Social network Badoo has its app updated for Windows Phone 8

There's a saying, better late than never, which describes the Windows Phone 8 update of Badoo (www.badoo.com) perfectly. The release has just gone through to the store, bringing the social network up-to-date with the latest release of Windows Phone, previously only being optimised for older hardware. 

If you're not familiar with Badoo, it's a social network focused more on meeting new people, whereas the likes of Facebook is geared more towards remaining in contact with friends and family (as well as pour hundreds of hours into web games). There's a handy "want to meet?" feature and messaging system to get you meeting new, cool peeps and expanding your group of friends.

While the website is a nice experience for those sat in front of a desktop or with a laptop nearby, the Badoo app for Windows Phone is handy if you're out and about with only your smartphone at hand. The new Windows Phone 8 experience is pretty sweet with full Live Tile support (you can pin multiple tiles to your Start screen), fast resume and a noticeable improvement regarding speed. 

Firing up the app will present you with the login screen, but don't worry if you're not currently with Badoo. The social network will enable you to create an account there and then, or you can connect via Facebook if you so desire. The main menu is your portal to everything Badoo, including messages, the encounter game, checking who has visited your profile, viewing favourites and configuring settings.

Badoo

We've encountered no issues when browsing through profiles, sending a few messages and checking out the features offered by the web service. If you really dig the social network, there's the option to purchase credits to increase your likelihood of meeting even more people. We recommend you check out the latest release if you're the social type.

You can download Badoo from the Windows Phone Store for free (available for both Windows Phone 7 and 8). If you use Badoo, what do you make of the Windows Phone app?

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.