Animated desktops coming to all Vista editions
If like myself you purchased Windows Vista Ultimate earlier in the year, you're probably still waiting for the Ultimate Extras to finally come good. Either that or you've given up hope completely. Since its launch in January 2007, the handful of Ultimate Extras remains a barren and uninspiring list:
- Windows DreamScene
- Language Packs
- BitLocker and EFS Enhancements
- Hold 'Em Poker Game
That's it, that's all we've had. Following many complaints, Microsoft issued an update in July advising that more was to come. That hasn't been the case thus far but fortunately, other companies are taking matters into their own hands.
The one Ultimate Extra that catches the eye, Windows DreamScene, provides animated desktop backgrounds which nearly every PC enthusiast wants to see in action at some point. Thankfully, almost all Vista users will soon be able to experience the animated backgrounds via Stardock DeskScapes 2.0, a program that allows users of Windows Vista to have animated wallpapers on their desktop.
In a statement released on the official Stardock website, the company states "DeskScapes 2.0 will run on all versions of Windows Vista that can run Aero (Windows Home Premium, Ultimate, Business). What makes DeskScapes special is that it can run animated wallpaper and use virtually no CPU and very little memory".
Though welcome news for owners of Windows Vista Home Premium and Business editions, this only confirms that Windows Vista Ultimate is anything but. DeskScapes 2.0 is scheduled for release in February 2008, a free version will be available as well as an enhanced version for $19.95.
Stardock DeskScapes official website: www.stardock.com
