While Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 operating system is the most popular among PC users, its mobile device counterpart hasn’t enjoyed the same level of success so far compared to Android and iOS. Nevertheless, Windows 8 is important enough that many of the best, most popular apps have been optimized for it. Here is a list of the 25 best Windows 8 apps:
Trello (Free)
Trello is a really neat productivity app which you can use to create to-do lists, task, notes, and more. You can create lists, dynamic containers that can be filled with cards (tasks, notes, ideas, pictures, etc.), which users can subsequently drag and drop up and down the line, or move to other lists altogether. Its neutral design and flexibility, plus the fact that all of this can be shared with other users, makes it the perfect app for both keeping track of individual projects, and coordinating a team.
Netflix (Free, requires subscription)
Netflix offers its subscribers some of the best TV shows and movies you can see today, and the Windows 8 app brings you all of that to your mobile device. In addition to its core function, the app also has other neat, mobile-oriented features, like the fact that you can start watching on one device and then easily resume on another.
VLC for Windows 8 (Free)
The highly regarded media player is now also available on you mobile device. The app’s versatility has carried over from the desktop version, which means you can use it to play almost any audio or video format you can think of, including OGG, FLAC, and MKV. It also fits the Modern UI aesthetic really well, which is always a plus, especially when talking about a media player.
Flipboard (Free)
Flipboard is basically a feed reader with a few additional touches that makes it even more useful. Not only does it give you all the content you’re looking for from your favorite categories and website, but you can also connect it to the social networks you’re on, like Facebook, Twitter, or Google+, allowing you to view you social media feeds from within the app. The experience is further enhanced by the app’s polished, magazine-like look.
Rainbow Drive (Free)
Rainbow Drive is a very useful cloud service app which allows you to easily manage a number of cloud storage accounts within a single app interface. Users can quickly and easily view and manage other popular apps and services like Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, Box, and BaiduYun. Not only that, but there’s also support for uploading, downloading, and deleting files, and even automatic file categorization and in-app playback.
Dungeon Hunter 5 (Free)
Gameloft has released another one of its popular titles to Windows 8 device: the latest installment of the action RPG series Dungeon Hunter. The game allows players to take the role of bounty hunters attempting to reunite the shattered land of Valenthia after a demon invasion.
There’s a single-player part of the game, but also the opportunity to take part in fortress raids and attack other player’s strongholds for gold and loot. Dungeon Hunter 5 is a freemium app, which means you can play it for free, but you can also pay real money to advance more quickly.
Halo: Spartan Strike ($5.99)
Another great game you can play on your Windows 8 device, Halo: Spartan Strike is the sequel to the Spartan Assault top-down shooter. Players can complete a 30-mission campaign which takes them through the Halo history, from the historic Battle of New Mombasa to the Gamma Halo, fighting humanity’s enemies along the way, whether it’s the Covenant zealots or the Prometheans. Spartan Strike achievements can also unlock exclusive rewards in the Halo: Master Chief Collection on Xbox One, so if you’re a fan of the series or the genre, the $5.99 seems like a worthwhile investment.
Facebook (Free)
The Facebook app has all the features of the wildly popular social network: you can post status messages, photos, check-ins, and also view your friends` activity. It also takes advantage of the Windows operating system by allowing you to keep it in Snap View to quickly see what your friends are up to, while a Live Tile displays updates on your Start Screen, together with push notifications.
Twitter (Free)
You’re probably familiar with how Twitter works, suffice to say the app for Windows 8 provides all the basic features of the desktop version, plus a few mobile-friendly ones. The app lets you post tweets, upload photos and videos, and follow interesting people, but now there’s also support for multiple Twitter accounts and a a “Lists” feature for organizing people you follow for a more customized feed.
TuneIn Radio (Free)
TuneIn radio gives you access to more than 60,000 radio stations from around the world, from your local radio station to big channels like ESPN, BBC, or CBS, in addition to millions of on-demand programs and podcasts. The Windows 8 app also allows you to pin your favorite channels to your Start screen, where you can easily access it whenever you want.
Fresh Paint (Free)
The ’mobile’ counterpart of the legendary MS Paint, Fresh Paint takes advantage of the full potential of Windows 8 devices` touchscreens. The app features configurable brush effects, a virtual paint palette for mixing your own colors, plus a variety paid and free art packs with additional features and pre-set images to paint, for when you’re not feeling particularly inspired.
Fhotoroom (Free)
Fhotoroom is a basic image editor offering crop, rotate and flip tools , as well as a few simple special effects. These include photo styles and light leaks, plus the option to add frames and borders. It can be a useful app when you only want to quickly make some slight modification to your digital photos.
Bing Translator (Free)
OK, so Bing is nowhere near as popular as Google, and neither is its translator counterpart. Nevertheless, it’s a useful tool which offers support for more than 40 languages, as well as cool features like camera-assisted translations (which you can use by taking pictures of things like menus and signs). There’s also a text-to-speech function and offline translation capabilities.
Code Writer (Free)
Coding is not something you usually want to do on your mobile device, however Code Writer aims to offer the best possible experience if you really have to. The app comes with active syntax highlighting supporting over 20 file types and a variety of popular languages such as C#, Python, HTML, and JavaScript.
Xbox One Smartglass (Free)
Xbox One Smartglass allows you to use your Windows 8 device as a remote control and a second screen for your Xbox One console. Additionally, it lets you display extra information for your games, TV shows, movies, and other media, plus it allows you to manage your Xbox’s browser and Xbox Live account details from your device.
Skulls of the Shogun ($4.49)
Another great game you have a shell out a few bucks to play on you device, Skulls of the Shogun is a popular app which brings together some great turn-based strategy gameplay with a fun, quirky take on Japanese mythology. The game offers 20 campaign levels, but also has local and online multiplayer components.
Comics (Free)
The clue here is in the name, but if you’re a fan of comics you probably already know. This app is both a digital marketplace and a comic viewer program, featuring myriad works from 75 major publishers, including the likes of DC, Marvel, IDW, and Boom. What’s really great about the app is that it syncs across multiple platforms, meaning you can read issues you’re purchased on any one of your devices.
LastPass (Free)
Managing multiple passwords can be a real hassle, especially on mobile devices – which is what makes Form Filler such a useful app. It gives you access to your password vault and allows you to launch websites from within the app by autofilling credentials and passwords. Other features include a strong password generator, data sync, and the safe storage of sensitive information like credit card details.
OpenTable (Free)
A very useful app which allows you to book reservations with more than 20,000 restaurant from all over the US, Canada, and Mexico. All you have to do is choose the date, time, and number of diners, and then choose from a list of available tables in real time. In addition to setting your reservations, you can also view restaurant on a map and search which filters for cuisine, price, and neighborhood.
Evernote (Free)
Evernote is a cross-platform note-taking app which allows you to save notes, pictures, and even videos and sync them across multiple platforms and devices. The Windows 8 version includes multiple improvements from the (poorly regarded) previous installment, such as a reweorked hub page for easy access to your notebooks and content, in addition to support for Evernote Business.
Kindle (Free)
Amazon’s Kindle is one of the world’s most popular ebook readers for a reason. In addition to the huge library including all the titles you could ever want, the app itself boasts customizable features like background color, font size, columns, notes, and highlighting – all to make your reading experience as pleasant as possible.
Skype (Free)
Skype is another one of those services which really needs no introduction. The widely used VoIP app allows you to stay in touch with friends, family, or co-workers through both video and voice calls, while also offering instant messaging features. Skype-to-Skype calls are free, however calls to landlines or mobile numbers come with a nominal fee.
Khan Academy (Free)
One of the best online resources for learning virtually anything, Khan Academy offers thousands of videos covering a wide range of subjects, from math to biology, and from history to programming. You can also take tests to see how much of the material have you mastered, while a badge system offers further incentive to always come back and learn some more.
ESPN (Free)
The ESPN app is a must for sports fans who want to follow the latest developments in the world of sports, both nationally and internationally. Scores, breaking news, ESPN podcasts and more are all available, though some content may be hidden behind a paywal;.
IM+ (Free)
IM+ is an all-in-one IM client which helps you consolidate all your instant messaging networks and protocols into a single application. All you have to do is install this app, log in you credential for different IM accounts, and you no longer have to worry about the various services you are using!
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