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Object Desktop 2008 Preliminaries

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Object Desktop 2008 Preliminaries

from JoeUser Forums

It's almost time to start talking about what's happening with Object Desktop in 2008.  2008 will be the single biggest change to the product since its release.

Here are some highlights:

Two versions

In 2008 there will be two editions of Object Desktop:

Object Desktop normal which will remain $49.95 and it will include:

  • Object Desktop LaunchPad
  • WindowBlinds
  • IconPackager
  • DeskScapes
  • DesktopX
  • SoundPackager
  • Theme Manager
  • MyColors with 3 premium themes included

And there will then be:

Object Desktop Ultimate Edition which will be $69.95 and add:

  • TweakVista
  • WindowFX
  • SkinStudio
  • IconDeveloper
  • StyleVista (new program in development)
  • LogonStudio Vista
  • ObjectBar
  • RightClick
  • Keyboard LaunchPad

ALL current users of Object Desktop at the time that 2008 edition is launched will be upgraded to Ultimate Edition.

Another big change is that the user experience of Object Desktop is going to dramatically improve. Gone will be the days of a new user simply getting a serial # and being expected to download Stardock Central to get started.  Instead, a user will download a complete Object Desktop package which will allow them to easily upgrade to updates versions.

The inclusion of MyColors is a pretty big deal as well in that now users will be able to much more easily add new premium themes.  What we'll be doing is that every so often we'll add an additional premium MyColors theme to every active Object Desktop account. So the longer someone is an Object Desktop user, the more stuff they get.

Stay tuned.

67,778 views 108 replies
Reply #101 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I get the feeling that this post has gotten to the point where we just need to let it go and move on. What do you think?  :NOTSURE: 
Reply #102 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Maybe. If the message hasn't sunk in by now then it's a case of...

But it's always good to let people have their say   :) 

Groupy 2 - Organize multiple applications into grouped tabs on your Windows desktop
Reply #103 from WinCustomize Forums Top

This is the same business model used by cable companies and satellite TV.
Start a new tier and remove content from the first one and add it to the second one.
I started with direct TV with their top package. Over a few years I ended up at the bottom tier with 30% of the best channels moved to the new tiers. They just eliminated my package and asked if I wanted to subscribe to the new bottom tier at a higher cost. Its just another way to increase costs by deception. No one selling a service wants to just be forthright and openly say they need a reasonable price increase occasionally, they feel the need make it look like a benefit to the buyer. Remember the old days when one purchased software? Now you rent it. I like OD but I do not like the idea of adding tiers. It always gets out of hand. Cable TV, Satellite TV and Cell phone companies are prime examples.
Reply #104 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So what you are saying is that if you are or were a current subscriber to Object Desktop when the update comes out that a free upgrade to Ultimate is not sufficient and the a projected increase of $5 in the cost at renewal time is too much?

That's okay, you don't have to renew and you still get to use the version of Object Desktop that you have. You just won't get any updates for the programs that are in it.

The new subscribers are the ones that will have to decide on what tier that will purchase.

Bottom line is it is still your choice.

Now if I have gotten anything wrong, Stardock will correct me and I'll get a hit on the back of my head.  ;) 
Reply #105 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I have been a subscriber for quite a while and will probably eat a "projected" $5 increase.
I am just saying that I have seen these trial balloons sent up before and am concerned that this will evolve into a multi-tier system that will end up frustrating subscribers
in making decisions on whether to pay 10 or 15 bucks for that one application that was removed from their tier. I have seen this type of marketing happen over and over again and am disappointed that Stardock chose this path. I have also noticed that even with an annual subscription fee that there is an incremental increase in the proliferation of " master skins" at additional cost. Is there a possibility that someday we will pay the subscription fee and a price for every skin too?
I am not complaining, just watching the changes. They have the right to change anything they want. Free enterprise. They will find the point where returns diminish and people start opting out. Watch for a year or two and then compare to 2005 and 2006. We'll see if they grow or ruin a great product.
Anyway, Have a great New Year all.
Reply #106 from WinCustomize Forums Top
every once in a little while i manage to get back here so here i are. sometimes it not easy to gain access 'cause there am not too too many places for to getting online for any goodly length of time. anyway, i are here for puttin' mine three pennies into it he he. Aside from the fact that the complete package (mine cost me $50 bucks back in 06)is far cheaper than the individual apps, even at the increased rate it is still a bargain. Think of what all the separate apps would cost one by one. I'll take the package deal every time. But what i know i are just a wee person lol :LOL: 
Reply #107 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I agree,I would rather pay $50 bucks,to get all the updates.It's cheaper than updating every program one at a time,and paying anywhere from $10 bucks to $20 bucks for each of them.I am just a wee person also,and I dont have a lot of money to spare, but love the programs,so cheaper is better in my book. :LOL: 
Reply #108 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Under what business model is this kind of comment acceptable? This should have been removed immediately & the person dealt with! Especially considering all of the shooting incidents this country has endured this year.
End of quote


unhappycamper88: With all we have endured over the past year, this is NOT funny (if it was intended to be). You shouldn't use this forum to threaten or give the impression of threatening
anyone. Speech is free until you shout "FIRE" in a crowded movie theater (Justice Brandeis, paraphrased). "Visitors" should respect their hosts.

As for the rest of your salient points, I believe others have answered more authoritatively than I could.

Not everyone is out to rook you. If you perceive that to be the case, however, you are free not to buy the software.