Windows 8 Store Apps vs. Android & iPad

Choosing a Tablet: A Platform Comparison

When considering a tablet purchase, consumers typically weigh options between the iPad, devices running the Android operating system, and tablets utilizing Windows 8 or Windows RT. Generally, Windows-based tablets represent the higher end of the price spectrum.

The breadth of available software is a critical factor in the overall usability of any tablet device.

The Windows Store: Assessing App Availability

With the Windows Store now boasting a catalog of 70,000 applications, and having surpassed the six-month mark since the initial release of Windows 8, a detailed evaluation of its competitive standing against other tablet platforms is warranted.

This assessment will focus on determining how well the Windows Store stacks up in terms of app selection when compared to its rivals.

Understanding the app ecosystem is vital for prospective buyers.

iPad offers the largest app library.
Android provides a vast selection, including many free options.
Windows 8/RT is rapidly growing, but still trails behind.

The number of available apps directly impacts the functionality and versatility of each tablet.

A robust app store ensures users can tailor their tablet experience to their specific needs.

Video Applications

The Windows Store offers a reasonable selection of applications designed for video playback. Within its library, users can find apps for prominent streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu Plus.

Furthermore, the built-in Videos app in Windows 8 provides access to a marketplace where videos can be rented or purchased directly from Microsoft.

Platform Limitations

While Windows tablets demonstrate adequate performance in this area, they currently fall short when compared to competing platforms.

Notably absent are dedicated applications for Amazon Instant Video – a service exclusive to iPad and Kindle Fire devices – as well as an official YouTube app and one for Sony’s Crackle.

Subscribers to services like HBO Go, DirecTV, or Comcast Xfinity will find that streaming content through dedicated Modern apps is not currently supported.

Streaming services are not fully represented on the Windows platform.

Amazon Instant Video is unavailable.
An official YouTube app is missing.
Sony’s Crackle lacks a dedicated application.

This means users relying on these video platforms may need to utilize web browsers to access their content.

Music Applications in Windows 8

Windows 8 incorporates the Xbox Music application, providing complimentary music streaming functionality. This feature can be beneficial for users. However, individuals already committed to alternative music platforms may find it lacking in comprehensive support.

Currently, prominent streaming services such as Spotify, Rdio, MOG, and Rhapsody are not directly accessible through the Windows Store. Pandora is available only through unofficial channels.

While services like Slacker and TuneIn Radio are present, the overall range of third-party music applications within Windows 8 remains relatively limited.

An alternative approach involves utilizing these services within the Internet Explorer browser. However, playback will be interrupted when the browser is minimized or operates in the background.

Consequently, accessing Spotify on a Windows 8 or Windows RT tablet necessitates browser-based usage on the desktop environment.

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Limitations of Music Streaming

The absence of direct integration for popular music services represents a significant drawback. Users accustomed to these platforms may experience inconvenience.

Browser-based solutions offer a workaround, but are hampered by playback interruptions when the browser loses focus.

eBook Reading on Windows

Windows 8 offers a surprisingly robust platform for eBook enthusiasts. The Windows Store provides access to dedicated applications for prominent eBook services, including Amazon Kindle, NOOK, and Kobo.

For users seeking to utilize their tablets for digital reading, Windows 8 presents a viable solution.

App Availability Limitations

Despite its capabilities, the Windows Store exhibits certain limitations regarding app availability. Notably, the popular news aggregator Flipboard, widely used on iOS and Android, lacks an official Windows app.

Furthermore, official applications for read-it-later services such as Pocket and Instapaper are currently unavailable.

Alternative Options

While alternative RSS readers and read-it-later applications can be found, they may not offer the same level of integration with existing services or possess the refined user experience of their official counterparts.

These alternatives often require users to adjust their workflows or compromise on features.

Gaming on Windows Tablets

The Windows Store offers a range of basic games suitable for tablet devices. Casual gamers might find the available options sufficient for short periods of entertainment, with titles like Angry Birds and Cut the Rope being present.

However, the game library is notably restricted. Despite the existence of multiple Cut the Rope sequels on iOS and Android platforms, only the original version is currently accessible through the Windows Store.

Similarly, the Angry Birds selection is limited to Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Star Wars. These titles are priced at $5 each within the Windows Store, whereas they are offered without charge on competing platforms.

iPad Dominance in Tablet Gaming

When considering a tablet specifically for gaming purposes, the iPad currently holds a significant advantage. Telltale's highly-regarded The Walking Dead game, for instance, has been launched on Windows desktop, Mac, Xbox, PS3, PlayStation Vita, and iPad.

Notably, it hasn't been released for Android, making its availability on a touch-optimized version for Windows 8 improbable. A considerable number of prominent games are initially, and sometimes exclusively, launched on iOS.

Furthermore, Android often receives game releases well in advance of Windows. The Windows Store lags considerably behind Android’s Google Play in terms of the quantity of games optimized for touch-based tablet experiences.

Key takeaway: The breadth and timeliness of game availability strongly favor iOS and Android tablets over Windows alternatives.

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Productivity on Windows RT and Windows 8

Microsoft Office is included with Windows RT devices; however, its functionality is limited to the desktop environment and lacks a touch-optimized user interface.

Conversely, Windows 8 installations do not ship with Office pre-installed, though it remains available for purchase and subsequent installation.

Considering the established reputation of the Windows platform for productivity tasks, one might anticipate a robust selection of productivity applications within the Windows Store.

However, this expectation is demonstrably inaccurate.

While Microsoft provides a Modern application for OneNote, other core office applications are notably absent from this new environment.

A search within the Windows Store for "office" primarily yields results for retail applications, such as an app for Office Depot, alongside various desktop-based office suites.

In contrast, a comparable search conducted on Google Play reveals over seven distinct tablet-optimized office productivity applications on the initial results page alone.

Comparison with Other Platforms

For users prioritizing fully touch-optimized office applications, both iPad and Android tablets currently present a more compelling solution.

This advantage will likely persist until Microsoft releases dedicated Windows Store versions of its Office suite.

The Windows 8 and RT ecosystems do offer certain unique benefits.

These include the capacity to utilize the complete desktop version of Microsoft Office and the ability to run multiple applications concurrently, side-by-side.

However, the availability of productivity applications designed specifically for the new "Modern" interface remains severely limited.

Social Networking Applications on Windows 8

The question arises: what is the state of social networking capabilities within the Windows 8 environment? While the built-in People app provides a degree of connectivity with platforms like Twitter and Facebook, our attention will be directed towards dedicated, full-fledged applications.

An official Twitter application is available through the Windows Store. However, beyond this, the range of options is limited; official applications for Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr are notably absent.

The quality control within the Windows Store itself presents a challenge. Searches for these popular social media services, and others, frequently yield a multitude of low-quality applications.

In contrast, similar searches conducted on alternative platforms typically return results of a higher standard, fostering a perception that the Windows Store contains a significant amount of subpar software.

Utilizing the websites of these social networks via a web browser is a possible workaround. However, this approach necessitates sacrificing benefits such as live tile functionality, the capacity to operate the social network in a sidebar during browsing, and push notifications.

Consequently, the user experience is diminished compared to that offered by native applications.

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Service Availability Across Platforms

Google’s suite of applications enjoys significant integration within its native Android ecosystem. However, these same applications also demonstrate strong availability on Apple’s iPad platform.

Conversely, a degree of incompatibility exists between Google services and the Windows 8 operating system. While an official Google Search application and the Google Chrome browser are accessible – the latter being exclusive to Windows 8 and not the Windows RT variant – these represent the extent of direct app support.

Users of Windows 8 can access their Gmail accounts through the standard Mail application. However, integration with Google Calendar is limited, as the Calendar app no longer supports viewing Google Calendar data.

Services such as Google Maps, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Calendar require browser-based access for Windows tablet users, lacking dedicated application support.

App Ecosystem Gaps

Beyond core Google services, several other popular applications are absent from the Windows 8 platform. Notably, a dedicated app for Mint, a widely used personal finance tracking website, is unavailable.

However, some third-party services do offer Windows 8 applications. For instance, Dropbox provides an app, allowing users to maintain access to their Dropbox accounts and avoid reliance on Microsoft’s SkyDrive.

The selection of touch-optimized image editing applications is comparatively limited on Windows 8. Furthermore, these applications generally offer less functionality than their counterparts available on iPad or Android tablets.

Google Services on Android & iPad: Well-supported.
Google Services on Windows 8: Limited to browser access and a few dedicated apps.
Third-Party Services: Variable support, with some apps like Dropbox available.

The overall app landscape on Windows 8 presents certain limitations when compared to the more mature ecosystems of Android and iPad, particularly regarding the breadth and depth of available services.

Final Assessment

Despite exceeding 70,000 applications and a development period spanning over half a year, Microsoft continues to face significant challenges in establishing Windows 8 as a competitive tablet platform. The system currently lacks the refinement necessary for a robust tablet experience.

The sheer quantity of apps isn't the primary concern; a smaller collection of highly sought-after, quality applications would be far more impactful. The critical factor lies in the availability of specific, essential software.

A review of the Windows Store reveals that utilizing a Windows PC in tablet mode necessitates certain compromises. Users may find themselves needing to adjust their expectations regarding software options.

It is entirely possible to enjoy Windows on a tablet and accept the current limitations in software selection. The Windows tablet interface, with its genuine multitasking capabilities, and the design language previously referred to as Metro, may appeal to some users.

Currently, Windows on tablets shares similarities with Linux on desktop computers. Prospective buyers of Windows tablets, or those choosing to install Linux, should be aware of the potential trade-offs in software accessibility.

A substantial improvement in the Windows Store's offerings is undoubtedly required. The lackluster sales performance of Windows RT devices is unsurprising, given their price point – often comparable to, or exceeding, that of an iPad – coupled with a limited app ecosystem.