Microsoft releases Network Speed Test app for Windows 8

If you’re running both Windows Phone and Windows you’re probably like us in that you love seeing the same app for both platforms. There’s something about that unified design and similar functionality that just makes us giddy. So even if we’re late to the party, we’re happy to see Microsoft Research’s Network Speed Test app on Windows 8.

A handful of weeks back we saw Network Speed Test hit the Windows Phone Store. You can now grab the app in the Windows Store. They both share a similar design and feature set. Which is a good thing if you’re looking for a simple app to check the speed of your network. Here’s what you can measure with the app:

• Network Delay
• Download Speed
• Upload Speed

In addition to those three variables. You can also see some more info about your current network. Things like connection type, network name, internet status, host name, access point BSSID, authentication, encryption, and a history of your results.

The app is put out by Microsoft Research. Using servers around the globe they’ll check your connection speed. It’s a good way to help keep your ISP and carriers honest about their advertised service. It’s also handy because Microsoft collects a few characteristics of the data that they’ll hopefully use to improve their understanding of network quality and availability. And to all the folks out there with tinfoil hats on, Microsoft can’t connect the data the app sends to you.

If this is something you want on your Surface or desktop be sure to head on over to the Windows Store to grab it.  It's a free app so you've got nothing to lose.

P.S. I'm at a coffee shop. My speeds are normally a little faster than that ;)