The Windows 8 app store: An overview

A big part of the Windows 8 ecosystem is the Windows app store. Inspired by Apple's wildly successful phone variant, Microsoft would like users of its new operating system to get applications exclusively online and direct from them.

It is still early, but the store has gotten off to a good start. A reported 20,000 apps currently fill the store, and TechCrunch is reporting more downloads than even Apple can manage.

The store already has some big names, and some really interesting apps:

TuneIn Radio
This popular iOS and Android app is now available on Windows 8. A slick interface and over 700,000 radio stations in the database add up to make a compelling app.

OneNote MX
The popular note taking tool, part of the wider Office package, is the only Office app to get a full Windows 8 makeover. Integration with Windows search is a nice touch.

Skype
Since Microsoft purchased the company a year or so ago, you might expect a Windows 8 app. Here it is. Featuring the usual cosmetic features, the app can also run in the background which is extremely useful for a communications tool.

The store does have areas for improvement. Search is one of them, though in fairness this is an issue with app stores in general (largely due to the volume and content of their contents) rather than a specific issue with the Microsoft store. But it does show how new Microsoft’s offering is.

All in all though, the Windows app store is a good solid start, and very much one of Windows 8’s strengths.