So you finally got convinced yourself to upgrade to Windows 8, or better yet, bought yourself a spanking new Windows 8 device (touchscreen I hope). You signed in all online accounts that you can add so what’s next? How about downloading some Windows 8 apps?

Here are a few Windows 8 apps that’s made for Filipinos and should work well with your touchscreen. Do note however that these are not full version of their respective sites but more of a showcase on how fun it is to use “touch” to navigate in these apps.

The ABS-CBN News app allows you to get the latest news, bookmark your favorite news articles and easily share it with friends. You can also participate in news gathering through Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo where you can send in your news story and attach a photo. There’s even a quick access to foreign exchange.

With this app, sellers and buyers can login with their Sulit account to view current bookmarks and private messages. The apps also displays the top ads in different categories.

Nope this app won’t allow you to pay bills online just yet. It’s just an informational app as of the moment which includes ATM and Branch Locator through a map. This app lets you connect with the bank through their facebook app BPI Banker’s online.

This app is quite useful if you frequent SM Cinemas and IMAX as you can easily view schedules for movies currently showing. It won’t allow you to book right then and there yet but clicking a schedule will bring you to the main website via the browser.

If your device supports SIM slots or you’re using a 3G dongle, Smart and Globe both have Win 8 apps that lets you view your current balance as well as ongoing promotions.

Even the city of Makati joined in the Windows 8 fun. This app features news, weather and traffic information in Makati City. It even has a view of actual traffic cameras in the busiest junctions in the city.

Hey look, it’s the Meralco Appliance Calculator app we’ve seen in iOS and Android but now in a huge version for Windows 8. Input your list of appliances you use at home to compute its monthly consumption based on Meralco’s rates.

A nifty app if you use LBC a lot as this allows you to easily track a package by entering a tracking number.

Right now, this app only gives you a quick and easy access to view the lowest fares of Cebu Pacific. Booking is not allowed here yet.

It’s the same useful MMDA app you get in your mobile devices, this is just a Windows 8 version of it.

This app features the latest events and promos in Resorts World Manila. View a directory of shops, hotels, and restaurants. It also features a shuttle bus locator if you need a ride.

While most apps aren’t that worthy of a download yet, it’s a cool way to show how Windows 8 present services and information. Now I hope portals and aggregators (ClickTheCity, MunchPunch, etc.) can come up with their own fully-functional Win 8 apps soon.

repost from: http://www.pinoytechblog.com/archives/windows-8-apps-in-the-philippines