With all the buzz surrounding the release of Windows 8.1, I thought it apropos to throw in my two cents on my fav Windows 8.1 apps. Keep in mind that these particular apps are optimized for touch screen environments, that 8.1 is a relatively new operating system with its fair share of quirks and issues, and that I am expressing my opinion (and would love to hear yours). So, with no further adieu, here are my top 5 Windows 8.1 apps:
- Kindle: The Kindle app has FINALLY been updated! The two biggest improvements are (A) actual page numbers and (B) highlights are no longer truncated when you view them on the Amazon’s webpage (i.e. your highlights). This makes the app actually useful and worth the download.
- Netflix: The Netflix app has been updated with the new release and is actually useful enough for me to consider foregoing the browser based experience. For those of you who love streaming, Netflix just can’t be beat (though I secretly hope that the new Verizon owned Redbox streaming service will improve their service and functionality – if they do, I’ll switch).
- Windows Movie Moments: This app is a must for those of you who enjoy the creative side of movie magic but don’t have the time or money to develop professional video editing chops.
- Fresh Paint | Photoshop Express: Yes, these are actually two separate apps; however, I am including them here together because they are two sides of the same coin. Fresh Paint is just plain cool. It’s also useful for creating everything from basic graphics to lush watercolor paintings with a tool set that is user friendly and powerful (this is not common). Photoshop Express is probably the BEST basic photo editing tool for those who are not photo editor gurus. You can easily crop, resize, and touch up your photos for a variety of uses.
- Run Cow Run: This is, in my opinion, the best and most addictive game that runs in the Windows 8.1 native tile based environment. The gist of the game is that you are a cow running from an angry farmer as you collect coins, jump over obstacles, set other captive animals free, and complete objectives. Though I’m not a vegan, as a follower of Jesus, I desire to obey the Scripture on this matter, “The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10). This game reinforces our responsibility to fight cruelty and advocate for the proper care of animals. Graphics are awesome, the music is catchy, the controls are simple, and the play is actually challenging – what more can I say…
There is 1 app that I really wanted to include, NFL Game Rewind, but as much as I LOVE this service (I love watching football but don’t like the commercials; I can watch every play in a game in 30 minutes), the app just isn’t up to snuff. Also, I really wanted to include a decent music app, but haven’t yet found one that is worth mentioning. So, those are my picks for the top five Windows 8.1 apps. Enjoy!