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Instametrogram Is A Windows 8 Instagram App With Geotagged Map View

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Instametrogram may seem like just another Instagram app at first sight, but deep down it’s packed with some really great features, set in a pretty decent interface. This Windows Store app lets Windows 8 and RT users browse and save their Instagram photos with ease. In addition, you can gaze at popular images shared by other Instagramers around the globe without having to sign up for an account with the service. Just click the Read More button for our full review. Read More

Chocolatey Brings Linux APT-Style App Installation & Management To Windows

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If you've ever used Linux’s apt-get command for installing software, you must be aware of the level of convenience it provides. For those unfamiliar, all Debian-based Linux distributions (including the popular Ubuntu) provides an easy solution to install apps by entering a simple command. This feature is as good as it gets and if you wish you had something similar on Windows, take Chocolatey for a spin. This simple, easy to use tool is designed to let you install hundreds of apps the Linux way; instead of downloading apps via your web browser and running the downloaded installer, you simply type a two-word command for the purpose. In fact, Chocolatey’s own installation process comprises running a command in the Command Prompt. Let’s take a close look!. Read More

Create A Personal Dashboard & Sync It Across All Your Windows 8 & RT Devices With Qool

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When was the last time you saw something and said "cool"? Can’t recall? Well, today you just might, when you check out Qool – clever name, no? Qool is an app for Windows 8 RT that can boost your productivity in a number of ways. The app lets you create your own fully customizable dashboard, on which you can paste sticky notes regarding to-dos and important events, graphical charts related to an important business presentation, images and videos, and various files of other types. What's even more impressive is that everything you add to your dashboard automatically gets synchronized across all your Windows 8 and RT devices via your Microsoft account, which can be really useful if you have let's say, a Windows 8 PC and a Windows RT tablet, or a Windows 8 PC at work and one at home. Read More

Access Windows 8 Start Screen, All Apps & Search Charms From Desktop

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Even though, applications like Start8 and Pokki for Windows 8 successfully restore the Start Menu, if you want play around with Start Screen a little bit, then Start Charming just might be what you’re looking for. The application is yet another Start Screen modifier (like we haven’t seen plenty of them already) that lets you display Start Screen within desktop in a manner similar to Immersive Taille and the likes. The application is pretty handy if you want to spend most of your computer time within the Desktop mode and seldom find the need to jump back to the Metro interface. The application also lets you invoke the Charms Bar from a system tray button. Read More

Best Free Google Reader Alternatives For Web, Windows & Mac

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Google Reader will be gone soon and the faster you start looking for ways to move on, the better. It isn't going to be easy though; scores of developers have created apps or services that integrate and sync with Google Reader. The feature itself was not merely important, but rather considered by many to be an integral part of any worthwhile RSS reader. Times have changed though and with Reader soon to be no longer available, it’s time to consider alternatives. Understandably, Google Reader users might be looking for either a web service or a desktop app to fill the void, and we've compiled a list of free options for each platform: web, Windows, and Mac. Our Emphasis was on two key features - the app or service must be free, and it should be able to import from XML files since that is what you get when you backup your Google Reader subscriptions. With only two exceptions in our list that only partially meet these requirements, we’re hopeful you will find something that’s just right for you. Read More

View Your Facebook Feed Items In Tiles With Metro Social For Windows 8

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Just yesterday, the official Twitter app hit the Windows Store, and I loved every bit of it. It’s great to see that the world's largest microblogging service has kept things minimal yet intuitive on the Metro platform. On the other hand, Facebook users are still waiting for an official Windows 8/RT app from the world's largest social network to join the club, and it might not happen anytime soon either. You don’t have to worry much though, as Windows Store is riddled by a number of third-party Facebook apps like MINE, Facebook Touch and many more. Already tried those but want something different? Metro Social is yet another one that seems worth a shot. Read More

Download Entire Websites To Your PC For Offline Browsing With WebCopy

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You might have heard about tools like HTTrack Website Copier or PageNest that allow you to download any website to your local hard drive for offline viewing. These website copiers basically create a replica of the entire website so you can browse it just like you do in online mode. Today, we have stumbled upon another great website downloader called Cyotek WebCopy. The application boasts some really powerful features; not only can you copy the website to your local folder, but you can also trace external links, access the site map, download administrative areas of the site after entering the required credentials, and more. Read More

DeskScapes 8 Brings Wallpaper Effects, Animated & Video Backgrounds To Windows 8

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It seems Stardock is paying very close attention to Windows 8. After creating some wonderful apps like Decor8 and ModernMix and selling thousands of Start8 copies, the company has also updated its DeskScapes utility for Microsoft's latest OS. DeskScapes 8 is not only a nice addition to Stardocks' fascinating line of customization tools, but it’s also one of the most powerful wallpaper personalization app for Windows 8. The application puts various enticing desktop backgrounds at your disposal, letting you apply static, panoramic as well as Windows Vista’s Dreamscene-like animated wallpapers to your desktop. Keep reading! Read More

Hands-On With The Official Twitter App For Windows 8 & RT [Review]

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Official twitter apps for most mobile platforms have been available for quite a while, but Windows 8 and RT have been missing from the picture till now. Microsoft's tablet-optimized OS has been gaining a lot of traction since its release, and it’s about time for Twitter to bring its own Modern UI app to Windows Store. While it’s a little late to the show, the app does a great job in delivering a snappy Twitter experience on Windows 8 & RT devices, both PCs and tablets alike. Twitter for Windows looks quite similar to it’s mobile brethren, packing the same feature set, albeit in Microsoft's Metro design language. You get to discover topics of your choice, receive suggestions on who to follow, browse tending topics and so on. In addition, it boasts some Windows 8-exclusive features as well, such as the snap view to place the app on the sides of the screen, support for Windows 8 Share and Search Charms, notifications and live tiles support, etc. What’s more, it lets you browse and open URLs posted in tweets and view images in full screen, all within its own interface. Read More

Delete Duplicate Files While Retaining Access From Multiple Locations

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Duplicate files not only waste precious storage space, but can also make your PC dead slow by increasing disk seek times. So in order to keep your machine in optimal performance, it's a good idea to periodically delete all those duplicates. One way to do this would be to find and delete each item one by one, which itself can be fairly time consuming. To save you from this tedious and repetitive task, there are tools like DeDupler that make the task of finding and removing duplicates a breeze. More details after the jump. Read More

Disable UAC Prompts For Select Windows Apps With ElevatedShortcut

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Those UAC prompts that pop up when you execute an app can become fairly annoying if you constantly have to deal with them. For those unfamiliar, UAC or User Account Control, is a Windows security feature that limits users from executing certain programs until an administrator grants the required privileges or elevation. Although it’s a nifty security measure that keeps malicious threats at bay, it becomes increasingly annoying if you’re running the same trusted app quite frequently. Of course, you can easily disable UAC if you wish, but if you don't want to disable it altogether for all apps, a tiny portable utility from WinAero called ElevatedShortcut can help you get rid of UAC for selected apps only. With support for both Windows 7 and 8, the application allows to create elevated shortcuts of your favorite applications at your desired location. Launching the app using these elevated shortcuts ensures you're never bothered with a UAC prompt again for that app. Read More

OUTDATEfighter Is A Windows System & App Updater With A Built-In Uninstaller

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OUTDATEfighter is a freeware Windows utility from SPAMfighter that keeps an eye on all the installed applications on your PC, and notifies you upon a software’s update release. The application can prove to be incredibly useful in situations when you don’t want to update each and every computer application separately. If your PC is loaded with a wide-array of apps, OUTDATEfighter takes the burden off your shoulders by downloading and installing latest versions for you. The utility also comes packed with some additional features including a Windows updates installer and an integrated application uninstaller. Read More

Official 8tracks Radio App For Windows 8 Impresses With Great UI & Music Discovery Options

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Being an avid music listener, I love fiddling around with different radio apps. After trying out services like Pandora, Last.fm and Spotify, I recently stumbled upon 8tracks and found it to be pretty amazing to say the least, especially with all its social networking and mood-based music exploration features. After enjoying critical acclaim on iOS and Android platforms, the app has finally landed on Windows Store. 8tracks radio allows you to listen to user-curated music playlists and follow other 8tracks users (called DJs) in order to stay updated on their music collection. Read More

EaseUS FileManager Is A Decent Explorer Alternative For Windows 8 & RT

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Microsoft put a lot of emphasis on Modern UI – initially referred to as Metro UI -- when it unveiled Windows 8, but quite ironically didn't include a native Modern-style file manager in the latest version of Windows. Perhaps the software giant wants users to stick to the desktop File Explorer for all kinds of file management, which in all honestly feels fairly cumbersome to navigate on a Windows RT device. Those who want to manage files without leaving the Metro environment can install third-party file managers such as Metro Commander or Files&Files from the Windows Store. Today, we stumbled upon another simple yet powerful Windows 8 file manager called EaseUS FileManager and couldn't wait to give it a try. Read on for our review. Read More

Sync Files To An Encrypted Local Or Network Folder With CryptSync

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SkyDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, SugarSync and Box.net are just a few of the most popular names from the ever-growing cloud storage industry. Not only are these companies dominating the industry, but they also provide secure, best-in-class services that most of us seek when choosing cloud storage. If you’re an avid cloud drive user and want to encrypt your files before moving them to the cloud, or simply want to encrypt them for any other purpose to keep them safe from any prying eyes, give CryptSync a go. It’s an open-source application that lets you synchronize a pair of directories, and also encrypt your files in the process. The tool supports both local and network directories, and can particularly come in handy to encrypt files before moving them to the cloud. Read More

Use Multiple Skype Accounts Simultaneously On Windows With Seaside

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Voice over Internet Protocol – or simply VoIP – has become significantly popular during the past few years. This revolutionary technology allows making voice and video calls over the internet, saving you those hefty monthly phone bills. When it comes to VoIP, Skype is one huge player that simply can not be overlooked. The now Microsoft-owned service has earned critical acclaim due to its efficient and reliable communication medium, becoming the default choice for many when employing a VoIP service. People who use Skype’s desktop client would know that the app doesn't let you sign in with multiple Skype accounts simultaneously, which can be quite an annoyance should you have separate personal and work Skype accounts that you want to use at the same time. This is where lightweight Windows app Seaside comes to the rescue; it simply allows you to run more than one instance of the Skype desktop app. Read More

ColorBug Is The Best Color Picker For Windows We’ve Seen So Far

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For long, color picker applications have helped graphics designers, web & application UI developers, and other creative artists in choosing the best colors for their projects. That’s why we keep covering such tools for our readers from time to time, like Just Color Picker and Color Mania for Windows, and Color Picker Pro for Mac OS X. Today, we have another incredibly powerful and feature-rich color picker at your disposal called ColorBug. It’s a Windows application that can help you decide the right colors for your projects in a few simple steps. The application is able to pick any color from any area of the screen. It also boasts an integrated color palettes feature, which lets you create distinct color profiles and use them on the fly. Read More

Change Size & Position Of Windows 8 Start Screen With ImmersiveTaille

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Windows 8 has entered its fifth triumphant month since general availability, and a lot of developers have already built an umpteen number of Start Screen tools to let you customize this latest Windows feature to your heart’s content. One such example is ImmersiveTaille that lets you customize the Start Screen in a few different ways. This portable application is basically designed to change the size of the Start Screen, and move it to to user-defined positions on the screen i.e. top, bottom, left or right. Its works in pretty much similar fashion to our previously covered Start Screen Modifier from WinAero. For instance, it enables you to specify a custom Start Screen resolution, or display it along with the Taskbar when in Full screen. More details after the jump! Read More

Aria Maestosa Is A Powerful, Free MIDI Editor & Sequencer For Windows

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A lot of musical Instruments hadn't become common and affordable for the masses until the late 19th century. At that time, technological constraints in the audio industry also put certain limitations on audio instruments to communicate and interconnect. The problem became more apparent after the inception of polyphonic and digital synthesizers. To cope with this issue, engineers and audio experts Dave Smith and Chet Wood came up with a universal synthesizer interface called MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) that let audio equipment manufacturers employ a central interface among their instruments. While it may not be fairly popular among common users anymore, the MIDI format caught quite some attention back in the day when monophonic ringtones were used in cellphones, and also during their later transition to polyphonic type. If you are looking for a way to play or edit your MIDI files, or even create new ones from scratch, Aria Maestosa might just be the right tool for you. Read More

Your To-Do List Is Always A Click Away With Wunderlist For Pokki

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At one time or another, you must have come across the name Wunderlist. The popular to-do list application that debuted on Windows has earned its fair share of success on Windows, web and mobile platforms including iOS, Android and Windows Phone. When we first reviewed it, the app instantly won us over, and as mentioned earlier, it has spread across different platforms since its inception. Recently, the app made its way to Pokki as well. For those who are unfamiliar with Pokki, it is a web app platform for Windows that houses a myriad of beautifully crafted web versions of various services and games. Wunderlist For Pokki not only looks better than its desktop counterpart, but it's also fairly lightweight in comparison. The app allows you to add various tasks and set reminder notifications prior to their due date. Read More