Top 10 Windows Phone Apps That Rocked in Year 2011

Windows Phone 7 “Metro” is a great enhancement over its predecessor, Windows Mobile. Its latest update, Windows Phone 7.5 known as “Mango”, offers lots of new features increasing app functionality. With around 40,000 apps in Microsoft Marketplace, the apps available for Windows Phone has only fraction of choices as compared to apps available for iPhone or Android, but numbers are improving fast. The best apps are the ones that do what you want, look cool and make things easier. We take a look at 10 such Windows Phone Apps that rocked in year 2011.

Below is our list of Top 10 Windows Phone Apps for year 2011, selected in no particular order basis number of downloads, their usefulness to wider audience, and whether they use new features of Windows 7.5 introduced by Windows Phone 7.5

1. FeedWorm

FeedWorm is a simple, no-frills Windows Phone application that synchronizes with a Google Reader account and makes it easy to read RSS feeds on your phone! FeedWorm is both efficient and easy to use - it keeps things quick to make the most of your time and your phone.

Feedworm (Free)

2. Evernote

Evernote is a suite of software and services designed for note taking and archiving. It was already available and famous on iPhone and Android. The Mango-powered Evernote for Windows Phone lets you pin template tiles to the home screen (so you can create a new note with a single screen tap) and sync data in the background. It’s easily one of the best Mango productivity apps for folks looking to get things done.

Evernote (Free)

3. Spotify

Spotify is already very famous for its music streaming service. It was already available for iPhone and Android. Unlike the Apple and Android editions, however, the Windows iteration has some exclusive additions. Not least the option to pin playlists to your Windows kit’s home screen so they’re only just a single screen press away. And you can check your friends’ Spotify profiles too.

Spotify (Free Trial)

4. Tango

Tango allows you to make free phone calls and free video calls over 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi. Make calls to any other person who has Tango installed on their smartphone, tablet or PC. Start a Tango call with just voice, and easily move into a video call when you have something to share. With a great-looking UI, it's a great option for Windows Phone owners

Tango (Free)

5. bubblegum

A fun photo sharing app, bubblegum lets you add filters, share on Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare and follow your friends. It's free and runs on all Windows Phones.

bubblegum (Free)

6. Assassin’s Creed – Altair's Chronicles HD

A side scroller instead of the console version first person shooter, this Assassin's Creed prequel gives you a choice of six different weapons. The cut scenes are great and the controls are a simulated Xbox controller. It costs $4.99 and will run on Windows Phone 7 or 7.5.

Assassin's Creed™ - Altaïr's Chronicles HD ($4.99)

7. Pocket Recorder Sound + Recording Hub

Pocket Recorder™ Sound + Recording Hub transforms your Windows Phone 7 device into a full-fledged sound recording and editing tool. It is designed to allow you to quickly record, process, and sync items in an easy to use manner. With the release of Windows Phone 7.5 “mango” they have added extensive integration of recordings into overall phone experience. You can now create ringtones from recordings, pin them as tiles to start menu, treat recordings like tasks (complete with alarms), and many more features.

Pocket Recorder™ (Free)

8. Mixtapes

Powered by 8tracks, Mixtapes offers free access to millions of songs in thousands of playlists, or to “mixes” made by music lovers all over the world. The app lets you listen to “what real people are listening to,” and is great for both themed listening sessions and music discovery.

Mixtapes (Free)

9. Flickr

The best way to share your life in photos - now on your Windows Phone. Take beautiful photos with our in-app camera and instantly uploaded them to Flickr. Keep up with your family and friends through recent activity on Flickr and comment or favorite the images they share with you.

What’s most useful in the Mango update of the official Flickr app is being able to pin live tiles for your photo-stream and for updates from friends who haven't linked their Flickr account to Windows Messenger.

Flickr (Free)

10. WP7applist

Last but not the least is an App that helps you to get other Windows phone apps. This app lets you track changes like new releases, app updates, price drops, apps gone FREE. It also provides rankings for every app available in the Marketplace (USA,UK, IT) for Windows Phone 7. Search the Marketplace, discover new apps and download them right away.

WP7applist (Free)

If you think, that we have missed an app that should be in Top 10, you can always let us know in comments below.

Credits: Pcmag.com

Note: Check-out Windows Phone Apps Challenge - an exciting opportunity to win a free Windows Phone. Every developer who builds and submits three working apps wins a Windows Phone free.