Best Windows 8 Apps

Don't know which Windows 8 apps to download to your new touch laptop? Check out our list of the cream of the crop for both productivity and entertainment on your Microsoft gadget.

Windows 8 is an operating system that brings some of the best features of tablets and desktops together. One of the coolest advances is the availability of Windows 8 apps in the Windows Store. The idea itself is not new, apps have been on smartphones, tablets, and laptops for years, but it is a newer addition to the world of Microsoft.

The Windows Store is not as laden with offerings as its Apple or Android counterparts, but the selection will surely continue to grow as developers tap into the potential of this new market. Even at this early stage, though, Microsoft users do have some great choices that can make computing simpler, easier, or just more fun. Many of the programs will be familiar to you, but now you can experience them in a new way: specially prepared for the new OS. Here’s our list of the top 15 apps on Windows 8 so far. 

Netflix

Streaming media programs are essential for any personal computer. Although it’s easy enough to go the Netflix website, this app is too good-looking to pass up on a Windows 8 device. Designed for use with touchscreens, the interface is a beautiful match for the OS. Download the Netflix app here.

Hulu Plus

It might seem like overkill to have two apps for streaming movies and television on this short list, but both Netflix and Hulu Plus have become indispensable for multimedia enthusiasts. You can almost always find exactly what you want between the two programs. Plus, both look great and offer streaming right from your start page. Download the Hulu Plus app here. 

Remote Desktop

 

This tool is a huge help for people with multiple Microsoft computers, either at home or at work. As the name implies, this program allows you to hop on to the desktop of one computer from another. That means you can access files across machines in a snap. Download Remote Desktop here. 

SkyDrive

While Remote Desktop is great when you only need to move between computers occasionally, you’ll still want to have a go-to app for syncing and sharing your files. SkyDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, which makes it a good choice for the OS. That being said, some of its competitors also have solid Windows 8 apps, so if you’re already a fan of Box, check out that app instead. Download the SkyDrive app here. 

News Bento

There aren’t a ton of choices for feed reading apps yet for Windows 8, but you do have a solid option with News Bento. The app allows you to browse changing headlines or search by category for your interests. If Google Reader is your feed of choice in a browser, News Bento has some support for it. Otherwise, News Bento allows you to enter in whatever news sources you follow, and lets you select which news outlets appear in the feed at any given time. Clicking a source or story summary will send you to the browser to visit the webpage in question. Download News Bento here.

Xbox SmartGlass

This is a must-have for any Xbox owners. It’s another example of Microsoft making smart and fun decisions as it works to be the sole provider of your entertainment needs. The app lets you use your device as a second screen for the console. That’s true whether you’re using your Xbox for video games, videos, or music. The app can just as easily serve as a remote control while watching a TV show or can transfer songs from one Microsoft device to another. Download Xbox SmartGlass here. 

Skype

Microsoft’s ownership of the voice and video chat program is clear when you see how well Skype integrates into Windows 8. It looks like the company is positioning Skype to be top dog over rival products from Google. Along with looking great on the Windows 8 OS, it now combines the features of Google Talk, Hangout, and Voice into a single app. It’s a great choice for people who favor simplicity, especially if you can convince your social circle to use the platform as well. Download Skype here. 

Toolbox for Windows 8

This handy productivity tool lets you easily multitask by breaking down your screen into six sections. You can assign different tools to take up as many of those sections as you want, meaning you can have anywhere from one to six different apps open at once on your computer. It’s a straightforward way of approaching multitasking without the need to constantly resize and shuffle around different windows. The Toolsets feature also lets you save the layouts that work best for you so that you don’t need to reconstruct your work setup every morning. Download Toolbox for Windows 8 here. 

Windows 8 Cheat Keys

This is a must have for anyone who has felt that they’re facing a steep learning curve with the new OS. Windows 8 Cheat Keys gives a daily tip, rolling out helpful suggestions so that new users can acclimate to the features of Windows 8 and really learn how to navigate the different layout. The shortcuts and hints offered here mean that anyone can be a Windows 8 expert in no time. Download Windows 8 Cheat Keys here. 

Google Search

Obviously, Microsoft would love it if you switched search engine responsibilities over to Bing on any Windows 8 devices. But as of the beginning of this year, it was clear that Google was trouncing Bing in terms of popularity. If you’re one of the many who still favors Google Search, this app for your start screen can be a big help. Although it doesn’t offer a search bar directly on the main page, you can access other Google services as well as search by opening the app. Download the Google Search app here. 

Wikipedia

Oh, Wikipedia. Where would we be without you? Fortunately, you have this great database as a Live Tile on your Start screen. The layout of the app reflects the tile-based interface of Windows 8, which is a great system for casually browsing while in the OS. If you decide you want to be on the Wikipedia website instead of the app, there’s a button that will allow you to hop to that page in a browser. Download the Wikipedia app here. 

Allrecipes

Allrecipes is a great choice for those who love cooking and eating. You can browse more than 40,000 recipes, searching by ingredient, type of dish, or dietary restriction. The recipes are submitted by other home cooks, so whether you’re a pro or can barely boil water, you’ll be able to find something delicious to make. Download the Allrecipes app here. 

Nook

Especially since Microsoft no longer has an e-reader of its own, it’s been a quick race for other digital book purveyors to get apps up on Windows 8. Barnes & Noble just launched its Nook app for the OS earlier this week, and it’s a must-have for Nook owners. Download the Nook app here. 

Kindle

Likewise, if you’re in the Kindle camp, this is an essential. Amazon’s Whispersync keeps your bookmarks and downloads collected on whatever Windows 8 device you use, so you can access reading material whenever and wherever you are. Download the Kindle app here.

Kayak

Apparently Priceline’s new ownership of travel planning site Kayak has not curbed its excellence. The app lets you search for deals on flights and hotels. It has a much cleaner look on Windows 8 than online, which makes it easier to compare choices. For a frequent traveller, having a reliable app right on your start screen is a must. Download the Kayak app here. 

Do you have any other favorite Windows 8 apps? Let us know in the comments below.