Stardock has carved out a name for itself when it comes to UI customization on the Windows platform. Its WindowBlinds software in particular has enjoyed great success over the years.
The program offered users of Windows XP the ability to apply a variety of different themes that altered the look and feel of the graphical user interface (GUI) of the operating system — everything from the icons on the desktop to menus and windows buttons.
And now the company aims to offer Windows 8 users the chance to bring the famous Aero theme back on their computers, complete with its glass and gloss.
The lack of a Start button in Microsoft’s newest operating system has been one of the most talked about features of Windows 8. And so is its flat look. The popular Aero glass effect found a fair number of fans on Windows Vista and Windows 7, after all.
And though Redmond has confirmed that it is moving away from the Aero effect — WindowBlinds 8 includes a few variations of the glassy Aero interface, along with a few other themes.
Stardock CEO Brad Wardell posted on his personal blog that the program is in beta stage at the moment and nearing release:
“We include some “skins” that are timeless favorites plus a few that represent what we thought (hoped) the Windows 8 UI might have been like to choose from. Plus there are thousands of skins available at WinCustomize.com.”
Unfortunately, a free download of the beta version is not yet available. Users that want to get access to this early build of WindowBlinds 8 will need to purchase a full subscription to Object Desktop, which provides subscribers unlimited access and updates to all Stardock programs for one year.
But the developer has promised that version 8 of WindowBlinds will soon be available for download. Those of you that want to customize your Windows interface a little can always install an earlier version, WindowBlinds 7.4, which is available for download.
