LIVONIA, Mich. Jan. 25, 2005--Software developer Stardock Corp. released WindowBlinds 4.5 today. WindowBlinds is a program that enables users to change the look and feel of Microsoft Windows by changing the title bars, push buttons, radio buttons, scrollbars, Start bar, and other elements of the Windows user interface by applying system wide themes known as "skins".
Windows XP includes a single visual style known as "Windows XP Style". By installing WindowBlinds, users can add thousands of other visual styles that are freely available on websites such as WinCustomize.com.
Software companies such as Microsoft have used WindowBlinds to release additional visual styles such as their XBOX visual style. PC Manufacturers such as Alienware have used WindowBlinds to create a branded Alienware look and feel for their PCs. Millions of consumers have used WindowBlinds to make Windows look like an alternative operating system, their favorite holiday season, their latest computer game, or something tailored just for them.
WindowBlinds 4.5 includes the new ability to change the color of visual styles through hue shifting along with modifying the brightness and saturation of the visual style. It also includes the ability to have alpha blended Start menus and standard menus which enable users to have semi-transparent pieces to those parts of Windows XP and eliminates the "jagged" look around the edges of the interface.
WindowBlinds is a free download at www.windowblinds.net. Consumers can purchase the enhanced version of WindowBlinds for $19.95 which adds the ability to skin more elements of the Windows user interface and can skin even non-theme aware applications. Users can also get the enhanced version of WindowBlinds by purchasing Object Desktop ($49.95) which is Stardock's suite of desktop enhancements. It can be found at www.objectdesktop.com.
About Stardock:
Stardock is a Windows software developer located in Southeastern Michigan. It is the world's leading developer of Windows enhancement utilities. Its software is used by corporations and consumers alike who wish to customize their Windows environment to match their particular needs. Stardock also develops games such as the award-winning Galactic Civilizations and the political strategy game The Political Machine. Its home page is www.stardock.com.
WindowBlinds 4.5
Free Download / $19.95 for enhanced version or $49.95 at part of Object Desktop
WindowBlinds home page: http://www.windowblinds.net
Requires: Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP. (Windows XP recommended).
