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Windows Phone / Windows 8 App recommendations

ablelocks

there doesn't seem to be a recommendations thread for windows phone or windows 8 apps.

So if it's ok, could we start one here?

Name and a link if possible to the store? (and if there are apps available for other regions and a workaround exists to get it on an irish phone)

could we make a sticky that people could add to?

Windows Phone

Connectivity Shortcuts
iPodcast
Nokia Pro Cam (for owners of 520-820 this workaround works - and it may also work for any other US only apps that people could recommend...)
Photo Editor (Aviary)
Ringtone Maker
Tiny Do
Transfer my Data
Weave News Reader

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wheresmybeaver

g0g wrote: »

Probably a stupid question, but what exactly is the "WebApps app in the store" for AIB? All I've been able to do so far is log in via the mobile website.

http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=49e97b4c-7715-4103-8519-066244fc9e2f

It lets you pin a website to your start screen, but more in the manner of an app than if you just used internet explorer. Eg if a service doesn't have a windows phone app yet but their mobile website is ok then it will be listed in this app so that you can pin it to your start screen.

g0g

wheresmybeaver wrote: »

This is essentially a webapp; there's very little native windows phone code here. But at least an effort has been made!

For anyone banking with AIB you can either pin their mobile banking website to start or use the WebApps app in the store to do a more integrated job. Bank of Ireland do not have a mobile optimised version of their website (and no plans to create one either), so mobile options for those of us not on android or ios are very limited. Boo!

Probably a stupid question, but what exactly is the "WebApps app in the store" for AIB? All I've been able to do so far is log in via the mobile website.

theothernt

wheresmybeaver wrote: »

This is essentially a webapp; there's very little native windows phone code here. But at least an effort has been made

Very true, but I tested the iOS and Android version and they're all the same. So for once, Windows Phone does have the same crappy version as the other platforms :rolleyes:

wheresmybeaver

Davy wrote: »

Permanent TSB

This is essentially a webapp; there's very little native windows phone code here. But at least an effort has been made!

For anyone banking with AIB you can either pin their mobile banking website to start or use the WebApps app in the store to do a more integrated job. Bank of Ireland do not have a mobile optimised version of their website (and no plans to create one either), so mobile options for those of us not on android or ios are very limited. Boo!

Davy

Permanent TSB

Access permanent tsb online banking on your Windows Phone 8 device with the permanent tsb mobile banking app.
permanent tsb customers who are registered for online banking can:
• Check balances
• View recent transactions
• Pay bills
• Transfer money
• Find your nearest branch or ATM
• Use the Currency Converter
• Set up reminders
• And lots more

c3ff141d-ce89-46a7-9d0d-1c6fd6d6575c?imageType=ws_screenshot_large&rotation=0

77982203-53b6-4281-8e00-4789c9c7bc61?imageType=ws_screenshot_large&rotation=0

g0g

For anyone who isn't subscribed to MyAppFree or WPCentral, just to let you know there's an app free today (20/08/2014) called Pro Shot. Apparently it's one of the better third party camera apps, and most importantly it includes a time lapse tool which I've always wanted on the phone!

Disclaimer - I did notice quite a few comments about phone getting fairly hot using this app!

theothernt

beauf wrote: »

This is brutal. Doesn't fit on the screen, (glumia 520) so you can't easily use the buttons on the interface. Its feels like a website not an app. Map is painfully slow. So its unusable. Which as a pity because the other features seem to work well.

I wonder did anyone actually test this on a windows phone.

The app isn't native (first bad sign is the size of the app, anything under 1MB isn't a proper app), probably PhoneGap - and doesn't fit properly on any Lumia (even a 1520!).

It's awful, lazy and cheap - make sure to give it a negative review. The 3rd party/community apps are much better made!

(it's the same as the Android version btw, except it fits on the screen)

beauf

I submitted it but its not appeared yet

mark_m360

beauf wrote: »

This is brutal. Doesn't fit on the screen, (glumia 520) so you can't easily use the buttons on the interface. Its feels like a website not an app. Map is painfully slow. So its unusable. Which as a pity because the other features seem to work well.

I wonder did anyone actually test this on a windows phone.

Same experience as me and I have a 1020 so I doubt that there was any testing done. Make sure you review it in the store.

beauf

Davy wrote: »

Coca-cola Zero dublin bikes app

http://www.dublinbikes.ie/...

This is brutal. Doesn't fit on the screen, (glumia 520) so you can't easily use the buttons on the interface. Its feels like a website not an app. Map is painfully slow. So its unusable. Which as a pity because the other features seem to work well.

I wonder did anyone actually test this on a windows phone.

mark_m360

That Dublin Bikes app is such a disappointment. It is a pure port and I bet not even tested once on WP.

The entire screen doesn't fit inside the app, the sensitivity of scrolling is really poor (keeps sending me off to directions or setting up alerts).

I'm happy they recognised WP but they put no effort into it.

Uber on the other hand has a really good native app and put a lot of effort into theirs.

Davy

Coca-cola Zero dublin bikes app

http://www.dublinbikes.ie/

Coca-Cola Zero dublinbikes uses the geolocation and mapping functions of your smartphone in order to simplify the access to the service by informing you in real-time about the availability of stations and the status of your account.

Uber app

https://www.uber.com/cities/dublin

Uber is your private driver in more than 40 countries.

・Request a ride using the app and get picked up within minutes. On-demand service means no reservations required and no waiting in taxi lines.

・Compare rates for different vehicles. Add a credit card to your secure account so you never need cash on hand.

theothernt

PaulieC wrote: »

FitBit app released today - http://www.wpcentral.com/review-fitbit-app-windows-phone-81

Note that the Cyan + Windows Phone 8.1 is required to connect to your FitBit (due to Bluetooth LE support)

PaulieC

FitBit app released today - http://www.wpcentral.com/review-fitbit-app-windows-phone-81

beauf

For whatever the reason. Many things just don't work on Windows Phone that do on other OS'es.

Anyway this is dragging the thread off topic. So I'll stop with another app I like on WP. System tiles. Let me set up things like a lock buttons, bluetooth and such in different colours to stand out from the default schemes.

YouTube HD I also like. It allows me to login in with a different gmail account that my gmail. I like to keep them separate. Downloads vids etc.

I really like the stock app one note. Just works so well and simply. One bugbear is the way the back button takes you out of the app rather than back a screen, from a note to the directory of notes.

theothernt

beauf wrote: »

afaik and in my experience it is different. WP doesn't let all apps run in the background. Only some of them. Which is why things like battery status, and timers seems to suddenly update when they get focus. Its the reason some apps don't work on WP because they can't run in the background properly. Like music playing in the background.

Of course this is one of the reasons why WP is so fast.

Its also one of the reasons Android can slow down. You can set a hundred things off in the background and it tries to do them all, and slows to a crawl. But sometimes you want to run a specific thing in the background, and Android lets you.

This is one of the reasons Skype and Viber took so long to get to WP. Because they MS had to let them work in the background. A messaging apps that doesn't work in the background is pointless.

MS is slowly giving applications more access to background tasks.

I can see how they would be perceived a bit differently, but the basics are the same - all apps on WP, iOS and Android are suspended when you switch away from them. A separate piece of the app can do things in the background.

Android isn't strict about how the background services run so they can affect the speed of the OS over time.

WP and iOS have very strict rules about how long each service can run for, what it can do, etc which is why it's not likely to slow the phone down. WP even disables background tasks if the app hasn't been used in a while.

WP7 didn't have many, many things - that's why many exceptions were made for certain music or messaging apps so they'd work. This isn't an issue, technically in WP8. In WP8.1, there are many more ways for apps to have background services that run only when certain things happen eg. the user unlocks the screen. Hopefully you'll need newer apps take advantage of all this over the next few months.

For example: Clock and Battery apps can't update their Live Tiles any more frequently than every 30mins in WP8. In WP8.1, there's another way to do that every time a person unlocks their phone or views the start menu.

beauf wrote: »

Simply things like looking up the timetable for tomorrow. Or journeys that do not start from my current location. Most of the train/bus/cycle apps don't let me do that or don't return any data. They assume I'm only going to something nearby or now, or today. They don't let me select a stop from a map, not a bus top number. Which I don't know unless I'm at it. But I have no problem getting an app to do that on android.

Usually if all apps don't have a certain feature, even the official ones, then it usually means the data isn't available somewhere. To my knowledge, timetable data isn't available for me to reference.

As for the other feature, the next version of Bus Nearby should allow you to search anyone in Ireland for bus stops, not just your current location.

beauf

theothernt wrote: »

That's probably down to the individual app or apps - multitasking on WP, iOS and Android all works the same way, for the most part.

afaik and in my experience it is different. WP doesn't let all apps run in the background. Only some of them. Which is why things like battery status, and timers seems to suddenly update when they get focus. Its the reason some apps don't work on WP because they can't run in the background properly. Like music playing in the background.

Of course this is one of the reasons why WP is so fast.

Its also one of the reasons Android can slow down. You can set a hundred things off in the background and it tries to do them all, and slows to a crawl. But sometimes you want to run a specific thing in the background, and Android lets you.

This is one of the reasons Skype and Viber took so long to get to WP. Because they MS had to let them work in the background. A messaging apps that doesn't work in the background is pointless.

MS is slowly giving applications more access to background tasks.

theothernt wrote: »

Out of curiosity, which features?

Simply things like looking up the timetable for tomorrow. Or journeys that do not start from my current location. Most of the train/bus/cycle apps don't let me do that or don't return any data. They assume I'm only going to something nearby or now, or today. They don't let me select a stop from a map, not a bus top number. Which I don't know unless I'm at it. But I have no problem getting an app to do that on android. Countdown timers don't work properly in the background on WP8. Neither do battery apps.

Built in apps like the HERE apps and inbuilt alarms all work fine. I really like them.

theothernt

beauf wrote: »

Have to say I like the speed of the WP but I'm struggling with the low quality of the apps, and the multitasking. The way apps don't update till the come to the foreground means timer apps don't work.

That's probably down to the individual app or apps - multitasking on WP, iOS and Android all works the same way, for the most part.

beauf wrote: »

A lot of the transport apps are missing features compared to IOS/Android apps. I assume because there's less competition.

Out of curiosity, which features?

beauf

Have to say I like the speed of the WP but I'm struggling with the low quality of the apps, and the multitasking. The way apps don't update till the come to the foreground means timer apps don't work. A lot of the transport apps are missing features compared to IOS/Android apps. I assume because there's less competition.

I use bus nearby, Irish Train Times, Irish Trains. I use the Nokia App, HERE Transit a good bit. That's surprisingly useful. Seems to be more accurate than other apps.

bidiots

Just use Nokia Here Apps...

bobbyss

Thank you theothernt.

When I am in the Dublin region soon i will try it out.

One does feel left behind with technology what with fancy names names and all that. What is needed is a plain mans guide to all this stuff presupposing very, very little knowledge. That is why I asked for the booklet when I bought mine and was suprised when told there was none. A lot of people -even those better versed than me- are not using their phones' full potential because they don't know how.

Suprised too when purchasing it how little staff knew about the phone. A lot of humming and hawing. Surely if you work in carphone etc your job should be to know everything about the phone you are selling.

theothernt

bobbyss wrote: »

1. When I got my lumia 520 (I think that is the number) I was suprised to see that Dublin Bus could not be downloaded as an app.( i since found out today there is another app Bus Nearby which I downloaded today and will try out in due course)

About the bus apps. There is no official Dublin Bus app, but the transport agency did release their Journey Planner and more of their apps should be on the way...

http://www.transportforireland.ie/journey-planner/about-journey-planner/

I make the Bus Nearby app, so if you have any questions about it, fire away.

bobbyss wrote: »

Something about not supported by windows -something like that. Maybe something about android?

Can anyone make sense of that for me? Why do i get messages saying this app is not suitable or supported by windows. I thought all apps could be downloaded if you wanted them?

It's all about money and market size. Apps cost money to make. Making an app for each platform costs more money. And a lot of companies won't make Windows Phone apps because the market share is still too small. This is probably what you're seeing - over time is it getting better. For apps, stick to what's in the Store and if you're not sure about an app, feel free to ask for advice here.

bobbyss wrote: »

4. No booklet to go with the phone!

A lot of phone don't come with manuals. They either have apps or websites to show you how to use the devices. In the list of apps, look for a Help + Tips app or visit... http://www.windowsphone.com/en-ie/how-to/wp-support

bobbyss

On a scale of 1 to 10, I am a 0 regarding mobile technology but delighted I came across this thread. A number of questions, can anyone assist please?

1. When I got my lumia 520 (I think that is the number) I was suprised to see that Dublin Bus could not be downloaded as an app.( i since found out today there is another app Bus Nearby which I downloaded today and will try out in due course)

Something about not supported by windows -something like that. Maybe something about android?

Can anyone make sense of that for me? Why do i get messages saying this app is not suitable or supported by windows. I thought all apps could be downloaded if you wanted them?

2. This is a big issue for me. In the homescreen with all those tiles I am desperately disappointed that the day is written so small, the date somewhat bigger BUT NO TIME. Is it possible to get those details enlarged on the homescreen but especially the time. As it is the time is so so small top right hand side I rarely can make it out.

3. Also, the tile that shows those apps? So today included was Met Eireann update. But I already have met eireann as an app so what is this updating business about? Do I need to re-install it or what?

4. No booklet to go with the phone!

Remember I am a novice here, so please take it easy
and thanks in advance.

ablelocks

Wacom Bamboo Paper App released for Windows 8.1 - premium features are free for ltd time

wrt40

unkel wrote: »

Aerize Explorer

Finally a free file explorer that works! Get it while it is still free!!!

Must have 8.1 installed

Microsoft have released an official file explorer:

Files

Requires 8.1.

Gipo3

Irish Roadwatch Live

mark_m360

Mint Sauce wrote: »

Not for mobile when you might need it most?

It has been out a while on windows phone actually.

Check out "Journey Planner" for Windows Phone http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=f2f29435-baa1-4d63-8263-4993ecc4ab13

KCAccidental

Mint Sauce wrote: »

Not for mobile when you might need it most?

it is available on windows mobile

Mint Sauce

PadelCreekMan wrote: »

The NTA and Transport For Ireland Journey Planner is now available as a Windows 8 app for PCs and touchscreen laptops

Not for mobile when you might need it most?

Edit.

JUst down loaded it a Lumia 630. Installed fine, tried a few journeys and all good so far.

NTC

NTC wrote: »

Fo you have a link?

Got it

http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=e6c3c78a-4382-e011-986b-78e7d1fa76f8