people who want to add calendars or media players or stock tickers to their desktop can do that without ever having to deal with the full DesktopX configuration interface as they did before."

The part that Stardock expects to make the most waves is the release of DesktopX Pro at $69.95.  DesktopX Pro allows users to take their widgets (exported content that requires DesktopX to be installed) and turn them into gadgets (stand alone programs that can be sent to any Win2K/XP user without additional downloading).

DesktopX Pro opens the door for ambitious software developers to create new, innovative software at a fraction of the time.

Shae Petersen, founder of Dmense Solutions and known widely for his efforts at 545 Studios (developer of Aimutation, Greybook, and countless other programs) sees DesktopX Pro as a way to create small, high quality programs quickly and easily. "DesktopX Pro will let Dmense to create slick, highly functional mini-programs that we can then provide to our customers in a timely manner."

To facilitate developers and customers, Stardock is also announcing a new website called DesktopGadgets.com. This new site will enable developers to upload their gadgets, set their price, and if they pass moderation become available for sale with the revenue split evenly between the author and the site. DesktopGadgets.com is expected to launch in April.

For widget/gadget developers and users, DesktopX 3 has a significant advantage over other widget enabling programs in that ActiveX controls and WMI features are directly accessible from DesktopX enabling a much wider range of widgets to be developed (i.e. a whole world beyond clocks, weather widgets, and RSS feeds). For example, where other widget enablers might have to include explicit support for developers to create battery meters, DesktopX provides direct WMI access to the complete WMI interface for battery information. In other words, developers aren't limited to what Stardock thought of for creating content.

DesktopX 3 will be available in three forms on March 1, 2005: 

  • A DesktopX run-time for $14.95 for those who just want to run objects, widgets, and desktops created by others.
  • DesktopX Standard for $24.95 which will allow users to design their own desktops, widgets, and objects for personal use or for sharing with others.
  • DesktopX Pro for $69.95 which allows for objects and widgets to be exported as gadgets (Stand-alone programs) that anyone can use.

The home page for DesktopX is http://www.desktopx.net.  DesktopX 3 standard will also be part of Stardock's Object Desktop suite of desktop enhancements (www.objectdesktop.com).

42,803 views 91 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just a quick question, as DesktopX is included in Object Desktop, If you have Object Desktop, which of the above will be included. DesktopX run-time, DesktopX Standard or both or neither?
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oops! Missed the link at the bottom of the article.
WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Can't wait..the new DesktopX sounds great..
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This sounds great.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Will there be an upgrade price for us on ODNT --> pro?
Dont get me wrong I think the price is right but I am a penny pincher as well.

--Clayton
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ok, alot of the article sounds very exciting, however, I have a question.

To be able to utilise objects, widgets and desktops created by other people costs $14.95... so far, so good.

BUT, for the privilege of working on widgets for countless hours (sometimes weeks or even months) to provide the content for the people who are paying $14.95.... is going to cost $24.95? I can't help thinking that this can only slow down widget creation/innovation.

Don't get me wrong, I am hopelessly addicted and will continue to make widgets. I am also excited by the possibilities of DesktopX pro and DesktopGadgets.com. I just don't understand the pricing policy for DesktopX run-time and DesktopX Standard.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Tiggz: I think many people want to be able to customize their own desktops and widgets/objects. Moreover, competing programs cost $25 "for the same priviledge" and don't offer a $15 option.

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
dang..formatting..again..
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I use a modified version of the Kids theme for my five-year-old. Will I lose the ablitity to lock down her desktop with DesktopX with the Standard edition (the ODNT subscriber edition)?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Okay Brad, I was just curious

Personally, I imagine I will be saving up for DesktopX Pro and possibly submitting a widget or two to DesktopGadgets.com. I presume that widgets created with the pro version can also be submitted to the regular wc widget library?
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/ [Stardock Object Desktop Subscription Page]
The Object Desktop Network (ObjectDesktop.net)

When you purchase Object Desktop, you automatically get a 1 year subscription to ObjectDesktop.net, You not only get all of the features Object Desktop has today, but all of the features for the next year. This means all updates and new programs added to it you automatically get during that year.

And what you download is yours forever. At the end of the year, you can continue your subscription or stick with what you already have.

(Since DesktopX ODNT spawned the DesktopX PRO version, then why isn't the Parent/Child Spawning included into the Subscription, owing to the fact that it is a direct linear decendent of the DesktopX Product. Next we will be told that there is a PRO version of Windowblinds, that we are unable to get with our subscription.)

https://www.stardock.com/products/odnt/odnt-info.asp [Object Desktop Information Page]

Q: What do I get when I purchase Object Desktop?

A: Object Desktop includes all its components, plus a full year of updates, along with any new programs added to Object Desktop during that year. At the end of the year, users can renew their access to new updates and new components at a discounted price of $34.95.

(A lot of ODNT Subscribers are actually resubscribers. They have all entered into the subscription process under older white paper descriptions of their purchased products. Those White Papers have been vanished, and have been replaced with the current ODNT Description. You would think that they are Grandfathered into their subscription terms, owing to the fact that there is no notification of the changing nature of their Subscription.)

https://www.stardock.com/support/support.asp?product=prod1 [Stardock ODNT Support Page]



What about updates – do I have to pay for them, or are they free?

Updates are usually free. Customers who purchase standalone components like WindowBlinds are generally entitled to all releases in with the same major version number (so if you bought 3.0 you would be able to get 3.2 and 3.5 later, but not 4.0). For those who have bought a Object Desktop Network subscription, updates to all components are free throughout the period of your subscription.
(How can this not be any clearer? I quote. "updates to all components are free" How is $40 increase in the price of DesktopX FREE?)

https://www.stardock.com/support/support.asp?product=prod1 [Stardock ODNT Support Page]

How much does DesktopX cost?

DesktopX is $19.95, or $49.95 as part of an Object Desktop subscription.
(This is the Crux of my Argument, and this is taken from the Object Desktop Network Subscription page, there is no distinction, other than the Stand Alone and the Subscriber based versions of DesktopX. )

There is only the distinction between DesktopX Stand Alone, and ODNT Version. In every verifiable source (except the recently modified DesktopX Page) DesktopX was scheduled to this type of pricing and inclusion into the ODNT. Why suddenly are we seeing the reemergence of the "PRO" version? I ask these questions again, as I am sure you remember that we have had this discussion before. If the development of a "PRO" version was inteneded why wasn't it excluded from the product subscription refferences? I know we are going to cover the same old arguments.



Argument number One: Stardock offers so much for the value of the ODNT Subscription, DesktopX Pro was never suposed to be included

(hence my initial question as to why it wasn't excluded Specifically.)


Argument number Two: The old White paper description is no longer valid, to be a description of the ODNT.

(hence my inclusion of readily verifiable existing Stardock dektopX links.)


Argument number Three: You are expecting too much for your subscription than you have paid. (the you are very greedy for wanting the PRO version argument)

The DesktopX PRO is a relatively recent development, and it's exclusion (from the ODNT Descriptions) could be an oversight, if it is then there is a lot of reversionary editing that needs to be done.) I am aware of all the FLAK I am going to draw because of my thoughts about this topic. I will never be convinced that DesktopX comes in any other version other than Stand Alone or Subscription based. I do not feel I am wrong in asking for what it is I feel I have paid to subscribe.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Will you be able to do your scrpting in DesktopX Pro without having JBasic or VBasic?
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The DesktopX PRO is a relatively recent development


It's not new, it's been around for a while and used to cost $499.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Windowsblinds Pro? something new in the pipeline?
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's not new, it's been around for a while and used to cost $499.



As you can see I stated 'relatively new.'


Why suddenly are we seeing the reemergence of the "PRO" version? I ask these questions again, as I am sure you remember that we have had this discussion before.



This just seems to me to be a Product Fork, that is designed to generate additional revenue at the subscribers expense. I have no problems with the Development of 'Think Desk' as a new Product line for Stardock (at the expense of ODNTs' dilution) but this just smacks of intentional dilution of a Product. Many users have Subscribed to ODNT believing that they were going to be able to upgrade it no matter the descriptive semantics. This to me is a disagreeable scenario. Stardock looses nothing by grandfathering the PRO Version to current subscribers, and stands to gain tremendous goodwill by doing as I suggest.

The problem is that no matter how right I am, I will be deemed wrong in that it will be assumed that I do not 'understand' or that I have 'mistaken the subscription parameters.' How is windowblinds going to be forked into a new product, and further dilute ODNT? Take any of the ODNT products and add them to the "PRO" catagory, and we will find ourselves asking these same questions over and over.


This brings to mind a poem, that spans any topic like this...



First They Came for the Jews

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.
Pastor Martin Niemöller


Just Insert any part of the ODNT into this poem, when replacing the "they came for's."


Also please let's not go down the road where, the subscribers are offered some kind of discount, to rightly receive what they have already paid for.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Eh? We're still getting exactly what we paid for.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cygnus, DesktopX continues to be available on ODNT, I don't understand what you are trying to say. It's not like they discontinued or even crippled DesktopX and released DesktopX Pro instead as a standalone application. DesktopX (as part of Object Desktop) and DX Pro have two separate target customer. While Object Desktop (and therefore DesktopX) is meant as a Windows customization software, Desktop X Pro is targeted towards developers, programmers who may want to make standalone programs that they will either distribute for free or that they will sell. It's over and above the user customization aspect. It's not part of Object Desktop because it's not meant for the same people. Besides why are you ranting when the price is dropping? Desktop X Pro was $500 for goodness sake, now the price is more than interesting.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Not so.. because the version we are getting is being moved into a distincive class, where as before it was all inclusive. This, in and of itself belies the fact that we are being sold something different. The very simple fact that we have to infer a distiction between what we purchased and what was said we purchased, is the wrong track to be on. The ODNT description is not clear as to the distinction differences, and promotes the belief that the Subscription is all inclusive, when in fact it is not. It shows that there are two variants of DesktopX, stand Alone and ODNT, and this is untrue(Now). DesktopX is being spun into a Completely different product (with the 'Standard Version' now being included), and the ODNT Subscriber (up to present) has been misled. I did not Subscribe to any 'Versional Semantics.' When I subscribed to ODNT DesktopX was DesktopX, there was no distinction or Semantics.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
paxx, I am not ranting... honestly.
I am trying to be straight forward and clear headed, and logical about this. I know the price has dropped.
If Brad wants to fix all the Documentation to reflect the differences, fine by me. I just want to make sure that, it gets done. I didn't buy into ODNT with the understanding that I had to decide if I was going to be a developer, or that I had to draw any distinctions about my Subscription. I 'Subscribed.' Plain and Simplen. Now I and anyone else that want the PRO Version are being told, "Now there is a distinction, and you have to pay additionally."

Riddle me this? Why wasn't this (the Doc Reff's)fixed and clearly defined after the (same) previous discussions? When the Price for PRO was $499.

I'll tell ya why. Because the ambiguity works in Stardocks favour, and the few of us that cry 'foul' are not enough to matter. It's an odds game. That's what irks me the most. Along with the fact, here we are again. Same Bat Channel, same Bat Time.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cygnus, it just so happens that Stardock while developing Desktop X realised that Desktop X was moving along into something quite powerful that could be used to develop seperate applications. So they thought, why not try to sell it to developpers too, not just end users who want to customize their desktop? And also, you must realise that Stardock in a way is shooting themselves in the foot with this. No longer now do people need to purchase Desktop X when applications made now with Pro will not require somebody to purchase Desktop X.
I am actually surprised that Stardock is releasing this product so cheap and wonder it the low price will be enough to compensate with the eventual loss of sales for Desktop X.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I understand what you are saying, and can see your points. I do not refute your thinking.

it just so happens that Stardock while developing Desktop X realised that Desktop X was moving along into something quite powerful that could be used to develop seperate applications. So they thought, why not try to sell it to developpers too, not just end users who want to customize their desktop?


See, "while developing", you yourself even acknowledge the distinction. When Subscribing to ODNT I subscribed irregardless of the products future features or developments (owing to the fact I was given to understand I didn't have to draw the distinction). I believed in the product enough to go along for the ride, and Stardock encouraged me to do so (for a set price.) Now Stardock want to tell me that what I paid for has been developed into something other than what I paid for.

This is a Product fork, for revenue, at the expense of the Subscribers. Plain and Simple.
Brad Needs to clear this up, that's all there is to it. Clarify the ODNT Descriptions, and cover his losses on upgrading the present subscribers. If a store makes an error in an advertisement with no legal dislaimer, that store is held accountable for it errors. The ODNT Descriptions amount to advertisement.

It just needs to be addressed and fixed.
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cygnus...ODNT will come with DesktopX Enhanced (the one for $24.95), which will do EXACTLY the same thing as the DesktopX that is available now! I have no idea what you're arguing! All they did was made a seperate program for $14.95 that simply runs DX-content...but doesn't allow you to create it. You don't need this as an ODNT subscriber, as you already have the enhanced version. Then they REDUCED the price of DesktopX PRO from whatever it was before...to $70.

HOW ARE THEY OFFERING ANYTHING DIFFERENT??

Please, read and understand before you go off on uneccessary rants and make yourself look foolish. Thank you.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
what now costs $69 is not different from what costed $499 before and just like it ALWAYS was since DesktopX Pro was introduced - it was never a part of Object Desktop.

- Object Desktop subscription is $49.95 end user set of tools.
- DesktopX Pro was always $499 tool for developers that allows you to sell programs you develop with it. Only this version - which was NEVER part of Object Desktop and was never intended to be is not more competitively priced. Those two products happen to have similar name but are indded a very different products. Just like ObjectDock and ObjectDock Pro.
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm at a loss here...Stardock will be giving me exactly what they have been giving me with my existing ODNT package. The good news is, if I want to share my DX works with friends, that don't have DX-enabled PCs, it will only cost me $70.00! Excellent!

Wicked.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Cygnus - we never implied DesktopX Pro as part of DesktopX.  DesktopX Pro 3 has been available for over a year.

You can't have it both ways - a $49.95 product that also contains a $69.95 program. It seems like that would be obvious. The altenrative would be to raise the price on Object Desktop to $120 and renwals to $90. I suspect more users would object to that.

The fact that DesktopX Pro is only $69.95 we think it pretty amazing.