It’s Saturday, so it’s time for another round of our weekly app highlights. This is the part of the week where we sit back and go over the big news around apps that you might have missed. We’ll look at new apps to the Windows Phone Store, big updates to some of your favorite apps, and any new betas worth checking out. Let’s jump in.
New
Motion Monitor– Rocking a Nokia Lumia 1520? Then check out Nokia’s new Motion Monitor app. It requires the Nokia Black firmware update and a Snapdragon 800 processor, therefore only Lumia 1520 owners can take advantage of this app that will track your activity without needing an accessory. Get in the Windows Phone Store. (Free/Lumia 1520 only)
LiveGaming– Watch a lot of gaming on Twitch? We don’t have an official app for Windows Phone yet, but we do have LiveGaming. It’s a third-party app that rocks and worth checking out for Twitch fans. Browse games, top streams and more with LiveGaming. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Socl– Microsoft has finally released an official app for their social network called Socl. It launched simultaneously on Windows Phone, Android, and iOS. Which is great, but that means this is a PhoneGap app for the time being. Hopefully we’ll see a native app sooner than later. Sign into your account and browse your timeline with the app and more. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Updated
USAA – The official USAA banking app went missing from the Windows Phone Store about 11 months ago. It’s not reappeared and with an update to boot. The latest version brings Windows Phone 8 support to the banking app and should be installed immediately on the phones of USAA customers. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Instance–It’s finally here! Instance was the first app on Windows Phone that allowed direct uploading to Instagram. Version 2.0 of Instance brings geotagging, support for other networks like Flickr, Tumblr, Foursquare, and much more. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Readit – Our favorite app for Reddit on Windows Phone picks up a massive update. Readit 1.3 introduces various improvements for battery, optimizations for low memory devices, and much more. Grab it from the Windows Phone Store. ($1.99)
myTube – One of the best YouTube apps for Windows Phone, myTube, has been updated. You’ll find version 1.4.1.3 in the Store with the ability to open videos from the browser into the app, the ability to search for playlists and much more. Grab it from the Windows Phone Store. (Trial/$0.99)
MetroMail – The first native Gmail app on Windows Phone is picking up an update. Head to the Store and find v1.2 of MetroMail that includes the ability to upload photos, night mode and much more. It’s in the Windows Phone Store, so go try it out if you’re a heavy Gmail user. ($1.49)
LinkedIn – We haven’t seen an update for quite some time for LinkedIn, but this week we had one. The update lets you add/edit your profile picture, grow your network through your address book, and see who’s viewed your profile. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Skype – We love Skype updates and are anxiously waiting for the update that introduces a shift to the fundamentals of the platform. This week we didn’t get that, but we did v 2.13 that introduces the ability to copy and paste instant messages. Get it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Games
Frozen Free Fall– Disney’s latest animated hit, Frozen, has a game on Windows Phone and Windows 8. Frozen Free Fall feature puzzle gameplay in this free game. Grab it in the Windows Store or Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Angry Birds Go!–The first Angry Birds game that doesn’t feature the typical gameplay has been released for Windows Phone. Angry Birds Go! is a kart racing game that’s free with in-app purchase. It’s a 3D world where you’ll race your way to fun. Grab it in the Windows Phone Store. (Free)
Despicable Me: Minion Rush– Pretty good week for gamer’s right? There’s now an official game for the Despicable Me movie franchise. This endless runner features those little yellow creatures from the game and is free for folks. There’s also a Windows 8 version! Grab it in the Windows Store and Windows Phone Store. (Free)
No new betas to report on this week and not that many new apps hit the Store. This past week was all about apps getting some pretty impressive updates. Have any favorite apps from the week? Sound off below.