With the launch of Windows 8.1 and the Surface 2, we know there are plenty of folks who are, for the first time, getting their hands on the new Start Screen that Windows 8.1 brings to the table. Like many of us, the first thing we typically want to do is to fill all the open real estate with apps from the Windows Store.
With the store having over 100,000 applications, finding the right apps can be a difficult chore. So, we here at Neowin have picked out 5 apps that will help you get started with finding quality apps in the Windows Store.
Most of the apps listed below are free and all of them cost less than $3.00. If you have any ‘must have apps’ make sure to let us know in the comments below so we can include them on our next list.
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia is not a typical app most folks think about when heading into the Windows Store but the app is well composed and is a great way to find some content for pleasure reading.
With large, beautiful pictures, plenty of feature articles, this app will keep you busy for a long time and like all of the other apps on our list, it’s free.
The app offers up tons of content and can keep you entertained for hours. With your favorite articles only a few clicks away, Wikipedia is great for killing time and works exceptionally well on the Surface 2.
2. Nextgen Reader
If you are looking to stay on-top of the news and don’t want to be jumping through several apps, Nextgen Reader is a great way to aggregate all your favorite feeds into one place.
Nexgen Reader is an app for Windows 8 or 8.1 and it’s a must have for anyone that needs an RSS reader. With light and dark themes and an easy to use layout, Nextgen Reader hits the mark for all the key ingredients to an awesome app.
The app does cost $2.99 (but there is an unlimited free trial, so if you don't want too, you don't have to pay for it) and it is well worth the price.
3. Fresh Paint
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Feeling a bit creative and want to show off your personal style but don’t want to get out the watercolors? Fresh Paint is fun app that lets your creative side run free with tons of paint options, stencils, and patterns to choose from, it’s a great app that will keep you painting for hours but requires no cleanup afterwards.
We do admit that this app is much more fun with a touchscreen but it does work using a mouse too. Kids will certainly love this app and we will secretly admit that we love it too.
Freshpaint is not a new app to the Windows Store but it has been updated a couple times and if you are new to the Windows Store marketplace, it is a fantastic app to express in your inner Picasso.
4. Cocktail Flow
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Once you are able to pry your kids away from Fresh Paint head to the Windows Store and download Cocktail Flow. This easy to use, and well-designed app, makes mixing your favorite drink a snap.
This app makes for a great bar top companion. If you, or your guests, are looking to trying something new, Cocktail Flow makes it easy to sort different drinks by their ingredients so you can find something you’ll enjoy.
With options to sort drinks by the alcohol by color, type, and a few other options, pouring your favorite drink just got a lot easier. While you’re at it, pour us a drink too, we both deserve it.
5. NASA Be A Martian
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Space travel is exciting, dangerous and is also educational. This app, developed by NASA, lets you stay updated on Curiosity’s journey on Mars, follow other NASA missions and a bunch of other cool explorative features that will enrich your life in a way that is entertaining and easy to use.
This app is great for all ages and top notch for any Space lovers who enjoy staring at the heavens. Kids will enjoy the pictures, adults will love the content and it’s educational, so everyone wins.
These are 5 apps that are a great starter pack for anyone new to Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1.
We will continue to compile lists to help you find the best content within the Windows Store, so make sure to let us know if you have any favorites we should include in our next list.
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