After the success of software distribution platforms like Software Center and App Store, Microsoft has followed suit by introducing Windows Store on Windows 8. Like the App Store, it has its fair share of limitations over which apps go in and which don’t and, like the Software Center, it charges a fee per download of a paid app, but what’s different about it is that, by design, apps on the Windows Store (generally) run both on desktops running Windows 8 and tablets running Windows RT.
There are many advantages to this, but the biggest is that tablet apps get more powerful features such as – in the case of the app being discussed in this post – being able to manage other devices! Yes, with the built-in USB port on Windows RT tablets and an app like Windows Phone, you can manage your Windows Phone 8 device from your tablet!
When was the last time you sync’d your iPhone with your iPad?
Developed by Microsoft, Windows Phone for Windows 8 / RT helps you manage your Windows Phone 8 device’s digital library with ease. You can easily transfer your photos, videos, music back and forth. Manage installed apps. Set the companion app to automatically save photos and videos from your phone to your PC.
We tried testing the app with a Windows Phone 7-based smartphone, but it simply refused to work; it appears to be compatible only with Windows Phone 7.8 / 8 smartphones. Since no Windows Phone 8 smartphones are available in the market today, this app is – as of typing – completely useless.
Windows Phone 8 itself is set to launch later today at Microsoft’s official event that is set to begin at 10:00AM Pacific. We expect Windows Phone 7.8 – which backports certain features like the new Start screen from Windows Phone 8 – to be released shortly after the event. Windows Phone 8 smartphones like the Windows Phone 8X / 8S by HTC and Nokia Lumia 820 / 920 launching in the next days, it will certainly become useful.
Windows Phone for Windows 8 / RT is available for download for free from the link embedded below. Once you try it out with a Windows Phone 7.8 / 8 powered smartphone, let us know what you think of it in the comments section over on our Facebook and Google+ page.
(Source: Windows Phone on the Windows Store)
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