19. Netflix
The Netflix app for Windows 8 is one of those apps that's going to turn your Windows 8 device from a gadget you occasionally play around with to one that is barely ever out of your hands. It brings Netflix's huge library of movies and TV shows on demand to Windows 8 in an elegant and attractive interface that has been purposely designed for touch interfaces. For example you can get a better view of Netflix's catalogue by 'pinching' your fingers on the screen to zoom out. It's a little feature but it adds a lot to the overall feel of Netflix on a touchscreen device.
A more crucial feature of the Netflix app is that it has been made as efficient as possible in order to get the best battery life possible from your device, so hopefully you won't have to pause for a recharge during an epic movie or Breaking Bad marathon.
20. 7digital
The 7digital app was one of the first apps to go live in Windows 8, appearing in the preview version of the new operating system a couple of months before Windows 8 even launched, and it fitted in well from the start. With a store that contains around 20 million songs, it's a music service that has something for everyone. If you're already a customer with 7digital you can import your collection to your Windows 8 device with ease. All tracks are DRM free, which means you can easily copy your purchased music to any of your devices without any problems, as well as using the cloud to synchronise your library. Before you buy you can preview 30 seconds of any track to make sure you get the song you're after. It's a versatile music service with a huge amount of variety, all wrapped up in a great Windows 8 app.
21. National Rail Enquiries
You can avoid a lot of the stress of travelling by train with this great Windows 8 app. You can quickly use the National Rail Enquiries app to find out when the next train home is with a single touch of a button, as well as booking tickets and getting the best fares. This app integrates with your device's location services so it can locate the closest station to where you are, without you needing to type in anything. When the app is pinned to your Start screen it's live tile will update with any service announcements as well. If you travel a lot by train, then this is an essential app.
22. Sky News
The Sky News app brings breaking news to your Windows 8 device. While the bulk of the news is text-based, embedded video helps to bring more background details and analysis to the stories. There are various categories, including breaking news, making it easy to navigate the app and find the news stories that you want. You can also watch live streaming video from the Sky News channel straight from the app, as well as videos for the weather and a three-minute catch-up video that brings you the latest headlines. Overall this is an excellent app, which gives you the latest news from a well trusted source.
23. Star Chart
Star Chart is a fantastic education and reference app that lets you explore the night sky and our solar system with your Windows 8 device. Whilst you can use it on a desktop PC or all-in-one, a Windows 8 tablet is preferable. The Star Chart uses the tablet's GPS to pin point your position, so you can point your tablet towards a part of the sky you want to find out about and the Star Chart will name everything that's above you. If you don't have a tablet or GPS, never fear, as you can navigate around the sky by touch or using your mouse and keyboard.
Exploring the sky is incredibly simple, and if you select a star, constellation, satellite or planet you'll be given even more in depth information, as well as photographs from telescopes.
24. Violet Storm
You don't always need a story to have fun. You don't need protagonists or peril or redemption. Sometimes a big spaceship, an unlimited supply of laser bullets and eye-popping graphics are enough. Violet Storm obliges with a wireframe grid of two-dimensional warfare, putting fun and form on the same pedestal. It's roots are pure arcade, and with the classic game Asteroids an obvious inspiration. It soon proves to be so much more, though, with addictive gameplay and fantastic visuals. Windows 8's games library is constantly expanding, but Violet Storm remains one of the best games for the new operating system.
25. MTV News
News doesn't always have to be all doom and gloom. Sometimes we just want to know which superstar is dating another mega famous celebrity, or who's got a new film out. The MTV News app is a great place to get all the celebrity gossip, along with photos and videos of the biggest entertainment stories of the moment.
MTV is well known in the entertainment industry, so you can expect excellent exclusives that you won't get anywhere else, as well as interviews with some of the most famous people in the world. Make sure you're kept in the loop with this great app.
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