Stardock Reinvents Windows Desktop

From Apple to Microsoft, desktop widgets -- or small applications that display information such as weather or stock quotes -- are on everyone's mind. Both companies are slated to include such functionality in their next operating systems, but Stardock has taken the idea one step further with DesktopX 3.0.

Stardock, known for its Windows customization software such as WindowBlinds, this week launched the third generation of its DesktopX platform. The new release is being billed not only a as way to extend the Windows desktop, but also as a rapid development tool for designing stand-alone programs Stardock calls "Gadgets."

The concept of mini-applications that sit atop the desktop is not a new idea; DesktopX has touted user-created objects since its first release in 2000. Former Apple employee Arlo Rose launched Konfabulator in early 2003 to also serve this purpose. Even Apple has targeted desktop widgets for inclusion in Mac OS X version 10.4.

Stardock, however, has added a twist to differentiate DesktopX 3: Widgets can be exported as executables that run on any Windows machine without DesktopX installed.

The idea, according to Stardock CEO Brad Wardell, is to encourage the development of sophisticated mini-applications - not simply clocks and CPU monitors. "The clocks and weather forecast widgets are really just the tip of the iceberg. Developers will be able to create a whole new kind of freeware, shareware, and commercial software using DesktopX," says Wardell.

To aid this process, DesktopX 3 handles the visual work while a developer adds programming logic using JavaScript or VB Script. In an example offered by Stardock, an application to display BetaNews RSS headlines was created in just five steps. The result can then be exported as a Gadget and shared.

Stardock is hoping to spawn a marketplace for Gadgets and has opened a new Web site to this end. Developers can submit applications built with DesktopX and name their own price, which is then evenly split between the developer and Stardock.

But consumers looking to enhance the Windows desktop aren't the only intended customers of DesktopX 3. Stardock is preparing a release for enterprises that creates complete desktop replacements, which make use of the security features in Windows and are designed for kiosks or secure desktops.

DesktopX 3 comes in three flavors starting at $14.95 USD for basic widget support. DesktopX Standard with the ability to develop widgets runs $24.95, while DesktopX Pro adds Gadget exporting for $69.95 USD. A limited demo is also available for download.

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