Sponsored story: Say hello to the most comprehensive app store

We've earlier revealed key reasons why you should look forward to the Windows 8.1 update. Now, we bring you a sneak peek into all the cool apps that you can get for your Windows 8.1 tablet or PC, including the brilliant apps Microsoft has packaged in the latest edition of the Windows OS. ProductivityMicrosoft OfficeA Windows-powered device will always be incomplete without a Microsoft Office suite, wouldn’t it? Actually, any computing device would, since Microsoft Office is the de facto standard for documents, spreadsheets, presentations and more. The latest edition of Windows 8.1 too features Microsoft’s very own Office. Designed to work with the touch-based UI, Microsoft Office will feature an updated version of all its apps in the suite - OneNote, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, et al. MailOne app that has undergone a major overhaul is the Mail app. With its new avatar, the Mail app now lets you add all your existing accounts – from Yahoo to Gmail, and even Outlook, in one application. So you can browse messages from each of these services under various tabs in one mailbox. EvernoteEvernote is an easy-to-use app that helps you remember everything across all of your Windows 8.1 devices. You can create a plaintext note on your Windows 8.1 tablet or PC, and then open it on your Windows Phone smartphone or any other device. DropboxDropbox is a cloud-storage alternative app built for Windows 8.1. Now you can easily access work or private files securely on your Windows 8.1 tablet. Dropbox allows you to store documents, back up your pictures, and watch videos with a tap. SkypeIf voice and video calling is something that you prefer, as do so many others, then the updated Skype is an app you will love. Skype fans will be happy to know that Skype has taken over Windows Messenger and has been integrated into the Windows OS as a tool for instant messages. The updated Skype will show you notifications on a locked screen. You can also respond to incoming chats and calls without signing into the locked screen, making it easier to use. OneDriveWith Windows 8.1 PCs and devices being powered by the Cloud, users can store files safely and view them from anywhere using OneDrive which was earlier called as SkyDrive by Microsoft. Save them, store them, use them for offline viewing, OneDrive lets you do all of it on the go. [caption id="attachment_220715" align="alignnone" width="640"] OneDrive for your cloud storage needs[/caption] BingWith an upgrade to Bing, Microsoft has made search smarter than ever before. Not only does Bing populate search results by pulling information from all over the web but also offers relevant files from OneDrive, links to other queries, and a range of options to customise your search queries. Internet Explorer (IE) 11IE 11 is here to change the game. With the back-end capability of opening a table in approx. 155 milliseconds, IE lets you open multiple tabs without any hassle. And yes, it has been updated to be a very touch-friendly web browser. Entertainment & CommunicationXbox MusicAn update to Xbox Music will now allow you to play your own music, which was not possible earlier. Whether you stream your music or listen to your own tunes, Xbox Music should be a great source of entertainment for Windows 8.1 users. And the entertainment doesn’t end till you choose to, as the new Radio feature allows endless streaming unlike apps available in other OSes. FacebookKeeping up with your pals is easier than ever with the purpose-built Facebook app. Now you can share pictures, interesting websites and keep up with your besties without needing to leave your tablet. With deep integration into Windows 8.1, your contacts will feature rich Facebook content, including their latest pictures and status updates. LineLine is a free communication messenger which allows you to send free text, voice and video messages 24 hours a day! It also a tons of other value-added content, such as stickers and games. TwitterWe don’t need to introduce Twitter, do we? But with the Windows 8.1 app you would not want to go back to the web version, thanks to the touch-friendly and intuitive UI. KindleYou’ll have access to over 1 million* books in the Kindle Store thanks to the Kindle reading app, including best sellers and new releases. Amazon’s Whispersync technology automatically syncs your furthest page read, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across all your devices that have the Kindle app installed and across any Kindle device. Asphalt 8: AirborneRacing junkies can rest assured of getting their adrenaline fix on Windows 8.1 With Asphalt 8’s jaw-dropping graphics and smooth controls, racing games have a new standard to live up to. VLC for Windows 8Your favourite video player in a new avatar. With the new launch of the Windows 8 version, you will not be found lacking for options when it comes to watching your favourite videos. VLC brings its typical wide support for codecs and formats, along with nifty features for the power users. UtilityCleartripTravel often? Cleartrip for Windows 8 features a simple design that’s so characteristic of the site. It makes your bookings faster than ever before, and you can search and book flights, and access previously booked trips. IRCTCThe official app for the IRCTC provides booking facility of railway tickets online and offers other services like checking reservation status, train schedules, train routes, availability of tickets, cancellation, booking history, recent history, favorites, add passengers as contacts and roaming the transactions between multiple devices. ICICI BankPresenting the official app from ICICI Bank which lets you manage your bank account seamlessly across devices. It is a banking facility where practically all internet banking transactions can now be simply done on Windows 8.1 tablets and desktops. Customers can transfer funds to ICICI and non-ICICI bank accounts with a click, and get all account-related information quickly. LICNow LIC's customers and personnel can access all information about LIC products & services right through their Windows 8.1 device. Users have options for viewing LIC Insurance Plans, Premium calculation, checking Policy Details, applying for new Policy and getting LIC Branch contact information, among other features. OLXOLX allows you to easily post ads for free and search for classified ads in your local area. Whether it is a flat screen TV, mobile phones, electronics, used cars, an apartment to rent, or a second-hand piece of furniture, OLX provides you with millions of buyers and sellers to connect to, for free. Bing Health and Fitness and Bing Food and DrinkPowered by Bing, these are some apps with impressive layouts. While the Health and Fitness app lets you plan exercise routines, use nutrition information, and offers health trackers and diet trackers, the Food and Drink app allows you to get some amazing cooking advice, create meal plans, check for recipes and more. Bringing dollops of information at your fingertips, these are some apps one must check out. Maps, Alarms, Calendar and many other utility tools will also be available with timely updates. But the above list is just a sampling of what's available on the Windows Store. Check out the Windows Store for the full list.