General application wishlist

Applies to all Stardock desktop customization apps, whether or not they are part of Object Desktop

from Stardock Forums
  • Check for updates to themes, not just programs.  This might require themes (including things like icon sets for Object Dock) to include info that allows the update software to find the theme on WinCustomize.
  • APNG/MNG support -- These PNG variants offer built-in animation.  This would allow Windows, at least with something that helps it thumbnail the file, to preview the animation.  It also would allow animated previews on WinCustomize (see next item).
  • WinCustomize previews are always static images created by the author.  While this makes for easy site development, it doesn't help me decide what to download.  To often I have to download the theme to see what it is.  I have seen some where the preview was nothing more than a heavily stylized version of the name.  Cursor themes commonly show either all the cursors at once with all frames side-by-side (no animation) or just one.  Ditto for icon sets.  For that reason, below I describe something better.
    • Collection type themes would provide two preview images.  Authors would choose 1-2 entries for display in the gallery.  They would then choose a larger set of 3-4 for display in the initial page.  Both images would be animated when needed.  If the user wants the full preview, all entries would be displayed as individual images with labels.
    • Most other types of themes would be unpacked so that WinCustomize can generate a preview on the fly.  Code from the actual program would be used to read the theme and generate the preview.  So if we are talking about a Window Blinds theme, Windows Blinds code would create a preview based on common windows.  This allows for direct comparison of themes.  Instead of seeing part of one theme and a completely different part of another theme, both previews would show the same windows.
    • Depending on what part of the gallery the user is looking at, the theme detail page would include information on things like was transparency used, is it animated, etc.
2,145 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

One other detail: For programs that are availble as both freeware and paidware (like CursorFX), please make the free version full featured for 30-days or so.  Without that, I have no way to decide if it is worthwhile paying extra for what I don't even get to try out now.  You make the sale with demonstrations, not handicapped software.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I have a wish for the general account options on Impulse. How about the option to be notified through email by Impulse when any threads you have posted on are added to by other users of Impulse? This way you would not have to reveal your email address or other contact information publicly, but only to Impulse itself, in order to be notified of replies. |-)

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Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Actually, Impulse might not be needed.  All you need is forum software with the option to send e-mails upon thread activity.  Mods and Admins might check a option to send an e-mail on any forum activity.  These system don't require you to publicize your e-mail address.