Hi!
I don't know if Stardock developers follow this forum, but just in case...
I'm hoping that Stardock has been following the rise of Virtual Reality. If not, I'm in for a big disappointment as it will take forever to catch up.
As you should be aware, the other day, Valve announced the combining of SteamVR and the Software known as Destinations.
This means that, after more than a year, this should finally open up our Virtual Homes to customization. They've added animation and sound, as well as the ability to add objects. Which is one of the primary areas that I expect Stardock to come in. Just as Stardock software allows the creation and distribution of objects within the Stardock Habitat, I expect Stardock to supply software for the creation and distribution of 3d objects to be imported into our Virtual Reality Homes.
Let's face it: we are going to bring reality into the Virtual World and objects are one of the main pinions of that. At the moment, it seems that Blender is the software of choice, but I'm sure that a simplified version could be created and distributed. In addition, someone needs to start advertising/requesting that these 3d objects start being collected for a distribution platform: Wincustomize needs to get ready to add some sections. Right now, there are a ton of objects available: in many, many formats. It can be very confusing. With Destinations incorporated into SteamVR, we now have a "preferred" format. The objects that correspond to this format need to be collected into "packages" and distributed as SteamVR packages, with the corresponding revenue being directed to the dev's, Stardock and Wincustomize.
In time, Stardock Environments should take over for Windowblinds. CursorFX should become AvatarsVR (believe it or not) and sound schemes will be a subset of Environments and/or object packages. Wallpapers will be Skyboxes. Did you know that Google Street Views can be used as Skyboxes? I can look out my windows and see the Roman Colosseum or my next door neighbors!
In addition, it's looking as if we are going to need more customization than we are going to be provided. Please look into this software and see if you can "skin" it: https://github.com/BManx2000/VirtualButtonBox/releases/ , as well as bringing the dev into the Stardock community. Imho, this would be a valuable addition to the Stardock Virtual Home suite that you need to be developing. Object Desktop will become something more like "Stardock Virtual Homes".
I'm sure that I'm just touching the tip of the iceberg that Stardock needs to embrace. My question is: are you?
With WindowsVR just around the corner, it's time that Stardock started telling people about their plans for VR. In case you're not following: WindowsVR dev kits are already in pre-order, fulfillment in August. Do you have your pre-orders in place for both Acer and HP products? You need to have Software ready for distribution by Christmas; will you?
VR is coming to Windows and to the masses, are you going to be ready?
Let me know if you need any help planning for what's coming...
In addition, AndroidVR is getting standalone headsets this year, too: how's your mobile platform?
Thank you for your time.