DesktopX 3 Enhances Windows Desktop

Stardock released DesktopX 3.0 and DesktopX Pro 3.0 on Tuesday. DesktopX makes it possible for users to add new types of content to their Windows desktop.

DesktopX 3.0 ($24.95) has been re-designed to separate the end user elements of the program from the content creation portions. Users can now use DesktopX created content without interacting with DesktopX's development environment. DesktopX's development environment allows users to create and modify DesktopX objects which exist on the Windows desktop. Users can then export their creations as either mini-applications called "widgets" or export them as a completely new desktop to replace the traditional Explorer desktop. DesktopX 3.0 includes dozens of widgets and desktop objects to enable casual users begin enhancing their Windows desktop immediately. DesktopX widgets can be shown or hidden with a user-defined hot key to ensure the desktop stays uncluttered.

DesktopX 3.0 Pro ($69.95) enables users to export their widgets as stand-alone programs called "Gadgets". These gadgets are individual executables that can be sent to any user running Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

For developers, Stardock is also announcing a new Web site called DesktopGadgets.com. This new site will enable developers who have created gadgets with DesktopX Pro to upload them, set their price, and then sell them after approval by moderators.