1. Ashampoo ImageFX
Everyone loves a good image editing program that doesn’t require an enormous learning curve like Photoshop and GIMP do. Both applications are awesome for power users and professionals, but the layman wants something a little simpler where he or she can edit an image with a couple of clicks. That’s where Ashampoo ImageFX comes in.
It looks elegant, though not as feature-packed as other image editing software. It can be a great alternative when you want to quickly fix up an image right from your Start screen.
2. Doodleinator
Just by the name, you already feel those memories of 8th grade Chemistry class when you just sat and doodled, making your own little world right at your desk. Doodleinator gives you the ability to not only kill time with a little drawing, but also lets you bring those images to life with simple animations that appear like they would if you would flip the pages of a flip-book.
Besides being something cute for the kids, it’s also a way for you to show your work to others, as it also includes the ability to share your finished product on social networks. If you’d like to have a piece of the action, download it here.
3. Endomondo GPS Tracker
Endomondo is an application that helps you track your progress with exercises you do outdoors. With this simple application, you can see how far you’ve jogged, cycled, or walked from its interface. The application can interact with Windows’ multi-user interface to give each user his/her own statistics.
Clearly enough, this application is a must-have for all you fitness junkies. After all, you’re getting all the details on a full dedicated screen. Who could possibly ask for more real estate? Here‘s a link to the current available download location of Endomondo’s Windows 8 app.
4. iCookBook
Oh, yes! There’s something out there even for the aspiring cook. The application features a huge collection of recipes from over 20 different cookbooks, giving you such an enormous amount of choices that you won’t know where to start. Fortunately, the recipes are categorized and organized in a way that makes them easily navigable. One of the best features of this app is its display of recipes in a sizable font that makes them easy to read. Can’t remember that recipe for cordon bleu? It doesn’t hurt to search this app:
iCookBook.
5. SigFig
If you’re an investor, you probably have already seen how the Windows Finance app can be a waste of time. It’s about as useful as hiring a cat to teach trigonometry. While the application does have its uses, it misses out on some important aspects every entrepreneur looks for. SigFig comes around to fix the gap and provide an intuitive application that allows you to easily track your investments and see updates on commodities, stock exchanges, and currency cross rates as they come. While the integrated Finance app is a pretty toy, this app actually empowers you a bit more.
The cute piggy symbol used by SigFig represents the piggy bank, an emblem of small (but nevertheless significant) steps towards prosperity. Hopefully, the application can help you achieve this. Download it here.
6. Slacker Radio
That’s right. Slacker Radio decided to hop in on the Windows 8 bandwagon and create an app specially catering to its new and upcoming Windows 8 users. This application not only lets you see detailed artist and station information, but also allows you to create your own mini radio station. The implications are almost endless, and the best part is that you don’t have to pay a dime to listen to music all day long.
You not only get this app for free, but you can also listen to as much music as you want without any limits. I have no idea how Slacker keeps itself in business, but just take the offer and run! Here‘s the download link.
7. SlapDash Podcasts
If you’ve never been introduced into the cloud, but you’re a fan of podcasts, you will enjoy what SlapDash has to offer. Instead of downloading a podcast you subscribe to, you can just add your subscription to the cloud through this app and stream the podcasts as you wish. This not only eliminates the need for you to have extra hard drive space, but provides a nice way to get a radio-like experience.
SlapDash Podcasts.
8. Vimeo
While YouTube still hasn’t made any announcement regarding a Windows 8 app, Vimeo has taken up the opportunity. This video service, which works a lot like YouTube does, now allows you to see featured videos, staff picks, and other content through its Metro app. When you have nothing else to do, you can easily slide up into the interface and choose your path to entertainment.
Vimeo’s Windows 8 app
Any Other Apps?
We’re fresh out of ideas for apps in Windows 8. If you’d like us to cover an app for a later article, just submit a comment below and we’ll have a look at it to see if it passes the standards necessary for our readers to enjoy. If you have any questions about upcoming Windows 8 apps, or any questions regarding the operating system, we’re always glad to answer them. Feel free to hit the “Ask Our Experts Now” button at the right-hand side of this website to do so. Discussions in the comments section regarding applications shown here are always welcome!
