What began as Microsoft’s attempt to break out of the mould has undoubtedly achieved a mixed measure of success – Windows 8 brought us Microsoft’s new design language, a dedicated app store, and a flexible operating system across tablets, desktop computers, and now, Windows Phone. Crucially, it also brought all of the above stapled atop a still frustrating Windows 7.
With Microsoft’s iterant update to Windows on the way in the form of Windows 10 – which is set to release in late 2015 – there’s still time to reflect on the legacy of Windows 8 and 8.1, and enjoy the best apps which frequent the platform – many of which will be making the journey into Windows 10 territory.
To create this list, we’ve set some basic rules: We’ve avoided listing games (though there are indeed some great games available for Windows 8 via the store) and further avoided listing any of the myriad social networking apps which hog the Windows storefront.
What follows below are five of the most useful apps to have on any Windows 8.1 installation – from their design value all the way to their function. So, without any further ado, let’s jump in!
Kindle
When Amazon unveiled their titular e-reader back in 2007, the world was hardly left in shock, save for a few hard-core readers who splurged and bought one. Now, in 2015, the word “Kindle” is largely synomous with the term “e-reader” itself.
Following Amazon’s success with the Kindle, the company have been quick to roll out Kindle apps to as many platforms as the company can find – the popular e-reader has a presence that spans all the way from Mac OS X to Android.
The Kindle Windows 8.1 app arrived without much of the aplomb it deserved – Amazon have produced a stunning app which, like similar Kindle apps across different platforms, works flawlessly to deliver an engrossing reading experience and provides one of the most well-stocked libraries of literature available on-demand.
Kindle is available for free on the Windows store, and for readers everywhere is an absolute must-have.
Wikipedia
If, perhaps, the vast assortment of literature available on Amazon’s Kindle storefront doesn’t quite sate your reading appetite, Wikipedia’s official Windows 8.1 app is a necessary addition to any metro screen.
The Wikimedia foundation have quietly been at work establishing a presence across a multitude of platforms, and the firm’s Windows app demonstrates the better parts of Microsoft’s new design language.
Information is displayed fluently across Windows’ stretching metro screens, rendering information as easily digestible as possible – with images and crisp, clean text providing an enticing interface. For downloaders looking to have the accumulated and self-edited history of mankind at their fingertips, Wikipedia’s native app is your first and last port of call.
Plex
Many media management apps liken themselves to the “Swiss Army Knife” cliche – one solution for everything. However, Plex is the closest service to that statement that you’re likely to find.
Plex works by organising your media – legally acquired or otherwise, ahem – into a database which not only collates and updates itself depending on whether you’ve added new content, but syncs metadata. Much like how Apple’s iTunes is capable of displaying your prized album collection with gloriously sharp art, Plex is capable of managing a library fill of films, music, photographs, or TV shows.
Unlike iTunes, Plex supports an enormous range of video and audio formats and codecs, and can just about handle any form of media. Additionally, channels can be added from your favourite content provider – from National Geographic to Apple’s movie trailer feed.
Plex is currently free-of-charge in the store, and for a mere $5.99 once-off-payment, the entire app’s functionality can be unlocked.
Xbox SmartGlass
With Windows 10 promising live streaming to Microsoft’s Xbox One console, there’s little not to be excited about when evaluating the increasingly connected ecosystem Microsoft is constructing. However, there’s no need to wait until the release of Windows 10 to get in on any connected action: Microsoft’s own SmartGlass app allows users to control an Xbox One console right from a laptop or desktop screen.
While SmartGlass is available for all manners of mobile devices – from the iPad to Android smartphones – the app shines best on Windows 8.1 as the system makes similar use of Microsoft’s design language, which is omnipresent across the Xbox One console.
SmartGlass allows users to remotely control an Xbox through two means – acting as a controller and management accessory. Through SmartGlass, users can bash out controller sequences in their favourite games, or swipe through the internet through an Xbox One’s Internet Explorer app. For those willing to take their PC into the lounge, SmartGlass is a great and completely free way to go.
Adobe Photoshop Express
While it’s possible to run the enormously powerful (and equally enormous in price) Photoshop editor Adobe offers through either a single purchase or subscription to Creative Cloud, there are few better quick-fix tools than Adobe’s Photoshop Express.
Combining easy editing with integration into Adobe’s Revel photo-sharing and management service, Photoshop Express offers quick touch-up tools such as the standard colour correction, sharpening, highlight, shadow, exposure, and contrast control, in addition to offering 15 free Instagram style filters and an additional 20 more at an in-app purchase price of $2.99.
Previously, the Windows 8.1 storefront cried out for a suitable image editor, arriving with only Microsoft’s Fresh Paint app to keep creatives happy. Photoshop Express is there to answer the clarion call for quick adjustments and does so stylishly. Available completely free of charge, its also light on the wallet.
BONUS: ObblyTile
In many cases, finding a suitable Windows 8.1 app that isn’t slavishly translated from Korean can be a challenge. To rather create custom tiles for Windows 7 and prior apps, download ObblyTile, which allows for custom shortcuts to be created to anything from apps to your favourite websites. ObblyTile can be downloaded, free of charge, here.
Have we missed any great Windows 8.1 apps? Let us know in the comments below!
Follow Bryan on Twitter: @bryansmith1138
