Published on November 12, 2004 By d3adz0mbie In OS Customization
If you haven't read the first three articles in this series, I suggest you do. I throw out some ideas on how Stardock can make two of it's most popular programs, DesktopX and Windowblinds more popular with th average computer user. Go ahead, read them. We'll be here waiting for you when you get back.
Stardock outsider, part.1
Stardock outsider, part.2
Stardock outsider, part.3

You're back? Good! Let's get started...
So far I've been pretty thorough on what Stardock might do different with DesktopX and Windowblinds. So what, if anything, is Stardock actually doing with these two apps? Here's the scoop, at least as far as they've let leak out:

Windowblinds
I have it on good authority that tests are being run internally to see if a semi-transparent version of Windowblinds is viable. Semi-transparency CAN be done. And I've been told from a reliable source that one or two people within Stardock have been discussing this for over a year now. With the Aero interface being shown in Microsoft preview videos of Longhorn, a renewed interest in glass like skins has pushed this out of the discussion stage and into the initial stages of work. That's all I know. Right now my guess is that there is a 50/50 chance of this happening, although I have a sneaky suspicion that a public outcry for this feature would probably increase the odds of it seeing the light of day. But thats just me, don't count on that as fact.

DesktopX
This is where we have some tangible news other than rumor and whispers. Stardock has been actively pursuing a higher quality in DesktopX widgets, and so far the results are extremely impressive. Let's take a look!

First, we have one of my favorite DesktopX widgets, Core Weather.
Core Weather Download

Screenshots:
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As you can see, it has a nice animated pull down, has a clean design and sleek interface.

Next, we have Core Calendar:
Core Calendar Download

Screenshots:
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As you can see, it continues the new sleek interface, animated pull down information and a nice compact shape. Impressive.

Next, we have To Do List:
Core Calendar Download

Screenshots:
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Yep. I really do need to call my Mom. Not only can you set your list, you can prioritize your messages, then scroll them up into a compact widget. Easy, simple, elegant.

And last, for now, we have the Core Clock:
Core Calendar Download

Screenshots:
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Resizable at a touch, like all the Core widgets you can colorize it just by clicking the interface. I forgot to mention that? Well, you can colorize all of these widgets just by clicking the widget! Very smart, very easy.

So what do we see here? Simple, sleek, stylish widgets that do justice to the DesktopX brand . It's a darn good start, and it's exactly what I was thinking of when I started writing these articles. It's an exciting time to be a Windows user, and I personally couldn't be more thrilled to what the future has in store.

Tell Stardock what you think. Post a comment here, or check their contact page at www.stardock.com. And thanks for reading.
Comments
on Nov 12, 2004
BTW, Anonymous users that only want to cause trouble will be deleted and banned.
If you don't have the backbone to register and have a decent discussion, then you wont be heard.

Thanks for playing.
on Nov 12, 2004
I love the Core series! Before, I'd wonder whether or not I should run DesktopX on my machine. Now I need not wonder. It even got me to use Konfabulator on the Mac again (which is good, because I hate not using stuff I paid for to its fullest).
on Nov 12, 2004
They are the best suite of widgets... shame they won't work for me Just reset to defaults after 2 reboots.
on Nov 12, 2004
The "core" series is fantastic. They really are elevating the level of work on the visual aspect of widgets. Hopefully the community can rise to the challenge. Another great article DZ. I am really enjoying these.
on Nov 12, 2004
I've been following your four installments with great intrest. (Where were you a couple of weeks ago when we were looking for a well-spoken candidate for our country )Kidding aside, I have met to many computer users that have no idea they can change their operating environment to make things easier and more accesable. Needless to say, they never heard of Stardock or WindowBlinds. The advertising needs to also be directed to the general public, like you mentioned and not just to where tech savy users will be exposed. I truly enjoy the enhancements Stadock has made possibe on my computer, and I want to see them do well business-wise. So with all that said, I'm requesting a recount from November 2nd, and a new write-in ballot so I can vote for you.
on Nov 12, 2004
So with all that said, I'm requesting a recount from November 2nd, and a new write-in ballot so I can vote for you.


UHHHH...please don't....I am not qualified to be First Lady. I do not look the part. I make Teresa look normal.
on Nov 12, 2004
iamheather - that would take a lot of doing, no one looks that bad.

zOmbie - another great article. I am with you on the core widgets; I have the three you discused here in this article, and they are set to load up at start up. The only real problem is with the weather widget (not the fault of the widget) I don't have cable or DSL so it is at the mercy of my dailup (live out in the hinterlands; way out).

Looking forward to your next piece. lol
on Nov 12, 2004
Oh boy it is time to watch "Shrek 2" (the fifth time this week). The grandkids are here tonight (mom and dad needed a night off).

See zOmbie we grandma's are nice to have around. Wait that is Great-Grandma's (I have a two year Great-Grandson).

Pam