Free Windows apps for 8.0 and 8.1
Although Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.0 apps are the last to be developed when it comes to Android and iOS competition, the Windows app store is finally filling up with some useful apps, and while most Windows devices come stock with a great deal of useful apps, there are some apps like Evernote that many of us are already accustomed to using, but have waited for the Windows 8 app to come out. Wait no more.
Below are 12 free Windows 8.1 apps that work well on any Windows 8.1 (and some Windows 8.0) devices, including the Microsoft Surface devices. In addition to these 12 below, check out our previously mentioned 10 must-have apps:
1. Toolbox
Toolbox lets you view up to six different tools at a time, allowing you to customize your workspace and maximize productivity. Currently fifteen tools are included with more on the way. This has the potential to be really useful as more tools are added.
2. Custom Tiles Maker
Custom Tiles Maker lets you customize your tiles any way you want, to suit your theme or your mood. You can even set your tiles to change after a specified amount of time. Use your own photos and choose a layout to make your tiles, your own. This is a great option for Windows users who want to give their tiles an individualized look, as well as businesses looking to create tiles to match their logo/branding.
3. Xmarks
Xmarks lets you keep your bookmarks and open tabs backed up and synchronized across computers and browsers. You can sync with other devices and search your bookmarks with the Search charm. Xmarks easily keeps your bookmarks organized and accessible.
4. Evernote
Evernote helps you remember everything across all your devices. You can create notes and then open them on your smartphone. A “note” can be a piece of formatted text, a full webpage or webpage excerpt, a photograph, a voice memo, or a handwritten “ink” note. And each note can be stored in an individualized notebook; all the benefits of Evernote, with a Windows spin.
5. OneNote
OneNote lets you capture, find, and view notes you care about most. You can capture a note through screenshots, camera scans, and via the Share Charm. You can also use the “ink” feature to write on your notes; this is particularly helpful if you need to write a memo on an image you have recently added.
6. Work Notes Pro
Work Notes Pro includes a full suite of audio, video, photo, mapping, sketching and writing capabilities combined with built in productivity tools. It shares media files with contacts, clouds and applications. It also works with other apps like Evernote, OneNote, SkyDrive, Box and Dropbox. They have recently added fifty features, making it even more useful than before.
7. Fhotoroom
Fhotoroom is a photography experience platform that allows you capture, edit and share your photos. This is a bit like Photo Shop on-the-go. There are ten editing tools, twenty five custom styles, twenty two frames, along with various light leaks and vignettes. You can also share your creation via the Charms Bar, Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter.
8. File Brick
File Brick combines local drive and cloud storage to help you explore your files more easily while still providing the full function of a file manager. File Brick also links your social media and media channels; think Facebook + YouTube. This link gives you the ability to browse your friends’ and family’s photos and YouTube channels as easily as you can browse a local folder.
9. flow.timer
flow.timer is a time-tracking and project management tool for teams. Manage your calendar, schedule, projects and even your payroll from flow.timer. With a single account, you can synchronize across multiple platforms in the cloud. There is also optional integration of data from telephone systems (API). All tasks (planned and completed) can be displayed as Live tiles on the desktop.
10. TeamViewer Touch
TeamViewer Touch lets you remotely control any computer within seconds with the TeamViewer Touch app. This is super nice for tech support or home office support, but also for helping friends and family. Windows, Mac, and Linux are supported.
11. Goals
Goals keeps track of personal, professional, and other goals. After you enter your goal, giving it a start and end date, your main tile will then show your goals according to category: work, learning, hobby, health, etc. You can easily see your goals, as well as, whatever priority you have given them, so you can get things accomplished, quickly.
12. Bitcasa
Bitcasa upgrades your device to infinite storage space. By moving all of your files to Bitcasa, you free up space on your devices. And if you “mirror” folders on your computer to Bitcasa for automatic and continuous backup and you can access your content at any time. Everything is encrypted, so sending and receiving information is safe. This is a very convenient way to store your files while still retaining access to them.
