Now we know that Windows phone 8 devices aren’t exactly selling like hot cakes, and battery woes aren’t really helping with WP8’s reputation, but again there is so much you could do with a blossoming operating system. Applications always come for the rescue, as we saw with iOS as well, it was appalling at the start, and even some of the basic features like landscape keyboard was left out in early iterations, but iOS grew thanks to its ever growing App store. I believe that WP8 and iOS are fairly identical, not the interface, but how they behave and how they have ‘Unique’ apps; unlike Android, almost all apps have the same interface on the two and that just might be the winning point for WP8. Yes, we know that Marketplace isn’t exactly a ginormous one, but if you search a little, you will certainly find a few gems:

Photo Synth

Initially available for iOS, the application can assist you in taking panoramic photos, much like that on photo sphere of Android 4.2 and panorama of iOS 6. The app is available to download for free on certain WP7 devices as well, provided you have a good hardware.

Download: Photosynth

Skype

Communication is important, and where there is messenger’s and video calls involved, how can we miss out on Skype. Skype for windows phone comes with a refreshing simplistic design, and as we covered before, it will come with feature to communicate with your Hotmail account as well.  Brilliant all rounder and is free to download:

Download: Skype

MS PDF Reader

Fresh out of the oven is Microsoft’s application to read PDF files on your Windows phone 8 devices. Ergonomically exquisite, the application is Wp8 exclusive. You can zoom in, read out and fast resume the files from where you left them. Although the applications looks stupendous, the ratings have hit quite low and users have complained of the app “lagging”, perhaps they are on WP7 devices.

Download: MS PDF Reader

IMDB Application

Something for movie lovers, the IMDB app for windows phone. With a nice and clean interface, the application is great. You can read reviews, browse similar movies and even watch trailers of the latest movies right on your phone.

Download: IMDB Application

ESPN Score Center

Keeping a track of your favorite sport is important, and what better way to do it? ESPN score center will provide you with the details of your favorite sports that are in play, timings of future games and all the latest headlines from the world of sport. A perfect all-rounder for those who can’t miss a beat.

Download: ESPN Score Center

Foto Room

There is no denying that instagram had been a major success; people love the fact that they can take out their phone, edit the picture and share it with friends. But to be honest, instagram does not offer much flexibility with the editing and is only limited to the given filters. Windows Phone 8 users might consider themselves lucky here, because they get to use Foto Room. With tons of filters and custom modifications, you can edit pictures to your liking, not only does it do that, but it provides a perfect camera app replacement as WP8’s own camera app is pretty basic.

Download: Foto Room

Weave Reader

Android and iOs users are lucky, because they have apps like Google currents and flip board. The apps provide a one stop source of news; while still missing on the WP8 format, they are considered the best news reader. For Windows phone users the best replacement is Weave reader; you can add and define your own sources consisting of many categories. Weave reader takes advantage of Windows interfae and gives that solid feel that is missing from Google current app.

Download: Weave Reader

App Flow

If you are new to Windows Phone format, App flow is the app for you. It will list: Trending applications, Applications that were trending and the applications with can be the next hit, much like App brain for android.

Download: AppFlow

Reinstall Em

If you are moving from an older windows device to a newer one, you will lose all your applications; if you had a tons of applications installed on your previous device, it would be difficult to remember them all. Thankfully, Reinstall em does that for you and lists all the applications you installed with your windows marketplace account.

Download: Reinstall em

Myxer

Last but not least, let’s take a look at a customization app for Windows phone platform. Myxer is home to thousands of ringtones, perfect for those who like to customize notifications a lot. The database is pretty extensive and you just might find the tune you were looking for.

Download: Myxer