Where are all the apps?

I've become a big fan of Metro after being initially skeptical of it, and I'd like to make more use of it.

The problem with that is in the title: there's no apps! Why is there no IRC client, multiprotocol IM client, Twitter client, anything? There isn't even a date-and-time app to replicate how I used gadgets in Windows 7.

This is just the preview. I'm sure that by the time it is released there will be large numbers available otherwise Microsoft will have no takers.

you just have to wait for the apps to come into the store.

Heh, Microsoft is now calling all PROGRAMS APPS! So there are TONS of apps available, including Office, Photoshop, etc.

Luckily 8 still runs gadgets on the desk-top but they have removed the vast majority.
Obviously they will add them back as windows apps in the store for a couple of bucks each.
I really would like to know how much they will charge for media center when 8 is released without it.
I use it for watching and recording live TV.

The real question is: where are the metro apps? Regular desktop applications don't count because Windows 8 is not requirement to run them. Also Windows RT tablets can't run regular desktop applications. I am dismayed by the lack of apps in the Store. I am an iPad user real hoping for a Microsoft alternative. There had better be a big up tick of quality apps in the Store well before launch time. Otherwise the best tablet in the world is meaningless.

There is so much discussion about the viability of Windows 8 on this forum, such the start menu, the use on Metro UI on a large monitor, touch vs. keyboard & mouse, etc. But these pale in comparison to the available of decent Metro UI apps. I am surprised it isn't discussed more.

That said, I also can be part of the solution. I am Microsoft developer at my day job. It is a matter of finding the time to learn Metro UI app development.