“Best Windows 8 apps this week” is an archival roundup, not a current download guide. The available recommendations come from historical coverage, and Windows 8.1 support and Store purchasing ended in 2023. The app names below are useful as a snapshot of that era; their present availability and compatibility are unverified.
What Windows 8 users need to know now
Microsoft ended support for Windows 8.1 on January 10, 2023. The operating system no longer receives Microsoft security or software updates. Microsoft says, “You can continue to use installed apps and games on a Windows 8.1 PC after January 10, 2023,” but that does not guarantee any individual app still works or is supported.
Microsoft also says new app and in-app purchases through the Windows Store ended on January 10, 2023. Publisher updates for installed apps were available through June 30, 2023, unless a developer independently provides support. These dates do not establish that a particular app remains available or functions today. See Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 end-of-support guidance and its Windows 8.1 lifecycle page.
Historical Windows 8 app picks
A WindowsReport weekly roundup, updated October 4, 2023, names Lucky Media Player and VimeoRT among its Windows 8 app picks. The page documents their inclusion in historical coverage; it does not establish that either app can still be downloaded, updated, or used successfully. Treat them as examples of the period, not verified recommendations for a working Windows 8.1 device. Read the WindowsReport roundup.
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#1 Best Overall
- Microsoft Surface Book 2 Features a 7th generation Intel Dual Core i5 Processor, 256 GB of storage, 8 GB RAM, and up to 17 hours of video playback
- Includes an Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU
- The fastest Surface Book yet, with 2x more power
- Vibrant PixelSense Display: now available with an improved 13.5in touchscreen
Lucky Media Player
Lucky Media Player is listed as a media-player pick in the historical roundup. The available evidence does not confirm its current Store listing, supported file formats, or compatibility with present-day systems.
VimeoRT
VimeoRT is also named in the historical roundup. Its current availability and whether it can still connect to Vimeo or play videos are not established.
Rank #2
How large was the Windows Store?
BetaNews reported 77,787 apps listed in the US Windows Store in its August 2, 2013 roundup. That figure is a historical catalog snapshot, not a current Store count or an indication that those apps remain downloadable. The article also gives a period view of Windows apps: BetaNews’ 2013 Windows 8 app roundup.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 14.0'' FHD,1920x1080px, LED, 16:9 Aspect Ratio, 220nit, Windows 11, 5480mAh Battery
- 256GB eUFS Storage (Expandable w/ microSD up to 1TB), 8GB LPDDR4x RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5G, GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 680
- 2 USB-C, 1 USB2.0, 1 Headphone out/Mic-in Combo, MicroSD Card Reader,Wi-Fi: 802.11ac, Nano Sim
- This Notebook is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers in the U.S. and the world Including AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, Etc. Will NOT work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint, Boost
- 3G: 850/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 2/4/5/12/14/29/46/66, 5G: Yes. T-Mobile, AT&T, and GSM carrier certified. Get a Data only plan from your desired Carrier, insert SIM in the Device and enjoy 5G/4G LTE Cellular coverage anywhere your phone gets service
What to do if you still use a Windows 8.1 app
- If the app is already installed, Microsoft says installed apps and games may continue to be used; check the app itself rather than assuming it remains functional.
- Do not rely on the Windows Store for new purchases or in-app purchases, which ended on January 10, 2023.
- Check directly with the app developer for any support offered independently of Microsoft’s ended update window.
- Because Windows 8.1 no longer receives security updates, avoid treating a working legacy app as a reason to use the operating system for sensitive or internet-connected tasks.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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