Windows 10 FINALLY gets some apps that people actually want
WINDOWS 10 has long been criticised for its lack of high-profile apps. But that is starting to change, thanks to the arrival of three of the most popular apps on the planet.
Facebook has launched a standalone Facebook, Messenger app and Instagram app for Windows 10.
The new applications bring native notifications, speedier News Feed and Live Tile support to Microsoft's next-generation operating system.
Microsoft has long been criticised for the perceived 'App Gap' on the Windows 10 platform. But the presence of the world's largest social network is an encouraging sign.
The Facebook app is loaded from the Start Menu and has been streamlined to load the News Feed faster than your browser and the US social network's previous Windows 8 app.
A Live Tile for the app will cycle through the latest posts on your News Feed, so you don't even have to load-up the application to find out what your friends and family have been up to recently.
Alongside the faster News Feed, Facebook's new app also makes sharing photographs easier thanks to the quick access to the File Explorer or your desktop photo repository.
The Facebook Messenger app also incorporates native desktop notifications, so you can check your new messages inside the Action Centre.
But aside from native notifications, the Windows 10 app doesn't offer much more than the web browser.
In fact, the desktop app currently lacks support for a number of features, including payments, voice and video calls, as well as the ability to take photos and videos within the app.
Facebook says these new features will be added in due course.
The Facebook app is now available for machines running Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Meanwhile, Facebook Messenger is compatible with Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10.
Eventually these apps will be updated to support Windows 10 Mobile devices, the California-based social network has confirmed.
Meanwhile, Facebook has also pushed out a new version of the Instagram app, tailored for Windows 10 Mobile.
According to the social network, they have included "all of the community’s favourite features – including Instagram Direct, Explore and video."
Instagram for Windows 10 Mobile also supports Live Tiles, showing you updates right on your home screen.
Both apps are now available in the Microsoft Store now.
