With the ever-growing number of apps and games in the Windows Store, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with what's out there. For that reason, every Friday we showcase some apps that have piqued our interest.
They may have been in the news recently, they may be new to the Windows Store, or they could simply be old apps that we just stumbled upon.
They are the 5 Intriguing Apps of the Week.
Media Center
Media Center is a powerful audio/video player for Windows 8.1. It is capable of using just about any format of music and video files that you can think of. You can add countless media folders, build playlists, and customize equalizer settings.
What's more, Media Player also has built-in searching for SoundCloud audio and YouTube video. These search results can be cached on your device so you can listen to them while offline. If you are a Last.fm user, you can also log in and use Media Center to scrob music.
Media Center also gives access to online radio streams.
Though some of the controls and options are not as intuitive as I would like, the overall interface is well-designed. Not to mention that the sheer amount of supported file formats cannot be beaten. That is unless you buy the VIP version for $10.99.
For the next two weeks, you can save a buck and get Media Center VIP for $9.99.
- Download Media Center for Windows 8.1 (Free, $10.99 for VIP version)
Major Mayhem
Gear up for some not-so-serious action with Major Mayhem, a tap and shoot runner for Windows. When ninjas threaten all that is good, Uncle Sam calls in the Major.
In this cartoon action game, you side scroll your way through different settings, ranging from jungle to the city, shooting star-chucking ninjas out of trees and windows.
Major Mayhem is packed with 48 fun-filled levels that let you take cover to avoid injury. When the coast is clear, pop out and lay down some fire. But be careful not to kill any hostages during the firefight.
As you clear out the ninja threat, you gain coins that can buy you different outfits, power-ups, and bigger and a better armaments. You can also use in-app purchasing to equip your character.
Major Mayhem combines great artwork and simple controls to bring you mindless enjoyment.
- Download Major Mayhem for Windows 8.1 (Free, with in-app purchasing)
- Download Major Mayhem for Windows Phone (Free, with in-app purchasing)
Phototastic
Phototastic is a free and easy way to turn your photos into collages. With a bunch of different templates, you can customize your memories the way you want them.
The free version also includes many frames, borders, backgrounds, and stickers to personalize your collage. There is also a built-in camera app that can take burst photos. You can choose how many pictures it takes and how long it waits between taking them.
Phototastic is ad-supported and buying the Pro version not only removes the advertisements, but adds many more options. You can also buy different features a la carte from within the app.
- Download Phototastic for Windows 8.1 (Free, with in-app purchasing, $3.49 for Pro version)
Wunderlist: To-Do List & Tasks
Of the many to-do list apps out there, Wunderlist: To-Do & Tasks looks to be one of the most comprehensive. More than just a simple list, Wunderlist lets you create tasks and categories with sub-tasks underneath them, so you can break them down into individual steps.
And if you are working on something with someone else, you can invite them to collaborate with you. Participants can chat from within the app, or attach pictures and documents.
Wunderlist is a universal app and is available across just about all mobile and computing platforms, so you can be sure you will never be without your to-do list. Wunderlist: To-Do List & Tasks is free, but requires a login, which can be tied to Microsoft and Google accounts, if you choose.
- Download Wunderlist: To-Do List & Tasks for Windows 8.1 (Free, get once, get everywhere)
- Download Wunderlist: To-Do List & Tasks for Windows Phone 8.1 (Free, get once, get everywhere)
Sports Jeopardy!
We first told you about Sports Jeopardy! a couple of days ago. This official app from Sony Entertainment brings the excitement of the popular TV game show to sports fans everywhere.
Whether you are on your computer or your phone, you can test your sports knowledge on your own or match wits with other players online.
As you drop trivial knowledge on your opponents, you will gain power-ups to help you out and open up accessories to customize your avatar. And if you really know your stuff, you can shed your starting title as Waterboy to become a Legend. You know you're a champion, now it's time to show the competition.
- Download Sports Jeopardy! for Windows 8.1 ($1.99, buy once, buy everywhere)
- Download Sports Jeopardy! for Windows Phone 8.1 ($1.99, buy once, buy everywhere)
Be sure to check out our other selections from previous weeks. Have a great weekend!
Do you have an app you want us to highlight? Drop us an email at tips@windowscentral.com with "5 Intriguing Apps" in the subject line.
