DesktopX 3.1 released!

Build a better desktop

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

Plymouth, MI (July 19, 2005) - Stardock, the world's leading developer of Windows enhancement software, announced DesktopX 3.1 and DesktopX Pro 3.1 today.

DesktopX is the revolutionary program that gives power users and novice users alike the ability to design their own custom Windows desktops.

DesktopX works by giving Windows its own native desktop object system. With it, users can add objects to their desktops that can do nearly anything the user imagines. Objects can be combined together to create mini-applications or used to build entire desktops. Users can then export their creations as widgets (for the mini-applications) or as entire desktops (.desktop files).

To get users started, DesktopX comes with over a dozen different widgets including a stock-monitor, RSS reader, weather monitor, Computer resource monitor, currency conversion, media player, dictionary, search engine front-end, and more.  It also comes with several .desktop files and a bunch of packaged desktop objects.

DesktopX 3.1 Pro adds a relatively new concept - gadgets. Gadgets are the same as widgets but with one key difference: They don't require the creating program to be installed on the computer. They're truly stand-alone programs except they have all the benefits of widgets (easy to create, low memory and resource requirements).

"We think gadgets are the next stage in widget evolution," said Alberto Riccio, Project Manager of DesktopX. "If a third party creates an outstanding widget, they have to tell their users to go and download the corresponding widget enabling program such as DesktopX, Konfabulator, Kapsules, etc. This results in widgets always remaining relatively simple which is why there's thousands of clocks and calendars and few more meatier things. But with gadgets, the user exports their creation and anyone running Windows 98 to Longhorn can use it. Companies and individual users are not in the position of having to buy their own license of the widget enabling program, they just get the gadget."

To encourage gadget creation, Stardock will be launching a brand-new website called DesktopGadgets.com in early August. It's a site that enables gadget creators to submit their creations, name a price (including free if they want to give it away) and distribute it. Revenue collected is split 50/50 between DesktopGadgets.com and the gadget creator.

DesktopX 3.1 improves on 3.0 through numerous usability changes to make it easier to use, along with a new, more sophisticated widget/desktop creation environment.

DesktopX comes in 3 forms:

  • DesktopX Run-Time (client) for users who simply want to use widgets and desktops ($14.95)
  • DesktopX Standard which includes a widget/desktop development environment ($24.95)
  • DesktopX Pro which allows users to export their widgets as gadgets -- stand-alone programs ($69.95).

A shareware version of DesktopX Standard is also available for download on the DesktopX website. DesktopX's home page is http://www.desktopx.net . The standard version of DesktopX also comes with Stardock's Object Desktop suite of desktop enhancement utilities.

[What's New List]

Developer:
Stardock Corp. (www.stardock.com)
15090 Beck Rd., Suite 300
Plymouth, MI 48170
Website: www.desktopx.net
Media Contact: Kristin Hatcher ([email protected]) 734-927-0677 x105

Requires:
Windows 2000 or Windows XP
(exported gadgets should work on Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Longhorn)

# # #
About Stardock:
Stardock is a Midwestern Windows software development company. It is best known for creating software that extends and enhances to functionality of Microsoft Windows. Its principle product is a suite of desktop enhancements called Object Desktop (www.objectdesktop.com)  which includes its popular utilities WindowBlinds, DesktopX, ObjectBar, IconPackager, SkinStudio, RightClick, Keyboard LaunchPad, and much more. It is a Microsoft gold partner ISV.

It also runs the worlds most popular desktop customization website called WinCustomize.com (www.wincustomize.com) which receives over 3 million unique visitors each month.

Stardock has also developed popular PC strategy games such as the award winning Galactic Civilizations (www.galciv.com)  and The Political Machine (www.politicalmachine.com) . Its game software is available at retail as well as through its innovative electronic distribution network TotalGaming.net (www.totalgaming.net).

Screenshots (objects, widgets, desktops):

25,038 views 33 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Regarding the Gadget website. Can you tell how people would be payed for the sales? Paypal, bank transfer on a timely basis? Any restrictions to where in the world you are located?


Anyways, a big cheers for the update. I'm glad this version put much more control to the scripts for various properties. DesktopX is one of my favorite programs from SD. I plan to use it for my Final Major Project when I resume after the summer.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Just keeps getting better.

One thing, though - The list of apps with updates in SD Central was DesktopX Professional, DesktopX, and IconX. I currently don't own a license to DX Pro (although I'm planning on it). It did the download and install and I did have Pro (I checked, and was able to export an object to a gadget). Then when I ran SDC again it told me the same list of apps were available, so I said ok and it did another install of IconX and DX Pro. DesktopX was still at the beta release in the list of apps installed, with the 3.1 release as available, so I clicked on that and selected Update. I now have the correct version installed (not Pro).
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Before I purchase desktopx pro..is that all thats different ? I would like to export widgets as gadgets..seems like a good idea. But, what other advantages are there for that price ? I dont mind paying, just curious.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I am also getting prompted to update DesktopX Pro. Although I would love to have it, I don't.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's not that much different, no. What you're paying the extra $45 for is the opportunity to make alpha-blended, easily programmable and distributable mini-applications (and they don't have to be that mini, either). That's a pretty big thing, if you can use them.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I downloaded the new version using my stardock Object desktop program and my computer crashed at the end of the install. Tried to start the program manually and it crashed my computer.

How should I report this and get some help?

gdr at post.com
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
theroot, definitely report that to support but be specific. What do you mean your computer "Crashed" at the end of install?
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's really a fantastic release. Things seem to have really come together for this release! Nice work.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Added Forms. Forms are input boxes whose elements work like Preferences items.


Yesssss !
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I won't be suprised if they don't keep this post up! I'm not very happy right now. The basic version of DX3.1 installs OK. The enhanced version won't install even though the link and serial number were sent from Stardock. I thought I'd upgrade. I thought that if you had the enhanced version to begin with you'd get the upgrade and sure enough when I entered my email address I was sent info with the link for the upgrade and the serial number to enter on install. I downloaded it. When I go to install the enhanced version (That I Paid for) I get a message that the serial number is no good even though it was sent from Stardock! I paid for the enhanced version and DX3 enhanced was working before. Not now, DX3.1 is only in the basic mode now. I can load the objects and widgets available but that is all. My desktop builder is gone! What the hell! Why won't an upgrade for a program install that you paid for when the link for it with the serial number was sent from the company that made it? It's bad enough that IP3 won't work and locks up my system. Paid for that garbage too. I've tried installing IP3 only to resort to doing numerous restores. Install and uninstall! The so called fix didn't work and locked things up. I am unhappy. By my account I'm out 14.95 for IP3 and at least another 10 bucks for half a program, DX3.1, I paid for the enhanced version but am only getting the basic one. What gives Stardock? By the way I have sent support more than a few emails about all this but to date haven't gotten squat back except to uninstall and reinstall. What a joke! I even phoned Stardock tech support and was told I'd get a call back which never came. Before I used Windowblinds etc. I was an Aston shell user, maybe I should have stuck with Aston.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Chasbo, I checked your registration status and I see "DesktopX 3 Run-Time Client" and "DesktopX 3.0 Upgrade". I'm not sure if this matches, however if you can get on chat later I think we can check this quickly. By now I sent you a private download link for DesktopX 3.1 Enhanced.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Chasbo, Alberto : Download links for standalone still show 3.0a, that's why.
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks Alberto but it still says the serial number is invalid. I'm calmer now but I definitley ain't happy. All I want is to be treated fairly. Get what I payed for. I have loved the Stardock product line. That's why I switched from Aston Shell. With Stardock almost evrything is skinned. Please fix this.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have rechecked all the download links and serials (there was a serial bit set wrong and the DesktopX 2.x links weren't changed). Everybody should be all set now for standalones.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And per my other post elsewhere, ignore that the Stardock Central update window is offering DX Pro. It won't do the download for it, but that shouldn't be showing there. Need a new SDC build to suppress its display.
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
All is well now. Thank you. I live and die with this stuff. Spend a lot of time with computers so it's important to me that it works right. Now all they need to do is get IP3 right!
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Still doesn't work right with IconX. IconX still has spacing problems, when anything is saved to the desktop the icons are spaced way to far apart regardless of your settings. IconX still has the problem of treating the label and icon as two separate mouse over points, resulting in a stupid looking double animation upon mouse over. These are both problems that were introduced sometime after DX 2.2 or 2.3, how long is it going to take to get this right?
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I had hoped that this release of IconX would have fixed the issue with the Briefcase icon loading blank, but it is still doing so.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
great news ... Welldone
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top
IconX still has spacing problems, when anything is saved to the desktop the icons are spaced way to far apart regardless of your settings.


Hmmm...the latest update finally fixed this for me.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Everything's great!
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
IconX is not part of DesktopX. 
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I am aware that IconX is no longer part of DX. But the fact that IconX has problems still remains. I have updated to the newest versions of IconX & DesktopX and I'm still experiencing the same problems I had before. If I revert back to an older version of IconX it won't load at all. The only way I can get the two working together properly is to go way back to IconX version 1 and DesktopX version 2.3

I emailed technical support about this issue several months ago and received a statement saying, "We are aware of the issues and are actively working on them." Well that's great but like I said that was several months ago and the problem still hasn't been taken care of. I would be interested in any helpful suggestions you have frogboy.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
IconX is not part of DesktopX.


So respond to my IconX thread, and maybe these discussions will move over there.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central