It seems like Microsoft completely dedicated this year to its fans. The month of October witnessed the unveiling of the much anticipated Windows 8 operating system, a couple of Xbox updates and the launch of Microsoft’s in-house application outlet – The Windows store!
Majority of us would have already upgraded our systems to Windows 8 by now and the first thing we look forward to after the installation is for some cool metro apps. As we know, the only destination where we can go to is the Windows store, which is still in its evolving stage.
Nevertheless, the company has managed to draw in some of the popular apps for its store and will continue to do so in the future. But for now, let us take a look at the top apps that you have to consider for your Windows 8 PC.
1: Google Search
The worlds most preferred search engine comes to Windows 8. Though the operating system comes with a pre-loaded Bing Search engine, some users may still want to use Google as their primary search engine. This app from Google for Windows 8 offers an option to carry out text-based searches, voice searches, image searches, explore over thousands of applications for Android on Play store and utilize the other impressive services of Google. You can download the application from the link given below:
URL : http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/google-search/308dc145-6851-487d-b83b-1223a3b52dc2
2: Hulu Plus
The popular subscription based online streaming website rolled out its official app for windows 8 recently. This version of the app allows you to watch hit contents such as popular movies, currently popular and running television shows and classics, instantly. The app offers a full screen mode for you to take the full advantage of the streaming quality or you can even swipe the screen to the sidebar to watch the content while you work. Also, you can pin your favorite content and access them directly from the start screen. Since it is a subscription based application, it is suggested that you completely look through the terms and conditions before you subscribe.
URL : http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/hulu-plus/ad77e4ed-0398-4f5b-a41e-88973007dca1
3: TuneIn Radio
TuneIn radio app brings back the classic age of radios into your windows 8 screen. With functionality similar to the android and iOS app, this program allows you to explore radio stations such as Am, Fm and the Internet and listen to hours of non-stop music with your favorite RJs and talk show hosts. Also, you can run this pinnable app in the background to use the other apps and simultaneously carry on with your activities.
URL : http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/tunein-radio/a2b86ed9-4db2-4ded-ae34-aa44530370ff
4: Allrecipes
One of the fascinating things about the tablets is its portability. Easy to handle and to work on. They can be carried to almost any place seamlessly. And one of the best places you can take them along is your home kitchen as a recipe book. How? With the Allrecipes app installed on your tablet or the OS, you can explore from over forty thousand popular recipes from all over the world. Categorized under various sections, you can choose a dish that reflects your mood-of-the-day and start your culinary works. You can share them, save them and even pin them for future references. A must have for aspiring E-Chefs.
URL : http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/allrecipes/41465f3f-1ecd-4e43-814d-a77b12ff2fbd
5: Fresh Paint
Remember those times when we used to turn on our computers just to access and use the Windows paint? A simple scribble at that time gave us a feeling of an award winning artist, didn’t it? Those times are not gone, but back as applications. Named as Fresh Paint, the application allows you to relive those beautiful days and try your hands (again) in painting. It offers a number of interesting painting tools and palettes to create your masterpiece and is a great app for kids.
URL : http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/fresh-paint/1926e0a0-5e41-48e1-ba68-be35f2266a03
6: Kindle
This app is ideal for people who loves to read. Now there is a Kindle app designed specifically for Windows 8. Explore over 1 million of books in the Kindle Store. Synching your furthest page read, notes, bookmarks and highlights across all your gadgets that have a Kindle app installed and across any Kindle device is possible through the Whispersync Technology. Which means you can start reading on one device and pick up where you left off on another.
URL: http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/kindle/1d7e4396-0143-4aed-8892-84eb75e799f3
7: WeatherBug
Start the day right with the WeatherBug app. Getting the most accurate weather information has never been this easy. You can set custom notifications for the weather of your preference. You may use the full interactive weather maps to check out time-lapse radar, wind, temperature and cloud cover maps with full pinch-and-zoom functionality. Stay informed with the latest alerts on extreme weather conditions and ensure the safety of those people that you care about.
URL: http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/weatherbug/6a1ec748-0c0b-4b17-bd96-51a891beeda9
8: Wikipedia
Researching has never been this easy and reliable with the help of Wikipedia. This app is a must have for your Windows PC. With over 20 million articles in 280 languages, this is probably the most widely used free encylopedia.
URL: http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/wikipedia/6b80bf54-1a31-4651-acce-59a5b5c2b7c8
9: Skype
Stay in touch with your loved ones with Skype. You will never miss a moment with this app installed on your Windows 8. This app is also available for your Windows Phone, Mac, tablet, iPhone or Android device. Know what’s happening with your friends using the video and voice calling features and instant messaging. Take advantage of this app and stay connected.
URL: http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/en-us/app/skype/5e19cc61-8994-4797-bdc7-c21263f6282b
10: 7digital
Music lovers will surely enjoy this app. 7digital offers over 20 million high quality tracks. Download, buy, sync and listen to your favorite music on the go. Available in 32 countries such as the US, Canada, UK and Europe. You may access your music collection across the web and even with the use of your mobile devices.
So these are the top 10 best apps on the Windows App store. As mentioned earlier, the store is still in its developing stage and is expected that Microsoft will keep adding in a number of useful apps for its users in the days to come. Have fun!
Article Contribution:An internet enthusiast, Ryan Larkin writes about Social Media, Internet and the latest in Technology. He is writing for www.broadbandproviders.com – the leading provider of the best value broadband internet.
Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.