WindowBlinds 5.1 released!
More applications supported, wallpaper changer, and more!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize News
Stardock has released a new version of its popular Windows skinning utility, WindowBlinds. WindowBlinds is a program that enables users to completely change the look and feel of the entire Windows user interface -- title bars, push buttons, scrollbars, the Start bar, and more.
WindowBlinds 5.1 includes new wallpaper changing functionality allowing users to provide a series of wallpapers that can change by the time of day or other criteria specified by the user. It also includes months of updates to enable WindowBlinds skins to be more compatible on software that has its own unusual interface controls along with faster performance. WindowBlinds 5.1 works on Windows XP in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
WindowBlinds works by integrating itself seamlessly into Windows XP to add support for thousands of visual styles that are available on the net. Starting with WindowBlinds 5, the program actually can improve overall performance thanks to making use of 3D acceleration on most video cards. Its engine support alpha blending which allows skins to have smooth edges, glass-effects, and other visual improvements. It is the only program of its kind that is certified by Microsoft for use on Windows XP.
WindowBlinds is also used by dozens of companies to create their own custom looks for Windows including Blizzard (World of Warcraft skin), Microsoft, Alienware, ExtremeTech, and more. Users can also create their own skins using Stardock SkinStudio, a free program that provides a host of tools to make skin creation easier.
WindowBlinds 5 recently passed the 11 MILLION download mark on CNET's Download.com and has been the most popular desktop enhancement download on CNET (and elsewhere) for over 50 consecutive weeks.
WindowBlinds 5.1 is available as a free download at http://www.windowblinds.net. Users can upgrade to the enhanced registered version for $19.95 or they can purchase Object Desktop which provides not just WindowBlinds but over two-dozen other popular desktop enhancement such as IconPackager, DesktopX, ObjectBar, WindowFX, and more.
Download:
https://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/downloads.asp
Screenshots:
https://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/wb-july06.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/wb-aug06.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/wb-sept06.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/wb-oct06.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/wb-oct06a.jpg
https://www.stardock.com/products/windowblinds/wb-nov06.jpg
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Reply #3 Wednesday, October 11, 2006 6:22 PM
| allowing users to provide a series of wallpapers that can change by the time of day or other criteria specified by the user |
Wow! Didn't know that. Will have to go to SDC and see if I'm current. Thanks, Jefe, always something popping around here! Even amidst the GUI Contest and all the new work appearing...and the prizes!! Landmark times at Stardock and WinCustomize
Reply #4 Wednesday, October 11, 2006 7:39 PM
Reply #5 Wednesday, October 11, 2006 9:06 PM
| Hmmm... can't see a lot of changes over the previous beta builds... in fact, the wallpaper changing feature still does not work for me |
The most current release is usual very similar to the last beta. We test the betas, find and report the bugs. They get fixed and are released.
Sorry to hear about you wall issues. Start a post on the forums . . see if someone can help.
Reply #6 Wednesday, October 11, 2006 10:35 PM
Whoot....can't wait. Bring on the skinning for vista.
Reply #7 Wednesday, October 11, 2006 10:44 PM
Reply #10 Thursday, October 12, 2006 6:38 AM
Something that did not get mentioned is 5.1 allows you to use per pixel skins on hardware without support for per pixel in a special mode as long as they run in 32 bit colour mode (not 16 or 24 bit colour).
Reply #11 Thursday, October 12, 2006 7:51 AM
Reply #12 Thursday, October 12, 2006 8:48 AM
WindowBlinds 5.1 System Information Report:
STATUS : WB+ SRV+ HLP+ UI+ TRAY+
WindowBlinds is installed correctly on this PC.
WindowBlinds appears to be activated on this PC
Your machine supports per pixel borders on WindowBlinds skins.
You have one monitor in total.
(SyncMaster 910MP/199MP,SyncMaster Magic CX912MP) 1 is attached to RADEON X700 Series
Wblind.dll 2006/10/09 10:24:20
Wblind64.dll 2006/10/09 11:51:37
Wbsrv.dll 2006/10/09 10:40:18
Wbconfig.exe 2006/10/10 16:39:13
Wbload.exe 2006/03/13 18:54:14
Wbhelp.dll 2004/09/18 16:37:07
Wbui.dll 2005/12/06 22:29:06
Tray.dll 2006/04/13 17:29:23
System Memory: 511MB RAMBUS RAM @ 85%
Cpu: P4 1.4 20% - 30%
WIN XP PRO SP2
SB Audigy I 5.1Creative spkrs
ATI X700 PRO 256MB
Go, Stardock and WinCustomize! Anything ever happened to you guys, I'd have to shoot my PC and put it out of my misery. Thanks for everything you do.
Reply #13 Thursday, October 12, 2006 11:19 AM
| That would be Ares by MikeB314, in the GUI Championships. --> Link |
Cheers dude. I did look there yesterday, but i dont think i see it........im a cock!
Reply #14 Thursday, October 12, 2006 12:39 PM
==> same problem for using sounds on buttons ... )Reply #15 Thursday, October 12, 2006 8:10 PM
Thanks for reminding me,neophil78.
Reply #16 Thursday, October 12, 2006 10:12 PM
Reply #17 Friday, October 13, 2006 2:25 AM
Reply #18 Friday, October 13, 2006 3:14 AM
Reply #19 Friday, October 13, 2006 8:38 AM
Reply #20 Friday, October 13, 2006 1:28 PM
cheers
pcblues
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Reply #1 Wednesday, October 11, 2006 5:03 PM