This was a pretty busy week for Windows Phone. We’ve got two new devices (the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 2520) and what seems like a baker’s dozen of new apps. Missed out on some of the apps released this week? No worries, we’re here to help you stay on top of what’s new in the Windows Phone Store with our weekly app highlights.
New
Instagram – It’s finally here. What seems like an eternity is now a moment in the past. Instagram is officially available for Windows Phone. It may be a beta, but it’s here and helps validate the platform. It’s not feature complete yet, but a solid first start for the photo social network. Get it for free in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Waze –After being in beta for what seems like forever, Waze is also on Windows Phone. What’s Waze? It’s an app where a social network meets a navigation platform. Users supply real-time feedback to things like traffic, accidents, police traps, and more to others using the app. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Xbox One SmartGlass –We’ve been loving every second with our Xbox One. But you’re going to want to get the new Xbox One SmartGlass app to get some cool second-screen experiences. The app gives you the ability to control your Xbox One from your smartphone (or tablet with the Windows 8 version). No excuse not to get it if you have Windows Phone and an Xbox One. Available in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Office Remote – It took long enough, but there’s now a way for you to control PowerPoint, Excel, and Word on another computer from your Windows Phone. Office Remote comes to us from the Microsoft Research team. It gives you some pretty impressive controls on your phone. For example, view presenter notes, time, and more when you’re giving a PowerPoint presentation. You can even control the presentation with your phone. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
MetroMail –We’ve got plenty of third-party developers to support Windows Phone if Google doesn’t want to. MetroMail is a new app for users wanting a premier app on their Windows Phone while accessing Gmail. Beautiful UI and solid functionality give us an app we’d recommend you check out. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. ($0.99)
6snap –Has there been a week where we haven’t featured an app from Rudy Huyn? Probably not and this week is no exception. The Windows Phone equivalent of a mad scientist has produced 6snap, a client for popular photo sharing network Snapchat. It does absolutely everything you’d get in an official Snapchat client. So go get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Sozoom –Have a Lumia 1020 or 1520? Want a fun way to easily share how great the zoom capabilities are on the camera with your friends? Then check out Sozoon. It’s an app that works on those two devices and creates fun images that highlight your cameras photography talent. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Trial/$0.99)
Redbox Instant –Stream digitally with Redbox or rent movies through their numerous kiosks? If so, check out Redbox Instant for Windows Phone. You’ll get a month free for the streaming access or you can reserve movies at your local kiosks using the app. It’s pretty neat. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free/Lumia only)
Updated
Windows Phone Central – Our very own app received an update this week! That’s right, head to the Store and you’ll see version 4.4 sitting there. What’s new? You’ll see some UI changes after we recently had a design review with Microsoft, new settings screen, silent mode for notifications, and much more. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Trial/$0.99)
ProShot –One of our favorite photography apps received a big update this week. The latest version of ProShot brings things like faster image processing, shadow recovery, 1020 support, and much more. Go check it out in the Windows Phone Store. (Trial/$1.99/In-app purchases)
Twitter –The official Twitter app doesn’t see too many updates on Windows Phone, but this week we did get one. New to the app is the ability to delete single direct messages, improved notifications, and more. Get in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Readit –Our favorite Reddit client for Windows Phone was updated this week. In the Windows Phone Store you’ll see version 1.2 of Readit. You’ll notice support for 720p and 1080p displays, improved performance, and much more. It comes highly recommended from us and worth grabbing in the Windows Phone Store. (Trial/$1.99)
Nokia MixRadio –Nokia has rebranded Nokia Music as MixRadio. Its Windows Phone app has also received a major overhaul in both UI and features. For example, the new Play Me feature is a personalized mix inspired by your own music profile. You can also thumbs up and thumbs down tracks to help determine your music profile. Get in the Windows Phone Store. (Free/Lumia only)
American Airlines –The Wallet feature in Windows Phone 8 is highly underutilized by developers. Thankfully American Airlines now supports it in their latest update. Save your ticket info for a flight to the wallet and more in this most recent version. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Beta
Cal –This is an app that’s currently in beta. What kind of app? Just one of the slickest calendars we’ve seen. It’s currently in beta and coming soon. Be sure to check our first impressions of Cal right now.
Games
iFruit –Grand Theft Auto V came out over two months ago, but we’re still playing as much as we can. The iFruit game for Windows Phone is a companion app for your GTA experience. You can customize your rides in the game or train your dog, Chop. If you’re into GTA V and have Windows Phone you need to get this from the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Any apps or games we missed highlighting this week? This is where you come in and tell us below in the comments. Let us (and others) know what games or apps you think just rocked this week.
