It was an exciting weekend, with one of the best Super Bowls in a long time. And it was even better with the Patriots coming out on top – depending on your outlook! So, after a week of trying to shed the extra pounds from the big game party, we're are back with 5 intriguing apps of the week for your Windows 8.1 tablets, laptops and desktops.
NPR One
First up is NPR One, a snazzy universal app that appeared on the scene last week. NPR One is a one-stop app for catching up on the latest news in your home town or around the globe.
Search by location or input any NPR station call letters and you can instantly cycle through stories of your choosing. Much like Pandora, you can tell the app if you are interested in a particular story and it will being tailoring news based on your choices.
NPR One is great for staying informed at home, work, or on the go.
- Download NPR One for Windows 8.1 (Free, get once, get everywhere)
- Download NPR One for Windows Phone (Free, get once, get everywhere)
Mad Libs
The classic family game Mad Libs is now an app for Windows 8. Take turns choosing words to fill into a mystery story and see what wackiness unfolds.
Mad Libs comes with twenty-one free stories, but lets you buy additional ones in-app for $1.99 each. That's about the same price as the books, but these can be used over and over again. Mad Libs is great for rainy days, after dinner fun, or just spending quality time together. It's also perfect for keeping the kids entertained on long road trips.
- Download Mad Libs for Windows 8.1 (Free, with additional books for $1.99 each)
Microsoft Jackpot
Tired of losing all of your money on the video slot machines at the casino? Then you need to play for free on your Windows device with Microsoft Jackpot.
Microsoft Jackpot is an animated video slot game packed with different levels, each containing their own mini games. The more you win, the more levels you unlock. You can also unlock more abilities, like being able to wager more money.
It's good old fashioned mindless entertainment, and it's free.
File Manager Gold
File Manager Gold may be a nod to a time before GUI's and mice, but with a modern twist. It is a file management app designed to look like an early DOS program. You can browse, copy, move, and delete files all using just your keyboard. But don't worry, the mouse still works.
File Manager Gold supports serial and parallel operations, and can run them in the background. You can also zip and unzip files from within the app. Despite its old school appearance, File Manager Gold is fairly powerful file management app.
- Download File Manager Gold for Windows 8.1 (Free, though the app says it is usually $5.99)
Orb Trials
And since we're on the topic of throwbacks, Orb Trials is homage to the video game classic Marble Madness, but with the look and feel of Portal.
Use your keyboard or touchscreen to navigate your orb through increasingly difficult levels. You'll be happy you aren't dumping quarters in to continue because this game gets tough. It's 60 levels of infuriating fun. Orb Trials is a universal app, so you can enjoy the frustration whether you are on Windows or Windows Phone.
- Download Orb Trials for Windows 8.1 (Free, get once, get everywhere)
- Download Orb Trials for Windows Phone 8.1 (Free, get once, get everywhere)
Be sure to check out our other selections from previous weeks. Have a great weekend!
