Christmas is almost over and you likely received a new Windows 8.1, Windows RT or even a Surface device as a present. If you did and you are looking for the best apps to install, well, you are in luck. We are going to give you our list of the ten best apps to install. If you didn’t get a new Windows device today, well, check out the list anyway!
This year, we have selected the ten best apps we think should be installed immediately on your new Windows device. Why? Because these apps either improve or enhance your experience. Take a look at the list below. If you recommend any apps we did not mention and you feel they should be mentioned, let everyone know in the comments below!
Keep in mind that our app selection below contains both free and paid apps.
Nearly everyone in the world uses Facebook. If you don’t use Facebook, congratulations, you’ve managed to avoid the madness. However, for all you Facebook lovers out there, the official Facebook app is a must for your new Windows device. The app comes with a plethora of features and is constantly updated with improvements. Best of all, its free.
Tweetium
Tweetium is a brand new Twitter client that recently hit the Windows Store. This app is our favorite Twitter client. In fact, we are recommending this app over the official Twitter app for Windows 8.1. The experience you get with Tweetium is unique in that your tweets, messages, and more are presented in a non-traditional manner – horizontally.
“Tweetium is the premium Windows 8 Twitter client you’ve been waiting for. It’s slick. It’s fast. This first release has been designed with ample feedback from serious Twitter users, with the goal of helping you get the most out of Twitter on Windows desktops, laptops, and tablets,” the app description reads.
Netflix
Who doesn’t love watching streaming movies or TV shows on their brand new Windows device? Netflix is the perfect companion for those of you who have a subscription to the service. If you don’t have a subscription, now is the time to get one.
“Netflix is the world’s leading subscription service for watching TV episodes and movies. Get the free app as a part of your Netflix membership and you can instantly watch thousands of TV episodes & movies. If you are not a Netflix member sign up for Netflix and start enjoying immediately with our one-month free trial,” the app description reads.
Nextgen Reader
“A fast, clean and beautiful RSS reader for Windows 8 and Windows Phone. Please note that Feedly requires Google account for authentication,” the app description reads. This is our favorite RSS reader for Windows 8.1. If you have numerous sites to keep track of, simply snag this app and read through all your feeds with ease. Definitely a must have for your new device.
If Nextgen Reader isn’t your thing, then check out the official Flipboard app that is available for Windows 8.1. We’ve included this app as well as Nextgen Reader due to the fact that both apps are not only packed in quality features, but also amazing to use. Flipboard, in comparison, is a free app.
“Flipboard is your personal magazine. It is the most popular way to catch up on the news you care about, read stories from around the world and browse the articles, videos and photos friends are sharing. To begin, pick a few topics and tap any of the tiles to begin flipping through your personal magazine,” the app description reads.
Hyper for YouTube
Sure, you can easily browse YouTube via an internet browser, or snag any of the third-party apps in the Windows Store, but why when you can use Hyper for YouTube. We believe this app is by far one of the best YouTube apps available right now, with a plethora of features and a beautiful modern design to compliment your new Windows device.
“Hyper is the most advanced way to view YouTube videos on your Windows 8 device. It allows watching videos in SD, 720p and Full HD 1080p, as well as the ability to download videos and MP3. You can sign in to see your latest Subscribed videos as well as comment and rate videos,” the app description reads.
Microsoft OneNote
With every Windows device comes the need to have a personal digital notebook to go along with it. Microsoft’s OneNote app is a fantastic app that not only syncs across all your devices, but makes it easy to manage to-do lists and other notes.
“Microsoft OneNote is your digital notebook for keeping track of what’s important in your life. Jot down your ideas, keep track of classroom and meeting notes, clip from the web, make a to-do list as well as draw and sketch your ideas. OneNote is your one place to capture and organize everything. Whether you’re at home, in the office or on the go, your notes travel with you. They are automatically saved and synced in the cloud, so you always have the latest on all your devices,” the app description reads.
FreshPaint
FreshPaint is a fantastic app for those of you who like to draw or simply want an app that allows you to play around with your touch screen device. It’s like having a modern day Paint application that is touch optimized. Great for kids too.
“Fresh Paint is an easy to use, free app that includes oil, watercolors, pencils, and all the tools you need to paint. Create original masterpieces, turn photos into beautiful paintings, choose a coloring page for your kids, and even make a framed canvas print of your amazing creation. Whether you are an artist, hobbyist, or kid, you can make whatever you imagine with Fresh Paint,” the app description reads.
Asphalt 8 Airborne
You cant have a new Windows device without at lease one game to go along with it. We recommend Asphalt 8 Airborne, a relatively new app that hit the Windows Store and one heck of a visual beauty. If you love playing the Need for Speed games, you will love playing this game.
“The best arcade racing game series reaches a new turning point! Perform dynamic, high-speed aerial stunts in an intense driving experience powered by a brand-new physics engine!” the app description reads.
Your recommendations?
These were just our ten best apps we thought you should have on your new Windows device. Of course, this is all subjective. Lets hear what our readers have to say. Comment below and give us your app recommendations! If you post a comment with a link, it has to be approved first (spam prevention measure) before going live so don’t freak out if you don’t see it right away.
