Look out—it’s an appalanche! Five new, official, and free apps from some very big names you’ll recognize just went live in the Store—all for Windows Phone 8. The app gods are definitely smiling on Windows Phone today, undoubtedly because the Build developer conference is in full swing in San Francisco.
Build, for those of you who aren’t card-carrying members of the techie tribe, is Microsoft’s annual gathering celebrating the code wizards who create all these awesome apps for Windows and Windows Phone. If you’re one of them and couldn’t make it to San Francisco for the sold-out show, tune in to Microsoft’s Channel 9 for live broadcasts of today’s keynotes, top sessions, and behind-the-scenes interviews—or catch the whole thing afterwards on demand.
Meantime, start your downloading!
___________
Voxer
Voxer turns Windows Phone 8 into a walkie-talkie, letting you send live audio clips to anyone or everyone in your Voxer contact list. What’s nice about the service is that recipients can either choose to listen as you talk—or catch it later at their convenience, since each push-to-talk conversation is simultaneously stored as a mini-voicemail. Voxer lets you text, send photos, and share your location, too. Live Tiles notify you when new messages arrive, and lock screen notifications can tell you how many messages are waiting for you before you even unlock your phone. Download it
Walgreens
The new Walgreens app for Windows Phone 8 makes it easier than ever to reorder and track prescriptions, plus enjoy some of the chain’s other handy services. Use the app and your phone to scan the barcode on your prescription bottle for instant medication refills, plus set text alert reminders to let you know when you’re almost out. With Quick Prints, just choose some shots in your Windows Phone camera roll and hit send—then pick up prints about an hour later at the Walgreens of your choice. How cool is that? If you carry a Walgreens rewards card, add it to your Windows Phone Wallet so you never lose a point. Download it
ABC News
View up-to-the-minute articles, videos, slideshows, and live video from ABC News with their official new app. (Check out ABC News’ story about their app.) Looking for something fast? Use Live Tiles to pin favorite sections like Money or Sports to your Start screen—or use your voice to request the latest news and videos. Stay in-the-know with breaking news alerts and turn your lock screen wallpaper into a photo collage that showcases top stories and tweets from ABC News commentators. And you can help spread the news yourself via text, Facebook, Twitter, email, or Tap + Send. Download it
MarketWatch
Big shot investors and small-time traders alike will find value in the MarketWatch app for Windows Phone 8, which delivers news and numbers you need to manage your portfolio. With real-time market quotes, breaking business news, podcasts, and customized watch lists, MarketWatch ensures you’re in the financial loop. Download it
XFINITY TV Remote
Top-quality TV entertainment is now easy to control right from your Windows Phone with Comcast’s XFINITY TV Remote app. XFINITY offers some of the best in movies, TV shows, and on-demand programming, and this handy app lets you browse listings, control your TV, even schedule recordings, right from your Windows Phone. Download it