Theme Manager and other OD suggestions

from Stardock Forums

I have been a fan of Object Desktop for a long time; even though Windows 7 was enough for me without it.  I recently purchased Object Desktop for my 2 in 1 Windows 10 installation of Object Desktop and came across the Theme manager.  It is nice to see that this exists as it seems to integrate the different possibilities with Object Desktop reasonably well when it works.  However, a few issues and suggestions for both Theme Manager and Object Desktop.

  1. Most importantly: I am building a new desktop PC and unfortunately that means I must upgrade to Windows 10 because my hardware is not supported on other versions of Windows.  Thank heavens for Object Desktop (I hate the Windows 10 UI).  However, from what I read, Theme Manager doesn't always work on Windows 10.  Are their plans to update it so that it is fully functional in Windows 10?  Seems to me this would be a no-brainer. 
  2. Second.  Windows 10 appears to have made their logon screen more accessible and easier to customize at least in terms of picture themes and logon background.  I would REALLY like to see a "limited"/adapted version of LogonStudio for Windows 10 that can be integrated into the Theme Manager.  Windows 10 natively seems to support themes for the "lockout" screens.  Not only does it switch between a selection of screens, but the screens often have text related to the picture being displayed (though this might be limited to the "default" settings as it may get the pictures it uses online).  It would be nice to be able to set up a custom "slideshow" of logon screens and lockout screens with optional text (and other features if supported).  Finally, it would be nice to be able to set up the logon screen theme selection as part of an overall "theme" that can be implemented by the theme Manager.
  3. It would be nice to be able to switch between two (or more) favorite theme manager themes at the touch of a button (if this isn't yet possible with Keyboard Launchpad).
  4. I would be nice to see the Sound Packager sound sets implemented into the theme manager (if it isn't already... I haven't actually purchased this yet but it is very tempting; especially if it gets integrated into themes). 
  5. I would like to see a larger "extended" Object Desktop package that goes beyond the current selection of items in Object Desktop.  (Sound Packager and Keyboard Launchpad seem to be obvious choices).  In addition, there are a few more "new" mini-applications that seem applicable here.

 

12,893 views 2 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
I have forwarded your report to the Stardock support team for their review and recommendations. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We really do appreciate your feedback, thanks.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

@basj

Thank you.

 

 

Upon my delving into Object Desktop Themes, I have noticed that it is not as all encompassing as I thought or would have liked.  Start Menu and task bar customizations for example should be implemented as well.  In fact, all custom settings that incorporate colors, sounds, images, or styles could and probably should be implemented.  I am seriously considering writing my own software to do this (as this wouldn't be too difficult with .NET) and you guys can take it or leave it if you don't have any immediate plans to do this yourself.  I have already been able to determine where customizations are stored in the registry so that is easy enough to take advantage of.  However, before I can successfully implement such a piece of software, I would need to know if there is a command, or dll I can access that would allow me to force a refresh of your software's UI using the newly changed resources (If I were  to change the start menu background in the registry for example).  Otherwise the user would have to log out and log back in or restart to see the changes.

EDIT: Another suggestion to go with this post is to develop a framework for customization plugins.  That way you can have the enthusiast community add value to your software without having to directly implement functionality yourselves.  (I am not saying that they should be doing your work for you; simply that as Bethesda, Paradox, and other gaming companies have realized, the community can add a lot to your product that you might not think of, increasing the value of your software framework.)

 

Ashes of the Singularity II