Windows 8 Built-in Apps: A Comprehensive Tour

Exploring the Built-in Apps of Windows 8

Windows 8 introduced a redesigned user interface, known as the Modern interface, which was specifically optimized for touch-based devices. This new interface comes pre-loaded with a selection of applications.

Before venturing into the Windows Store to discover additional software, it's beneficial to familiarize yourself with the apps already available and their respective functionalities.

Common Characteristics of Windows 8 Apps

The included applications exhibit several shared traits. A key feature is their streamlined design, prioritizing the display of content.

Many of these apps also support live tiles. These dynamic tiles display real-time information directly on the Start screen, providing instant updates.

Furthermore, a significant number of these applications integrate with and promote Microsoft’s suite of online services.

This integration allows for seamless connectivity and access to various Microsoft offerings.

• The focus is on a clean and uncluttered user experience.
• Live tiles offer at-a-glance information updates.
• Microsoft online services are heavily utilized.

The Windows Store: A Central Hub for Applications

The Windows Store serves as the primary source for obtaining Modern apps within the Windows ecosystem. Functioning similarly to platforms like Apple’s App Store or Google Play, it allows users to discover and install software with a simple click of the 'Install' button.

App discovery is streamlined through the use of the search charm, or by directly initiating a search by typing the desired application name.

Desktop Application Listings

While primarily focused on Modern apps, the Windows Store also provides listings for certain desktop applications. However, installation and updates for these applications are not handled directly through the Store.

Instead, the Windows Store acts as a directory, providing a link to the application developer’s website for download and installation – mirroring the process used in earlier Windows versions like Windows 7.

This approach ensures users can access both Modern and traditional desktop software, while maintaining a consistent discovery experience.

Internet Explorer

With Windows 8, the standard web browser is a contemporary iteration of Internet Explorer 10. In contrast to its predecessors, this version offers a notably improved browsing speed.

Furthermore, it has been specifically designed for touch-based interaction and incorporates a streamlined interface. This interface dynamically conceals tabs and the navigation bar during web browsing.

Feature Limitations

Despite its advancements, Internet Explorer 10 omits certain functionalities commonly found in other browsers. Notably, it does not support traditional add-ons or plug-ins.

By default, Flash content is restricted to a select list of approved websites, enhancing security and stability.

Mail, Calendar, People, and Messaging

The Mail, Calendar, People, and Messaging applications are designed to work in concert. They are distributed as a single application package within the Windows Store for streamlined access.

Account details entered into one of these apps are automatically shared across all of them, eliminating the need for repeated logins. This simplifies the user experience considerably.

The Mail Application

The Mail app provides a straightforward interface for email management. Unlike more complex clients like Microsoft Outlook, it focuses on core functionality.

Users can readily connect Hotmail, Outlook, or Google email accounts. Support is also provided for accounts utilizing the IMAP, POP, or Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) protocols, broadening compatibility to encompass a wide range of email providers.

Calendar Functionality

The Calendar app consolidates calendar information from various online services into a unified display.

It offers compatibility with Hotmail, Outlook, and Google calendars, allowing users to view all their appointments and events in one convenient location.

Managing Contacts with People

The People app serves as a central hub for all your contacts.

Beyond contacts sourced from Hotmail, Outlook, and Google accounts, it integrates with social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Updates from your contacts on these platforms are also displayed within the app.

Staying Connected with Messaging

The Messaging app facilitates real-time communication with your contacts.

It supports Microsoft’s Windows Live Messenger (previously MSN Messenger) and Facebook chat. However, popular services like Google Talk and AIM are not currently supported within this application.

Weather Information at a Glance

The Weather application provides users with current weather conditions based on their present location. It is also possible to set up and monitor weather forecasts for several different locations.

This application is designed to integrate seamlessly with the live tile functionality, allowing for at-a-glance weather updates directly on the home screen.

Detailed Weather Data

Within the app itself, users can navigate to access comprehensive weather details. This includes an hour-by-hour forecast, providing a granular view of anticipated conditions.

• Weather Maps: Visual representations of weather patterns are available.
• Historical Data: Past weather information can be reviewed for analysis and comparison.

Detailed weather maps and historical weather data are readily accessible, enhancing the user’s understanding of both current and past atmospheric conditions.

News, Finance, and Sports Applications

A variety of news categories are accessible through the News, Finance, and Sports applications. These applications leverage data provided by Microsoft’s Bing service to deliver current information.

The News application is specifically designed for touch-based interaction, enabling users to easily browse and consume the latest headlines. By default, it showcases the “Bing Daily” news compilation.

Users also have the option to personalize their news feed by subscribing to publications like the BBC, New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

The Finance application provides users with financial news updates. It also presents visual representations of market performance through graphs and charts.

Stock tracking is a key feature, allowing users to monitor the performance of specific stocks by adding them to a personalized watchlist.

The Sports application focuses on delivering sports-related news. It also features schedules of upcoming games and real-time scores.

Users can follow their preferred teams within the application to receive timely updates regarding their performance and events.

Exploring the World with Bing Travel

The Bing Travel application provides users with a comprehensive platform for discovering and researching potential travel destinations. Through this app, detailed information regarding various locations can be readily accessed.

Users are empowered to locate both flights and accommodations within a chosen area. Furthermore, the app facilitates access to helpful travel guides.

Key Features of Bing Travel

• Destination Information: Detailed insights into locations worldwide are available.
• Flight Search: Finding suitable flights is simplified through integrated search functionality.
• Hotel Booking: Accommodation options can be easily identified and booked.
• Tourist Guides: Informative guides enhance the travel planning experience.
• Attraction Discovery: Points of interest and local attractions are readily browsable.

The app serves as a central hub for all aspects of travel planning, from initial exploration to booking essential services. It streamlines the process of gathering information and making informed decisions.

By offering a diverse range of features, Bing Travel aims to assist users in creating memorable and well-organized travel experiences. It’s designed to be a valuable resource for both seasoned travelers and those planning their first trips.

Photos

The Photos application provides a centralized location for accessing your images. It enables viewing of pictures saved in various places.

This includes photos residing within the Pictures library on your computer’s hard drive, as well as those on any connected storage devices.

Online Photo Sources

Furthermore, the app facilitates access to photos stored on online platforms. You can view images from your SkyDrive, Facebook, and Flickr accounts.

It’s important to note that support for certain other photo services, such as Google’s Picasa, is not currently available.

Music and Video Applications

Xbox provides dedicated Music and Video applications for users. These apps facilitate the playback of locally stored music and video files directly from your computer’s hard drive.

Beyond local playback, these applications also grant access to online marketplaces for music and video content.

The Music App

The Music app is designed to handle your personal music collection. It also provides a platform for purchasing individual songs through the Xbox Music store, previously known as the Zune store.

Furthermore, the app integrates with various streaming services, offering ad-supported, free music streaming options similar to those found on platforms like Pandora, Spotify, and Rdio.

The Video App

The Video app functions as a media player for your personal video files. Users are also able to utilize the app to buy or rent movies and television programs.

These purchases and rentals are made available through the Xbox Video store, an online service offering a wide selection of content.

Games

Utilizing your Xbox account credentials, access is granted through the Xbox Games application. This app showcases games that integrate with Xbox services, offering features like achievement tracking, game invitations, and turn-based notifications.

It’s important to note that direct gameplay of Xbox console titles isn’t facilitated within this application. Functionality is limited to Xbox-branded games specifically designed for Windows 8.

Key Features

• Xbox Account Integration: Seamlessly sign in with your existing Xbox profile.
• Achievement Tracking: Monitor your progress and accomplishments within supported games.
• Social Connectivity: Receive game invites and turn notifications from your Xbox friends.
• Windows 8 Compatibility: Designed for Xbox-branded titles available on the Windows 8 platform.

The primary purpose of the Games app is to enhance the social and achievement aspects of gaming, rather than providing a platform for playing full console games on your Windows 8 device.

This application serves as a hub for connecting with the Xbox ecosystem while utilizing compatible Windows 8 game titles.

Bing

The Bing application provides users with straightforward access to Microsoft's Bing search engine. For those who favor Google, the Google Search app remains available for Windows 8 installations.

Alternatively, searches can be conducted directly through any standard web browser.

This app serves as a dedicated interface for utilizing the features and functionalities offered by the Bing search platform.

It offers a focused search experience, distinct from browser-based searching.

Users seeking an alternative to Bing have the option of employing the Google Search application.

The choice between these search engines ultimately depends on individual preference.

Both provide comprehensive search capabilities within the Windows 8 environment.

Maps

The Maps application leverages the mapping technology of Bing Maps. Devices featuring integrated GPS capabilities, such as tablets, can utilize this app to display your present location directly on the map interface.

Functionality extends beyond location viewing; users are also able to search for specific destinations and obtain turn-by-turn directions. This mirrors the experience offered by popular mapping services like Google Maps and MapQuest.

Key Features

• Location Viewing: Displays your current position using GPS.
• Search Functionality: Allows you to find places of interest.
• Direction Assistance: Provides route guidance to your desired destination.

The Maps app provides a familiar and comprehensive mapping experience. It offers similar features to other well-known mapping platforms.

Utilizing Bing Maps as its foundation, the application delivers reliable location data and navigational support. This makes it a useful tool for both everyday commutes and exploring new areas.

SkyDrive

The SkyDrive application allows users to view files that are saved within their online SkyDrive account.

This app also facilitates the uploading of files directly to your SkyDrive storage.

Desktop Access

For desktop functionality, the SkyDrive desktop application must be downloaded and installed separately.

It’s important to note that the SkyDrive desktop app is not automatically included as part of the Windows 8 operating system.

Reader Application Overview

The Reader application functions as a streamlined tool designed for the visualization of both PDF and XPS document formats. Notably, Windows now incorporates a native PDF viewer directly within the operating system.

However, it's important to note that a dedicated desktop application version of this viewer is currently unavailable.

Core Functionality

This application provides users with a straightforward method to open and interact with portable document files.

It supports the viewing of XPS files as well, offering compatibility with a wider range of document types.

The inclusion of a built-in PDF viewer eliminates the need for third-party software for basic PDF viewing tasks.

Camera

Utilizing the Camera application, images and videos can be recorded through the use of a webcam.

Both integrated PC webcams and externally connected webcam devices are supported for use with this application.

Functionality

While the Windows Store offers a wide selection of applications, the ones detailed here are pre-installed with Windows 8.

These applications are subject to ongoing development and are likely to gain additional features over time, as evidenced by the significant improvements seen in recent months.

The Camera app provides a straightforward method for capturing visual content.

It offers compatibility with a variety of webcam configurations.

Users can leverage either the webcam that is incorporated into their computer or an external webcam device.

Continuous enhancements are anticipated for these built-in applications.

This ongoing evolution will likely introduce new capabilities and refine existing features.

The pre-installed suite of apps represents a solid foundation for Windows 8 users.

Expect these apps to become even more robust and versatile in the future.