When
it comes to mobile platforms, there are three that rule the world –
iOS, Android and Windows. While iOS and Android are the industry
leaders, that doesn’t mean that Windows should be counted out. In
fact, there are some advantages of Windows apps that you won’t find
with other options on the market. What are these advantages and how
do they make these apps stand out from the crowd?
Outlook
When
it comes to Windows, there are few programs as popular (and
necessary) as Microsoft Outlook. You’ll find that syncing with
Outlook isn’t really available with iOS and Android. They want you
to sync with their own proprietary solutions (Google Calendar and iOS
Calendar, for example). With Windows mobile apps, direct syncing with
Outlook on a desktop PC or laptop is simple and easy.
Using
Internet Explorer
Ok,
let’s be honest here. Internet Explorer hasn’t really generated a
great reputation as a browser in the last few years. People have
flocked to competing options, like Firefox or Google Chrome. However,
with the last couple of releases, Explorer has become a far better
solution and people are beginning to realize it. In addition, you’ll
find that syncing bookmarks from a computer’s IE to a phone’s
browser is not only possible, but straightforward and simple.
Email,
Email, Email
Both
iOS and Android have offered email contact syncing, though neither
does a good job across the board. For users of Windows Mail and
Microsoft Outlook, there hasn’t been a solution that allows them to
sync their contacts from device to device. However, Windows mobile
apps do allow this, and they even allow users to access their mail
while on the go, which means that using something other than Gmail is
possible.
Integration
with Other Services
Windows
mobile apps also offer other key benefits. For instance, some
integrate directly with Xbox Live, while others connect you to
Windows Live. Full SkyDrive integration is also available for those
who want to make use of Microsoft’s cloud storage solution rather
than using Dropbox or Google Drive.
MS
Office
Finally,
when it comes to mobile apps, Windows takes the cake in terms of
business (or personal) productivity through office applications.
Integration with MS Office for the latest version of Windows mobile
OS gives users tremendous advantages over others. Apple’s Pages has
become known for bugs and stability problems, but MS Word and other
Office applications are very stable and easily accessible on these
devices. Many apps integrate directly with these programs to offer
additional features and convenience for business users.
As
you can see, there are benefits to Windows mobile apps. While the OS
isn’t the largest out there, it’s growing.
