The calm before the storm. That’s the best way to describe this past week in terms of apps and news for Windows Phone. We had a few big ones come, like Vine, but overall it was a pretty normal week for new apps coming, apps getting updated, and betas. Nonetheless, let’s look back at the highlights from this past week.
New
Vine – Probably the biggest new app this past week, Vine is now officially on Windows Phone. The app allows users to create six second video clips and share them to the social network. It’s another big win for the Windows Phone 8 ecosystem. Download it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
4oD – Here’s one our friends in the UK should enjoy. There’s now an official 4oD app in the Windows Phone Store. It allows access to video content from the UK public television broadcaster on your mobile device. Get access to some of your favorite shows by grabbing it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Nokia Refocus – We first saw Nokia Refocus in Abu Dhabi at Nokia World. The app allows users with a PureView phone to take a photo where you can later focus on any specific part. How does the magic work? By taking a few photos at once and using software to give you access to multiple focus spots in post. Get it from the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Blippar – Augmented reality advertising is now here on Windows Phone 8 with the launch of Blippar. The app gives you access to the Blippar platform where consumers can use the camera on their smartphone to interact with products and brands in unique ways. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Updated
Sleeve Music – We’ve covered Sleeve Music since its beta and it remains one of our favorite music companion apps on Windows Phone. The latest update gives the app a revamped UI and some new features. It’s available in the Windows Phone Store, so go get it. (Free).
UC Browser – Here’s one for fans of UC Browser. This week the popular browser alternative to Internet Explorer picks up some new features that make it pretty killer. Most notably is the ability to continue downloading files in the background. It’s on both Windows Phone 7.x and 8, so head to the Windows Phone Store to download. (Free)
GroupMe – It’s been awhile since we’ve seen a GroupMe update, so we were pleasantly surprised when it was this past week. The latest update to the popular cross-platform messaging service brings a host of new features and fixes, you should be seeing a big improvement in message deliveries for example. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Flixster – It finally happened with the latest update to Flixster. The app has gained support for UltraViolet movies. If you’ve been waiting to have access to your streaming video collection the latest update for Windows Phone brings it. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Beta
Youmigo – We’re big fans of startups that focus their development efforts on Windows Phone first. Youmigo is a new app/platform for Windows Phone 8 that aims to connect users around the world. It’s a hybrid between a new penpal service and the ability to ask locals in a specific region any question you want. It’s great and worth checking out. Join the beta today.
Games
EmiPSX – This is probably a first for Windows Phone. EmiPSX is an emulator for the original PlayStation that you can download today. Provided you’re familiar with emulators, this should give you access to the entire backlog of games from the PlayStation days. Download it from the Windows Phone Store today. (Trial/$2.49)
Asphalt 8: Airborne – One of the most popular mobile racing franchises finally get its latest installment on Windows Phone 8. Asphalt 8 will give racing fans a run for their money in the newest title. It’s highly addicting and available on both Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8. Head to the Windows Phone Store or Windows Store to download it. (Trial/$0.99)
Have any favorite apps from this week we missed? List them below!
