Missing apps for Windows Phone 8 shows the ‘ecosystem’ is still behind

by Mike Macias on February 9, 2013 at 12:18 pm · 9 comments

Missing apps for Windows Phone 8 shows the ecosystem is still behind 920 apps 700x522

Windows Phone has come a long way in the past 6 months, but the ‘ecosystem’ is not where it needs to be. Major players are still neglecting the time and money it takes to make an app for Windows Phone, and the companies that have already created apps are not adding the latest API and features; thus not taking advantage of the advanced features of Windows Phone 8.

The release of Spotify for Windows phone — yesterday, February 8th 2013, shined a big spotlight on a glaring issue. Windows Phone is getting apps last. Granted, a Spotify app for Windows Phone 7 has been around for a while but it had issues and until yesterday, was not available on newer devices like the Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC 8X. Even now, the app was released in ‘beta’.

Check out this quick list I put together of apps missing from the Windows Phone 8 Store…

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Still no solution to upload photos.

Windows Phone 8 Missing Apps

Pandora
iHeartRadio
Mint.com
Pinterest
Instagram
Data Sense (internet data management)
HBO GO
DLNA (Nokia PlayTo)
Amazon MP3
Amazon Video
HootSuite
Starbucks
Vine
Pocket
Tumblr
Local transport apps
Bank apps (major & local)
Skype still sucks on WP8
Youtube (how can I forget)

Oh, and whatever happened to that ESPN ScoreCenter feature that shows your favorite team’s score on the lock screen wallpaper? It was leaked back when Windows Phone 8 was released, but we haven’t seen any such thing come to our handsets. Maybe it was a fake.

I’m sure the list is much longer based if I asked individual people like you, especially if you just recently moved to Windows Phone from iPhone or Android. I can care less about Instagram, Pinterest, and Vine, but friends who know I’m a Windows Phone user ask me all the time about these apps. After telling them what’s not available, they usually form a negative opinion of the OS instantly. I know some of the apps I’ve listed have 3rd party solutions, but often they are restricted and buggy.

I still prefer Windows Phone

Despite these shortcomings, I still prefer this OS over others. The user interface is a laid out very well, the design is fresh and clean, and the browser is very stable & fast.

Like all Windows Phone Fanatics, I’m rooting for Microsoft and their partners. But that’s not to mean we should ignore the shortcomings and just be happy with the way things are. The time is now for Microsoft and company to up their game and solidify their 3rd place spot in the smartphone market. It’s a market share issue, I know. Developers won’t waste money and time on a small user base. But with a cash-cow as big as Microsoft, something has to be done.

http://twitter.com/shaunguthrie shaunguthrie

Mike I could not agree more however one thing that Microsoft needs to be careful is touting they have all these apps (Balmer like to continuously remind us of these increasing numbers) however the real issue is the good QUALITY apps that are missing. I too feel Microsoft should be doing a better job enticing people to make apps for their OS and simply doing a few contests etc… that I’ve been seeing by @MicrosoftCanada isn’t going to do it. They really need to put their marketing engine to work and get this done. Otherwise I’m afraid this
will just be another failed attempt by Microsoft to get their foot into a market where they’ve been weak before. It’s going to take effort and so far I’m not really seeing it.
http://www.themobilefanatics.com Mike Macias

Agreed. It’s not that we need more apps, it’s that we need more quality apps. There is far too much rubbish in the Store. The same goes for the Android market as well.
http://eddiefu.com Eddie

Personally Mint, Pocket, and Starbucks are the big ones for me, especially the latter two.

Another issue that I’ve been hearing about is developers are abandoning apps after initial launch. Lack of updates is just as bad as not having the apps at all.
http://twitter.com/shaunguthrie shaunguthrie

Don’t forget iOS as well. Just because they have over whatever million apps doesn’t mean they are good. I figured there would be more development given the business enterprise is so geared towards .NET development. Maybe its still to early to tell. I’d wait to make judgement until at least 12 months from the release of the WP8. Then we shall see where they really stand.
http://twitter.com/shaunguthrie shaunguthrie

Yeah Mint has been a huge one. They did have a release page at one point and then yanked it. I’ve heard something with INTUIT and Microsoft having some spats?
Luis

I would add nike+ running to that missing list, it’s the only thing that keeps my good old samsung infuse in my pocket. I want to buy a lumia, but microsoft needs to provide the apps faster (or convince the devs to make them)
ITGuy2000

What about VPN? The lack of the ability to run VPN is preventing me from rolling this out to my user base.
http://www.themobilefanatics.com Mike Macias

I see a Nike+ running app in the Windows Phone Store but apparently it doesn’t actually track you.
http://www.themobilefanatics.com Mike Macias

I’m still unsure about using mint for my personal finances but I know a ton of people who do and really want this app to hit their Windows Phone.