stevejovanovic

Join Date 12/2016

Has Stardock Abandoned ObjectDock?

Three Show-Stopping Bugs in Windows 10

Hi All,

ObjectDock was last updated on July 15, 2014, nearly 2.5 years ago. Has Stardock abandoned it?

I'm trying to run it on my Surface Pro 4 running the latest version of Windows 10, and there are three major bugs:

1. Unusable Performance: Hovering over an icon in the dock causes it to magnify, but extremely slowly, to the point of being unusable. It severely disrupts workflow. It's like watching a(n extremely) slow-motion movie. If you quit ObjectDock, and in the C:\Program Files (x86)\Stardock\ObjectDock folder rename Dock64.exe to Dock64.exe.old and Dock64.dll to Dock64.dll.old and then run ObjectDock, that will fix the performance bug, but it creates a secondary bug: it completely breaks Aero Peek (see below), so that you no longer can see thumbnail previews. This makes ObjectDock useless.

2. Broken Aero Peek: Aero Peek (thumbnail previews) is not high-DPI-aware; the thumbnail previews look absolutely awful, which causes a usability problem: you can't read any text, etc., so as to identify the window you're looking for.

3. Universal Windows Platform ("Metro") Apps Not Supported: This means that you can't use ObjectDock to switch among "Metro" apps such as Facebook Messenger or Twitter because it doesn't add their icons to the dock--only a blank space that can't actually be selected!

And there is one minor, but annoying, bug:

4. Settings Not High-DPI-Aware: The Settings dialog box has pixelated fonts and images that are extremely ugly and look antiquated. This, and the bugs above, makes ObjectDock look and function like abandonware.

In conclusion, ObjectDock is unusable on Microsoft Surface Pros and Surface Books. There is no sign of active development by a competent software engineer. Version 2.20 is not in any meaningful sense compatible with Windows 10, and there is no reason to believe that Stardock is supporting this application. ObjectDock has no business being sold today. It was abandoned 2.5 years ago.

It's impossible to imagine that anyone at Stardock uses ObjectDock. They'd never be able to get any work done because of Bug 1, alone. What conclusion can we draw but that ObjectDock is abandonware?

Consequently, I'd like a refund.

Steve

objectdock

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pommerb

Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1720

One assumes you checked the program compatibility list.

ObjectDock is as yet not supported on Windows 10.

https://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/

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Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1720

That is not to say that some people are using ObjectDock on Win10 without issue, myself included.

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I have been using Object dock for about 8 years. Recently it has started to freeze for a number seconds (since a Windows 10 update in Dec).

I paid for version 2 assuming this would solve the issue. Now I see that Win 10 is still not supported.

I guess that Jafo's comments show that no update is coming soon. This software has been part of workflow for years, and now it unusable. Very disappointed.

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starkers

Join Date 05/2004

+1153

I use ObjectDock 2 on my HP 2-in-1 with the latest version of Win 10 and do not experience those issues. Having said that, not every system running Win 10 is the same, and it may be a system specific thing when these issues arise.

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ZubaZ

Join Date 11/2001

+917

ObjectDock has not been abandoned however no updates are scheduled at this time.

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Uvah

Join Date 05/2006

+874

Quoting ZubaZ,

reply 5

ObjectDock has not been abandoned

Having faith plus patience is a good thing.

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starkers

Join Date 05/2004

+1153

Quoting ZubaZ,

reply 5

ObjectDock has not been abandoned however no updates are scheduled at this time.

That's good to know: however, it could use a little TLC from Stardock to bring it up to date more.

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Quoting ZubaZ,

reply 5

ObjectDock has not been abandoned however no updates are scheduled at this time.

Happy to hear this

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starkers

Join Date 05/2004

+1153

Quoting SpicyGirl,

reply 12

I too have Winstep Extreme. Love it! I'm not that happy with ObjectDock, as the older dockzips can't be use with the new version. Bummer...

That's What I mean, ObjectDock needs some TLC to bring it into 2017 and to be compatible with Win 10... being that's the Windows OS version we're stuck with for until time runs out.... assuming MS lasts that long.

For me, that is, I'd like to see ObjectDock updated because I have a total of 4 PCs, and according to the license terms I can't really run Stardock or Winstep software on 2 machines at once, and sometimes I do run 2 when I'm working on video and audio files and want to do other stuff without using resources on that machine. So, to solve the license issue, my main beast with Winstep on does the work while my 2nd machine iwith Stardock apps is my play beast.

My 3rd machine is just a basic Win 8.1 rig for visitor and has no real enhancements at all, just a Start8 start menu. The 4th is a 13" HP 2-in-1 with Start10; WB; Iconpackager and CursorFX, but I don't ever need to run it when my big beasty's fired up.

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Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1720

Gentle reminder...this is the Stardock Support Forum which has specific rules re content...

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Quoting ZubaZ,

reply 5

however no updates are scheduled at this time.

Can you tell me when?

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RedneckDude

Join Date 04/2009

+2197

Quoting pommerb,

reply 11

Quoting ZubaZ,

reply 5

however no updates are scheduled at this time.

Can you tell me when?

Zubaz just did.

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Okay, i have time to 2020, here runs Win 7.

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When it is updated can you please include a better way to install backgrounds and tiles? Copy & Paste method doesn't always work. A good way to backup the installs would be also nice and GREATLY appreciated!

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This is unacceptable....it has been 2+ years since the last update of this software being as most user have paid the 9.99 for it I would expect updates from time to time but 2+ years is just ridiculous. I would think that you have abandoned the platform so if you have just said so, then we can move on to another platform.

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Jafo

Join Date 03/2001

+1720

Quoting ZubaZ,

reply 5

ObjectDock has not been abandoned however no updates are scheduled at this time.

Just to add... currently the general Windows user has been 'enticed' by Microsoft's 'free' Windows 10 which, all this time since, has yet to be an actual FINAL entity where programs which hook directly into its shell are NOT still in constant peril of being broken yet again by Microsoft.

Meanwhile, though MANY people manage to have Object Dock running on 10 without issue it cannot be said that that is even always going to be reliable [for them].

Now, people still using an OS for which the program was designed have no issues. I have ObjectDock on 4 systems, only one of which is Win 7.

I don't expect it to still work faultlessly on 10 but [so far] it does.

Finally, suggesting alternative software is still inappropriate on Stardock's SUPPORT Forum.

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c242

Join Date 03/2001

+379

The still faulty 64bit support (shortcuts) and other bugs are NO Windows 10 problem. Blaiming Windows 10 for the lack of updates is sort of lame. Sorry.

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RedneckDude

Join Date 04/2009

+2197

Quoting Jafo,

reply 16

Finally, suggesting alternative software is still inappropriate on Stardock's SUPPORT Forum.

Quoting MarkSnyder61,

reply 17

Just saying...there are alternatives.

I got a job at the Coca Cola factory in Alexandria, Va. when I was 17. My first day on the job, I arrived for work carrying an open container of my favorite drink, Mt. Dew, a Pepsi product.

I was almost immediately called in to my manager's office and reminded of who I worked for and that Pepsi products were not allowed on Coca Cola property and that IF I chose to keep my employment, I would drink Coke products at work.

Just saying....

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I would almost certainly say Yes, it has been abandoned. After 2.5 years and no updates, they obviously have no plans for future updates. I just recently installed ObjectDock on a Win10 64bit PC, hoping to clean up my desktop clutter, and it sort of, kind of works. However, whenever I try to drag and drop a Google Chrome shortcut to it, I get a debug message and it crashes the program, and none of the Windows store apps are supported. OD doesn't know what to do with them. I also have an annoying white dot with no program icon sitting on the dock. I think it appeared after opening a Windows store app. I can't close it or get rid of it. When I drag it off the dock, it asks me if I want to remove it, I click Yes, and it comes right back.

This program might be OK for people still using old Windows OSes, but it is not ready for Windows 10. And after 2+ years with no updates, doesn't look like it ever will be. Too bad, I tried a number of Windows Dock programs, and ObjectDock was the best (tells you how bad the others are). A docking app for Windows is a great idea. I just wish there was one that worked and was kept current. So bye, bye ObjectDock (and bye, bye to the 4.99 I paid for it).

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Uvah

Join Date 05/2006

+874

Windows 10

Quoting Jafo,

reply 16

has yet to be an actual FINAL entity where programs which hook directly into its shell are NOT still in constant peril of being broken yet again by Microsoft.

With the upcoming Creators Update, due sometime in April, there may very well be more issues that SD will have to deal with. Objectdock being just one. Its not easy to update software if the OS is in a constant state of flux.

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Quoting Uvah,

reply 20

With the upcoming Creators Update, due sometime in April, there may very well be more issues that SD will have to deal with.

SD have not dealt with any issues, they haven't lifted a finger.

Its not easy to update software if the OS is in a constant state of flux.

As a software developer supporting my program for a decade, its actually easy to deal with Windows 10. But software wont magically update itself, it requires periodic maintenance to stay on top of things like servicing a car. Dont maintain it and eventually you will have a hunk of junk on your hands which is slowly but surely what's happening to OD.

It's been abandoned, they couldn't give a damn about Object Dock. IMHO they need to sell the rights to someone who will continue it, or bury it for good and remove it from sale all together.

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All cliché ,why kept beating the dead horse?? How many times do the support teams have to tell you it is on the hiatus??

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starkers

Join Date 05/2004

+1153

Or on the loatus and keeping a low profile while the devs figure this and that out.

Yeah, ObjectDock could do with some SD love, but there's other programs within the Stardock inventory and some take priority [WindowBlinds, Iconpackager, etc] because they are more popular with users and require a higher level of attention.

Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I'd love for ObjectDock to get updated for Win 10 as well, but I see no point in whining about it or leveling criticism at the devs because it is taking time. Stardock isn't exactly one of those large companies that can afford to employ 100's of personnel, so I'll wait patiently and enjoy those 'aforementioned' proggies working on my desktop.

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i don't mind when they abandon a product, after all we can say it is abandoned, what i find hard to swallow is that they still send mails out to sell this product.

i have used it a long time, starting way back on OS/2 but i'm not using it anymore, went to another product that is slightly better working

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Windows 10, Works fine here, no issues.

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