Jul 02
Jul 01
Microsoft couldn’t help mentioning last week that the Windows Store was on the cusp of hitting 100,000 total apps, and now the firm’s announced on Twitter that the shop has officially reached the mark. Redmond may not best its competitors in the sheer number of applications available on their respective storefronts, but it did manage to rack up the apps much faster. While it took roughly a year and a half for Apple’s App Store to score the same badge, and approximately two trips around the sun for the Android Market, the Windows Store has arrived at the figure in just eight months. With a healthy app shop and Windows 8.1 on the horizon, Ballmer and Co. must be pleased with their eight-month-old OS.
Filed under: Microsoft
Via: The Verge
Source: Windows App Builders (Twitter)
Jul 01
When the App Store was fresh and new, you’d see different apps pop up in the Top Apps list. Those Top Apps lists were actually usable. But ever since Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja and whatever else decided to squat down, it’s the same damn apps over and over. So how popular does an app have to be to crack these lists?
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Jul 01
After announcing today’s 100 million Android-download milestone, Skype celebrated the occasion with a totally overhauled, refreshed Android app that’s supposed to "make your interactions easier and put conversations first." And with a cleaner, lighter, and lightening fast UI, it may just live up to its promise.
What does it do?
It’s Skype, but stripped of all the extra crap that seemed to choke the old incarnations. You’ll get three separate tabs, the first of which shows you all recent conversations, followed by your contacts, followed by your favorites. Small circles similar to Facebook’s attempt at the now notorious chatheads carry your contacts profile pictures. You’ll also be able to attach files and video messages, one of Skype’s newer native app features.
Why do we like it?
While there aren’t any major new additions are far as strict function goes, the app does feel like an entirely different breed. It’s given in to the Flat design you see practically everywhere these days, but more importantly, its simplified the buttons and divided its screens into digestible, bright tabs that make the app far more pleasant to use. The lack of clutter should also speed things up quite a bit as well as keep it running more smoothly. Plus, intuitive gestures (such as swipe to start a conversation) are a long overdue addition.
Skype 4.0, Download this app for: Android, Free
The Best: Far more pleasant on the eye and easier to use
The Worst: No major new features
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Jul 01
While Windows Phone 8 has had an iteration or two of Facebook now for some time, this week the first Facebook-made Facebook app is available for the masses. Having been plagued, more or less, by oddities and off-brand Facebook portals since birth, Windows Phone 8 here finally has an app that’s up to snuff. The
Jul 01
Vine was recently released on Android after being available on iOS for what seemed like ages, but now pretty much every Android and iOS device can join in on the fun of making quick 6-second looping videos, except for the Kindle Fire. However, that changes today, thanks to the inauguration of Vine into the Amazon
Jul 01
While it’s been mostly about the games for the Xbox One lately (thanks to a huge showing recently from Microsoft at E3), the company briefly discussed the relationship between Windows 8 and the Xbox One at their yearly Build conference in San Francisco. Microsoft provided hints that the Xbox One could run Windows 8 apps,
Jul 01
Jul 01
Jul 01
Microsoft has already been taking advantage of their buyout with Skype, merging Microsoft accounts to the newly-acquired software, as well as pushing out an all-new design today for Android devices. The redesign takes pages from Windows Phone 8 and gives the Skype for Android app a metro look that compliments the Windows variant. Microsoft says
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