One of the best ways to utilize Windows 8 to its fullest extent is to start getting familiar with Modern/Metro apps. If you haven’t started using apps yet, there are a ton of them out there in the Windows Store, and if you can’t find what you want, there are always the alternative app stores that you can use. Here are some of the most useful apps that have appeared lately!
1. Dropbox
Yep, Dropbox just got into the Windows 8 bandwagon and has released a new app that will let you use its system from the comfort of your Start screen. Now, you can manage your files, folders, and keep yourself organized with a very sleek and minimalist interface that perfectly complements the Metro look and feel. The taste couldn’t be any sweeter.
2. Movieholic
Until now, people mainly found out what movies were out by talking with friends. There are some apps that let you know what’s out there, but there’s been a lack of development in this area in the Windows 8 scene. Movieholic gives you an app that shows you the newest DVD/BluRay releases, as well as what’s currently in theaters, from the comfort of your screen. The information it displays is based on movie trailer site Rotten Tomatoes. Movieholic also allows you to search through its databases for films, in case you are curious to see whether that awesome movie you saw on theaters came out on DVD yet. You can consider this app a full-blown movie guide for addicts!
3. You Tube 8
While Google is reluctant to make a proper YouTube app for Windows 8, many alternatives exist. You Tube 8 is one of them, selecting the best content for you on your front page and allowing you to search through the YouTube database for videos to watch. As an alternative, you can use the more simplistic Youtube [sic] Player app. Both of these apps operate as simple YouTube front ends. You can get the same experience by opening the Internet Explorer 10 app and typing YouTube’s URL. However, it’s always fun to have a special custom interface right there on a button on your Start menu. It skips the step of having to open another app to get to YouTube.
4. YouVue
If you’re wondering what’s new in music, just open YouVue. This app includes the latest most popular songs through popularity charts, such as the Europe Top 100 and the US top 40. You can also check out music in different genres. This app is powered by YouTube, meaning that the service will be used to retrieve music content from each song you play. Once you switch to another app, this app will continue playing the music for you, making your experience all the more merry. This is an ideal app if you feel the need to listen to music to help you concentrate.
Alternatives?
We’re always looking for reader input to show us what they found. If you find any decent alternatives to apps listed here, comment below to inform everyone else!
Miguel has been a business growth and technology expert for more than a decade and has written software for even longer. From his little castle in Romania, he presents cold and analytical perspectives to things that affect the tech world.
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