Do you use apps?

Do you use the apps in Windows 8?


  • Total voters
    29

Coke Robot

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The only one I use is the Solitaire. I don't often use the Start Screen either. I was pinning all my own stuff to it, but the switching back and forth between Desktop and Start Screen every minute was a nuisance. Now I just put everything on the Desktop.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP 23-D030
I haven't found a need to, yet. I might start using the Hulu app, though. I love Hulu :)


My girlfriend loves using W8 metro apps, though. She's all about the Mail and Hulu apps, for sure. She still uses Chrome but she was also more excited about W8 than I was. (I've become a bit cynical since I work in that product group for MS).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8, Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Z210
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I've tried to find apps that are worthwhile, but they are few and far between. What's worse is that any app takes over the entire monitor. Just now I installed one of our local TV station apps and, other than the fact that it didn't work at all ie, it didn't play any of the programs I selected (so some app developer failed), the app only opens full screen.

When you are using a two 23" monitors, there's no need for any app to open full screen only and for it to remain stuck in the main screen. It's easier to watch TV using WMC or via a browser session and make it smaller. I find all apps to be similarly deficient in flexibility.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
I've tried to find apps that are worthwhile, but they are few and far between. What's worse is that any app takes over the entire monitor.
Yep, I don't need or want that. PERIOD.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 7
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    Self-Built in July 2009
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    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I'm kind of curious as I was perusing a thread in the Customization section...
http://www.eightforums.com/customization/6732-post-your-start-screen-9.html#post185278
...and I was wondering what everyone does with their apps? Do you uninstall them, use them, keep them there, or just disregard them and have them waste space?
I have a few on my start screen, but never use them. I just ignore the rest of them; they are unpinned from the start screen. Hardly use even the start screen in metro, but it's arranged for my efficient use when I happen to end up there. I had to choose the fourth option, because unpinning is not a part of any choice. Whatever, the unpinned ones don't get in my way or waste any space I want to use.
 

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    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
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    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
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    Dual Boot:
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    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
I like and use the apps a lot. I use Mail for three accounts daily. Weather set to 4 locations, 1 local of which I use daily for forecasts being in construction. People to store contacts. Calendar. News and sports. And more.

In fact I'm just finishing up installing my apps for my Windows 8 Pro OEM System Builders Edition as I'm typing now. The beautiful thing is that the Store remembers my apps from the last edition. This is my 3rd. About 35 minutes to install total OS with about dozen apps and setting up 3 email accounts of which it remembered also. Just had to enter passwords. Magnificent OS! :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
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    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
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    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
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    Acer AL1917W A LCD
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    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
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    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
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    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
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    Dual case fans + CPU fan
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    Acer Windows PS/2
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    Wireless Microsoft Arc
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    54mbp/s
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    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Uninstalling the silly mobile apps was the first thing I did when I got windows 8, including the people, mail, calender, chat, apps as using a full screen to do anything on a PC is just idiotic! unless its really needed. When I can have a multitude of windows open on multiple virtual desktops it just makes no sense what so ever. I replaced them with chrome that dose all my browsing chat & calender, windows live mail has 3 accounts on and object dock shows me my weather for the next 5 days with a nice animated docklet, and I have absolutely no need or want for the start window. Between VLC and XBMC all my media needs are catered for on the desktop even though XBMC is full screen I can drop to my Desktop at any time and if I want media on the screen while I work VLC is there for that. I couldn't even think about considering a mobile app on a full Desktop or even laptop PC, on a tablet or smartphone yes I could see it the use for them. As an avid Android fan (purely because its ability to be customized rooted & modified to suit me ) I use mobile apps regularly and just couldn't see myself switching to a windows smartphone as I dislike being dictated to on what my device's user interface looks like and what its capable of. I don't even remember the last time I even seen the windows start screen.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 x64 / Windows 7 Ultimate x64 / Vista HP x86
Uninstalling the silly mobile apps was the first thing I did when I got windows 8, including the people, mail, calender, chat, apps as using a full screen to do anything on a PC is just idiotic! unless its really needed. When I can have a multitude of windows open on multiple virtual desktops it just makes no sense what so ever. I replaced them with chrome that dose all my browsing chat & calender, windows live mail has 3 accounts on and object dock shows me my weather for the next 5 days with a nice animated docklet, and I have absolutely no need or want for the start window. Between VLC and XBMC all my media needs are catered for on the desktop even though XBMC is full screen I can drop to my Desktop at any time and if I want media on the screen while I work VLC is there for that. I couldn't even think about considering a mobile app on a full Desktop or even laptop PC, on a tablet or smartphone yes I could see it the use for them. As an avid Android fan (purely because its ability to be customized rooted & modified to suit me ) I use mobile apps regularly and just couldn't see myself switching to a windows smartphone as I dislike being dictated to on what my device's user interface looks like and what its capable of. I don't even remember the last time I even seen the windows start screen.

A rather boring monotone post to me, but I read it anyway. Should have been in paragraphs IMO, but that's me.

I can see you did your homework on 8 and knew exactly how to make it similar to 7. That's ok. Many here have. Whatever floats your boat, but it's only 7-1/2, not 8 as intended to be. I realize 8 has quality additions that some seek.

Sincerely no offense to you or others. Not judging whatsoever. Just my thoughts. :)
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
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    Acer/Intel E946GZ
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    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
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    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
A rather boring monotone post to me, but I read it anyway. Should have been in paragraphs IMO, but that's me.

I can see you did your homework on 8 and knew exactly how to make it similar to 7. That's ok. Many here have. Whatever floats your boat, but it's only 7-1/2, not 8 as intended to be. I realize 8 has quality additions that some seek.

Sincerely no offense to you or others. Not judging whatsoever. Just my thoughts. :)

I did do a little googling yes & there are new features of windows 8 that are very apealing & i do use, I just don't see what a mobile UI is doing on a desktop or laptop which is more than likely why the lead man got canned once it was released.

Sorry if my post was boring to you try not to yawn to much catching flies is never a good look I've broke this one down for your benefit..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 x64 / Windows 7 Ultimate x64 / Vista HP x86
Thank you for breaking that down. :) One may blame it on my parochial grade school education. The ruler smacked across the knuckles making mistakes while writing was quite the motivator.

Why the man left continues to be open to speculation.

Lol! No flies this time of year in the U.S. Midwest.

Like I said, it's good to have you aboard. Enjoy! :)
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
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    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
It seems like this poll is reflective of the other ones, the majority are not enamoured with the start menu and apps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
Did you mean start screen? Regardless, I don't think the poll's results can say much about the "popularity" of the start screen, per se.

On your other point, depending on how you count those responding with "I have apps installed and use them from time to time," at this point, it's bad news, IMO, for apps by either about 64% or about 73%. My point here is that those responding "I have apps installed and use them from time to time" doesn't exactly support the idea that apps are very important to users.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
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    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
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    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
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    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
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    EVGA 570 SC
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    Gateway
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    Dual Boot:
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    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
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    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
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    Cooler Master 932 HAF
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    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
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    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
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    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
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    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
I've said it before, but I really believe that the main failing of the 'apps' is the fact that they only work full screen and really only one at a time and take over anything you may be doing in the desktop. They are designed primarily for mobile phone and tablet use, not at all for desktop users (other than a few who rarely, if ever, use multiple programs at the same time). If you could control the size and location of the apps, I think there would be much greater acceptance/usage of the apps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
What Ray8 said. I don't use apps and don't expect to ever use them. Somebody said it best and I'll plagarize. It's no longer Microsoft Windows, rather it should be renamed to Microsoft Window.

I've learned to live with it but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

-jeff
 

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System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint and Windows 8 Pro
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    Asus G75VW
    CPU
    i7
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    16G
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 5400 rpm 1T and Seagate 7200 rpm 500G.
    Internet Speed
    30M down, 5M up
    Other Info
    Oracle Virtual Box
    Ubuntu 64 bit
So I'm coming to the conclusion that more people have the apps installed, but don't use them?

Odd, seems like a waste of Start Screen space...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
What Ray8 said. I don't use apps and don't expect to ever use them. Somebody said it best and I'll plagarize. It's no longer Microsoft Windows, rather it should be renamed to Microsoft Window.

I've learned to live with it but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

-jeff
There's a reason why it's called the "New Windows." Live tiles represent the new modern internet age and each tile is basically like a little "window" into that bit of internet space. On Windows Phone, it is MUCH better illustrated. When Windows apps have more and richer live tiles, this is will be better underscored.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Welllll, I view a tile as the portal to the underlying application. I don't work with tiles but with the applications they represent. And, as Ray8 pointed out, many of us need the ability to run multiple applications at the same time. The "Modern UI" apps just don't do it for me. I respect your point of view Coke, I'm just trying to explain mine.

-j
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Mint and Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus G75VW
    CPU
    i7
    Motherboard
    Asus
    Memory
    16G
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Hard Drives
    Seagate 5400 rpm 1T and Seagate 7200 rpm 500G.
    Internet Speed
    30M down, 5M up
    Other Info
    Oracle Virtual Box
    Ubuntu 64 bit
Welllll, I view a tile as the portal to the underlying application. I don't work with tiles but with the applications they represent. And, as Ray8 pointed out, many of us need the ability to run multiple applications at the same time. The "Modern UI" apps just don't do it for me. I respect your point of view Coke, I'm just trying to explain mine.

-j

Yeah, I see. I too have to run multiple apps at the same time side by side and whatnot, as this is why I use the Desktop a lot as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
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