Interesting windows apps…
There are hundreds of apps that are perfect for Windows 8 and any list of the best apps would normally have included the well-known ones like Netflix, Kindle, Weather Channel, Facebook and so forth. This list is a bit different because it includes apps that you might not have heard about yet will find useful and/or entertaining. All of these apps have more than 3 stars. They are not listed in any particular order because your needs and lifestyle will determine which are best for you.
1. StumbleUpon
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/eb0a5bc4-90ff-44f5-85a9-b9d285153905
Published by: StumbleUpon, Inc.
The StumbleUpon app is a wonderful way to find things on the Internet that you’d likely never even think to look for. Discover something new or enter a keyword or phrase in the search window to stumble to specific interests. This app provides endless entertainment as a very unique and fun way to kill time. When you find something especially interesting, you can choose to share it with your friends and family. Think of it like a random website selector taking you to new worlds beyond that which you’d find in a typical Google search. Besides being a lot of fun, it can also be educational for the entire family. This is a free app that uses approximately 5.7 MB of space. It has a near 5 star rating from over 9,000 customer ratings.
2. Cocktail Flow
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/88e08b7c-10d0-45b8-9280-946bd889e243
Published by: Distinction Ltd. http://cocktailflow.com/
This app is a compilation of hundreds of drink recipes. Go to the My Cabinet section and enter the various cocktail ingredients that you have on hand, and then find cocktails using those ingredients. The app features beautifully presented recipes with complete instructions on how to make them. It also includes a shopping advice on further ingredients to buy based on the contents of your cabinet. The app is jam packed with amazing photography. This app is the perfect tool for learning the essentials needed to start creating the perfect cocktail. The app uses 52.1 MB of space. It has a near 5 star rating from over 1,500 customer ratings. They also have an Android version.
3. Dominoes
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/858b704f-c8bd-4b95-8b36-dbf2187294b1
Published by: Random Salad Games LLC http://www.randomsaladgames.com/
With the Dominoes app you can enjoy this classic game on your computer, laptop or tablet. There are three classic game modes: Muggins, Block and Draw in which you play against a clever computer opponent. The app also offers custom themes and backgrounds. There are 5 styles and 3 themes. Random Salad Games LLC has 26 different games for Windows mobile phones and 17 for Windows 8, so if you need even more games, you can find them on their website. This app uses 7.0 MB of space and has earned a near 5 star rating from over 18,000 customer ratings. This app is free. A great way to get some practice at dominoes and kill some time in the process.
4. WeatherBug
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/bf061d98-5174-4bdb-a8be-43a0edb02ea5
Published by: WeatherBug! http://weather.weatherbug.com/
WeatherBug is a large global network of real-time weather sensors. Users get visual at-a-glance weather right on their home screen with multiple rich-image live tiles. With one touch, set custom notifications for the kinds of weather you care about. Full interactive weather maps all users to check out time-lapse radar, temperature and more. They have both desktop and mobile apps. They are pros at alerting you to sever weather 50% faster than other options. It is available in English and 25 other languages. Manage your saved locations to see weather not only where you live but other areas of interest such as your next vacation location or your family that lives elsewhere. The app uses 36.8 MB of space and has earned a near 4 star customer rating thus far.
5. Jigsaw Puzzles HD
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/4a6b9fb3-575c-4c94-a01a-b61b3aec797d
Published by: Enless Soft Ltd.
Jigsaw Puzzles HD is an addicting jigsaw puzzle game that is designed both for tables and PCs. It has amazing high-resolution images (2560×1600). It works with either mouse or touchscreen so you can enjoy it on any device. They continually add new images so users should never run out of new content. The app has varies modes so that it is as enjoyable for little children as it is the advanced jigsaw puzzle enthusiast. You can save and load games. The app uses 39.7 MB of space and has a near 5 star rating from over 4,000 customer ratings. Users can use images from the game as a lock screen image. There is one free image each day or users can purchase puzzle packs. Purchases are linked to your Microsoft account so you can download them on all devices where you use the same account. They have a page on Facebook for support and advice, as well as notification of new versions and other information.
6. Allrecipes
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/allrecipes/41465f3f-1ecd-4e43-814d-a77b12ff2fbd
Published by: Allrecipes.com, Inc. http://allrecipes.com/
The Allrecipes community has more than 30 million home cooks making it a treasure-trove of recipes – more than 50,000 of them with more being added every week! Users can search recipes by ingredient, dish type and dietary preferences. Search for recipes based on what’s in your fridge and pantry, or get inspired by season dishes that change each day. Use recipe photos, ratings and reviews to help you choose. Once you find those you want to be able to reference again in the future, you can save them to your Recipe Box and even share them with friends. The ability to email, pin, post, print and share your favorites is a very useful tool. Each recipe includes a photo, directions, reviews and nutrition counts. The app uses 9.8 MB of space and has received a near 4 star rating. They also have another useful app – the Allrecipes Video Cookbook which lets users watch top recipes being made step-by-step. These two apps will be as useful for the beginner cook as the advanced one.
7. Khan Academy
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/d23cc2b2-c105-4db3-9946-e44bacc56f7b
Published by: Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/
Khan Academy allows you to learn almost anything for free. This app lets you view their complete library of over 4,400 videos on any Windows 8 device. They cover a massive number of topics including K-12 math, science topics such as biology, physics and chemistry, humanities, finance and history. Use the app to brush up on a subject or learn something new. A great tool for preparing for the SAT or other exams. Browse and watch the videos or download them to watch offline at your own pace. The app itself only uses 0.9 MB of space. It has received a solid 4 star rating thus far. It is a free app that is as useful for the fun of learning as it is for students looking for some extra help on a tough subject.
8. 3D Chess Game
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/fd753f4d-744d-47b1-9917-300e41b968d4
Published by: A Trillion Games Ltd.
With the 3D Chess Game app you will feel like you are playing on a real chessboard. Players can play against the computer or with another person – or even watch the computer play itself for instructional purposes. There is a quick start tutorial included for those that have never played chess before, which is a less stressful way to learn than having another person try to teach you. The game is completely free – it is not a demo and there are no locked options! There are a number of beautiful piece colors to choose from. You can play in normal mode or timed mode, while monitoring your progress with statistics and Elo rating. The company also offers a 3D Chess Game Plus for $4.99 that is an ad-free version. The app uses 13.1 MB of space and has a near 5 star rating thus far.
9. Halo: Spartan Assault
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/8fe2d694-baa2-4011-99c0-3a22216223bb
Published by: Microsoft Studios www.halowaypoint.com/games/halospartanassault
While you may have already experienced a version of Halo in the past, this is worth taking a look at because now they have brought the excitement of Halo combat to touch-based devices for the very first time. Even if you have never played Halo before, this just might be the one to entice you to start. It does require users to sign into Xbox with a Microsoft account to play. It includes 30 action-packed missions against the Covenant as you explore the origin of the Spartan Ops program and Halo 4’s Spartan Commander, Sarah Palmer. It is available in English as well as 12 other languages. This game uses 1,077.9 MB of space and has a solid 4 star rating from customers. The content rating is Teen with blood and violence.
10. Angry Birds Star Wars
Download Location: http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/c7628194-ce39-4a18-97e9-590af59c2fd0
Published by: Rovio Entertainment Ltd. http://angrybirds.tumblr.com/
Join the Angry Birds in their biggest adventure yet! Join an epic adventure with the Angry Birds in the legendary Star Wars universe. Use the Force, wield your light saber and blast away Pigtroopers on an intergalactic journey from the deserts of Tatooine to the depths of the Pig Star, where you will face off against the terrifying Lard Vader. Tons of levels for ongoing entertainment. The app has a free trial available, then costs $3.49. The app uses 97.5 MB of space and has earned a solid 4 star rating by customers. A cute, yet challenging, game to keep you addicted. Age rating is 7+. The app is available only in English.
These ten apps should give you a start on utilizing Windows 8 in some new ways you might not have thought about but there are hundreds more to be found and often the fun can be in the search! Look for those that work with your interests, such as photography, sketching, crafts, gaming or education. There are also a number of apps for productivity that can save you time and effort. The sky is the limit, so get going and enjoy your Windows 8 device to its fullest!
