Best Windows 10 apps of December 2017

The last month of 2017 saw the arrival of some impressive apps for Windows 10. They add some impressive features for users and also can replace some very popular apps.

Affinity Photo

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Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo (Image credit: Windows Central)

Affinity Photo is one of many powerful apps that came to the Microsoft Store in 2017. It's a professional-level photo editor that goes up against programs like Photoshop. It has everything from basic RGB color correction to advanced multi-layer editing. You can find out about more of its features in our full review.

The app performed very well in our testing and is also cheaper over the long run than full Photoshop. Affinity Photo is usually available on Windows 10 for $49.99 but is currently on sale for $39.99.

See in Microsoft Store

Whiteboard

Whiteboard is only in preview but when we took a look at it earlier this month we were very impressed. The app creates a virtual whiteboard that you can use for drawing, importing photos, and working together with friends and colleagues. That last feature is the most important as the app is centered around real-time collaboration between users on different devices.

Even in preview the app works very well and shows a lot of promise for where it will be in the future as a key tool in virtual offices and schools. The app's preview is available on Windows 10 for free.

See in Microsoft Store

Index Cards

Index Cards is a great study tool. It takes the simplicity of flash cards and infuses digital features such as inserting images, tags, and the ability to search for specific words. The design is easy to use and feels native inside Windows 10. We were very impressed with the app after reviewing it this month and it could easily slide in as a regular part of your study routine.

The app is also regularly updated by the developer based on user feedback so there's reason to believe the app will get even better over time. There is a free version of the app available but to use all of the features you'll have to upgrade to the premium version for $2.99.

See in Microsoft Store

Honorable mention: Groupy

We featured Groupy in last month's roundup because we got to review a pre-release copy in November, but the app is now available for the general public through Stardock's website.

See at Stardock

A solid year

These apps are some solid additions to an already impressive set of new apps in 2017. We'll be rounding up the best apps from the entire year soon so make sure to reach out with some of your favorites.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com.