Object Desktop is the defacto standard when it comes to changing your Windows experience. If you want to take control over how Windows looks, feels, and functions, Object Desktop is the way to do it. Since its original release for Windows back in 1999, Object Desktop and its components have garnered millions of users worldwide. Parts of it have been licensed to virtually every major technology company you can think of at one time or other.

Over the years, Object Desktop got bigger..and bigger...and bigger to the point where it had dozens of programs that came with it. Needless to say, it became a little unwieldy for the average user. So for 2009, Stardock has split the product into two versions:

In addition, Object Desktop marks a major change in Stardock's approach to the desktop experience: It will be including content as part of the package.

When someone purchases Object Desktop, they not only get everything that's in it right now, they also get a one-year subscription to ObjectDesktop.net. This digital distribution subscription provides automatic updates plus adds new programs to the suite as they become available. At the end of the year, users can renew their access to keep getting new updates (and if they don't, they can continue to use what they have forever). For more detailed information on Object Desktop check out the Object Desktop Info Guide.

In the past, a user who purchased Object Desktop would receive an email with a serial # and a link to Stardock Central. They then installed Stardock Central and were kind of left on their own to figure out how to get Object Desktop going. This worked fine when Object Desktop was mostly used by power users. But by 2007, customizing ones computer had become mainstream and such a first impression was no longer viable.

With Object Desktop, users now install Object Desktop as a single package which automatically sets up the primary components of the program for the user.



These 6 programs now make up the core of Object Desktop. Users who opt for Object Desktop Ultimate get those 6 programs plus ObjectBar, RightClick, SkinStudio Pro, TweakVista, IconDeveloper, WindowFX, Keyboard LaunchPad, along with some new programs that are in development that should be out within the next year.

On top of the 6 core programs, however is something new: MyColors themes. MyColors themes are premium suites designed to use the core parts of Object Desktop seamlessly. In the past, users who purchased Object Desktop were essentially expected to fend for themselves to find cool stuff. With Object Desktop, users will receive 4 premium MyColors themes through the course of the year plus discounts on all MyColors themes (normally they're $19.95 a piece but for Object Desktop users they'll range between $8.95 to $16.95 depending on licensing requirements).

In terms of value, the individual programs of the core of Object Desktop add up to over $100 not counting the premium themes. However, Object Desktop remains only $49.95.

Anyone who had an active subscription to ObjectDesktop.net on March 31, 2008 was automatically upgraded to Object Desktop Ultimate free of charge. Object Desktop Ultimate is $69.95 for new users and includes:



Object Desktop Ultimate is designed for the ultimate PC power users. It adds a host of additional programs. While Object Desktop Ultimate is a better deal (you get a lot more for just $20 more), it is intended for users who know are looking to turbo-charge their Windows experience to the ultimate level.