I've got a new Windows laptop and I've noticed the emphasis on "apps".
I don't like to use my laptop using touchscreen, am I just better downloading the normal version of the program?
Are the "apps" geared to touch screen users?
Windows Apps on Laptop, What's The Point?
DealzEddy123 on 19/08/2015 - 11:32
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Yes, but if you are on Windows 8.1, you could use the split screen (snap window? I don't know, I don't know the name of the function) thing for the metro app. Unlike using split screen with desktop programs, the programs and apps do not interact with each other (i.e. overlap between programs on screen etc do not happen). I used to use the split screen and reader app for reading pdf files while editing documents.
Though that said, most of the apps are more streamlined than desktop programs, it's usually bad since you don't get as much function. Though sometimes metro apps are better at doing basic stuff (albeit really rarely).
https://lmjabreu.com/post/why-and-how-to-avoid-hamburger-men…
Touch apps on a desktop suck because they rely too much on hidden menus — usually called the sidebar or the hamburger menu. So called because of the button with the three-lined symbol that resembles a hamburger.
On a desktop program there's no hidden menus, all the buttons and functions are usually in plain sight, and contextual stuff is done using a right click command.
I'm on a non-touch laptop until this one breaks and I replace it with something good. I think there are a few apps worth getting. NextGen Reader (a Store app) is the best RSS reader I've found including web apps, Advanced English Dictionary and Footy Live and Fitbit are good, and the Windows 10 Alarms & Clock is great.
Other than that, I pin calendar to the start screen in a huge live tile to see what's going on, though I don't open it for the calendar, I do that in another program.
If you have a high resolution display, the Store apps scale to larger displays much better than others, and use less CPU and battery, but for the most part, desktop versions are at least as good. Was there any app specifically you wanted to compare?
Skype for example
Windows comes with Skype app but u can also download Skype as a separate program.
but from what everyone's saying I think app is optimised for a mobile experience, not for a mouse and keyboard user.
I will use the calendar though, as u said for quick reference in homescreen.
The Skype app will be discontinued; MS are suggesting people use "Skype for desktop" going forward.
Yeah, many desktop programs are better designed for keyboard than the app versions are, NextGen Reader excepted. At least Windows 10 does it better than 8 by making apps appear in overlapping windows (like other programs), and shrinking some of the screen elements so that more content fits on the same screen.
but then what would people on Windows phones use (for Skype)?
@edwinlin88: I think they're still making Skype for Windows Phone, just not turning it into a universal app. Messy situation, isn't it?
Here's the source on it being discontinued.
@whgb: messy indeed.
Also hate how Windows keeps on asking to connect to my Microsoft account (I know this is optional but the prompts are annoying).
My Hotmail is for my Spam!!
Gmail for business :)
Back when windows apps were created, Microsoft had produced 3 similar products… windows 8 phone, windows RT tablet and windows 8 OS. They wanted some integration between all 3, if not for program designers, at least to help the learning process for users. oh and the ability to easily sync between the three.
RT was a dismal failure, phone is okay, but it still doesnt have the same support as android. Finally with windows, they made it full screen, which pissed off pretty much everyone. Now they're in damage control fixing all their screw-ups that i (or any reasonable person) could have told them from day 1.
I frankly liked the snap windows feature since it stopped accidental resizing of the program (Windows 10 have something similar on tablet mode but it doesn't work as well for me). I guess they can't please everyone (though overall, I think Windows 10 is better than 8.1).
lucky they had free upgrade!!!
Usually made for touch only and are worse in every way to the regular version.