Parcel Tracker returns to Windows Phone, also available for Windows 8

By Rich Edmonds
last updated

Good news for those who enjoyed the functionality of Parcel Tracker on Windows Phone. The developer has decided to support the app on the Store once again. This is after announcing their departure from the platform earlier last month. We've previously reviewed Parcel Tracker, as well as providing the developer with coverage for each major update applied, so it's good to see the well received app back on the Store. But that's not all that has arrived.

The developer has also decided to launch a similar app (albeit with a different title) for Windows 8, the newly released version of Microsoft's desktop operating system. While we're excited to see both apps now being officially supported with the future looking bright, we can't help but think we have Microsoft to thank for that.

Parcel Tracker

Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 have just launched, reviews are generally positive, Windows 8 sales have been highlighted by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, and Windows Phone 8 hardware have begun to roll out so it makes sense for any developer to reassess Microsoft's mobile platform. The developer of Parcel Tracker revealed poor sales and conversions to be the main factor in their previous departure.

If you've never heard of Parcel Tracker, you might want to check out our previous coverage, as well as the review we published back in 2010 (it's weird going back that far in Windows Phone's life). The app is a must-have for those who are required to keep track of packages and shipments that are in transit. A much loved feature is push notifications support that's utilised by many veteran users.

Package Tracker

As mentioned above, the developer has also released a Windows 8 app, called Package Tracker. Now, before you get overly excited and start drooling, synchronisation between the two apps isn't yet possible. But the developer has revealed in a news bulletin posted within the Parcel Tracker Windows Phone app that this functionality will be included soon.

You can download Parcel Tracker from the Windows Phone Store (QR Code below) for $2.49 (£1.99), and Package Tracker can be downloaded from the Windows Store (opens in new tab) for $2.99 (£2.19). Thanks, Mike, for the tip!

QR: Parcel Tracker

Rich Edmonds
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.

49 Comments
  • Thank goodness becasue I use that app all the time. I also bought the tablet version.
    I do prefer the darker theme instead of this brown theme, Hopefully I can choose the darker theme.
  • I actually prefer the brown/lighter theme, and general aesthetics, found on the Windows 8 version! Either way, giving an option for a darker theme allows both of us to equally enjoy the app! :)
  • Excellent!,  Will purchase once I get my WinP8 device.
    Thanks,
  • Welcome back to the future of mobile OS.
  • +1
  • How did I not no about this app. #gamechanger
  • The phone or the tablet version?
  • WPCentral app on the windows store anytime soon?
  • I'm waiting for it too.
  • Yeah it's called pinning the website to your start screen.
  • Pinning is so Xbox. C'mon Rafael.
  • I know, but it is so much nicer to have an app.
  • +1
  • I second that question as well. it's a must buy.
  • This app helps me keep track of my amazon orders. I'm glad it's staying.
  • Called it. He came crawling back.
  • LMAO!!
  • Knew they'd come back.  I'd bet that Windows 8 played a part in that decision. <3 Windows 8. :)
  • I think this was a marketing stunt. nothign wrong with that though and most important point is that we got to keep high quality app.
  • Yeah I was just thinking this was an unnecessary marketing stunt. But hey it got tons of pub on this site at least...
  • i guess i'm kind of spoiled with the way the android market works, but i'm somewhat irked by having to buy the app on my phone and win8 tablet seprately. 
     
    i understand that they're two seperate stores, but i can't escape the feeling of being shafted in some way :P
  • I was thinking the same but then again, if I have this on my phone, why would I need a similar app on my tablet?
  • it's nice to have if you're already using the tablet, you can then just open the app up instead of switching devices.
     
     
  • Bought this week and a half ago thinking it was going away..great news its staying on WP ^_^. Amazing apps..
  • Awesome, thanks for coming back Parcel Tracker--you're the best.
  • Maybe I can track my Touch cover I bought at amazon for $19.99. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009Z2FRWK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF...
  • i got one too, i don't have high hopes for them honoring it, but it's worth a shot for sure!
  • The description doesn't match the product title or picture. Hmmm..
  • but the seller is amazon, so i have faith that i at least will either get shipped the right product, or they will cancel it based on an error. the picture and manuf of the product is listed as microsoft, so if amazon sends me some 3rd party piece of crap i will get angry and also return it.
  • I got two blue ones. Hopefully they will honor it. Worst that could happen is they cancel my order. Major score. Now for my Surface RT and Pro. Come to daddy.
  • Same here. Even though the description was off, the fact that everything else, including the pictures, was on point sold me. If it doesn't work out Amazon should be good on refunds/canceling.
  • I chose Shipping Buddy instead of Parcel Tracker. This was one of the times I didn't need any images for my app and I only paid $1 for the app to remove the ads. Shipping Buddy has always been reliable for me. Others will prefer Parcel Tracker, but different strokes. Hopefully the vendor will get revenue and sales will be better. I hoped he wasn't betting the farm on WP7.
  • I personally am fond of the app and very happy that the app is supported again. Welcome back!
  • Bought!
    What an awesome app. Great design!
  • Excellent addition.  Thank you.
  • Hopefully this a sign of all Apps coming to Win 8, I'm due an upgrade in April will make my decision then if I'm staying with Windows Phone.
  • Glad they're back. I use PackageTracker and it seems to be about the same thing.
  • Glad to hear it's back, but they increased the price, sadly.
  • Bought both of them. I order a lot of stuff online, this app is a complete lifesaver. I tried a lot of parcel tracking app but this is the one that provides the best experience.
  • #1 tracking app period. Use it all the time which is why I bought the app for multiple tracking purposes. I especially use it heavily before & after Xmas. Thanks for sticking with us & supporting the app guys.
  • Is it too late to hold onto the hope the developer of Carbon will come back?
  • LOL I was thinking the same thing!
  • Got the Windows 8 version, Package Tracker, pretty great app!
  • thanx guys 
     
     
    thanx wp central guys for making site so osssm
     
     
    nokia lumia 920
  • So, I guess the real quest is are they going to actually stay in the market now? Seemed like someone I don't want to support after they were not only pulling out, but going to pull the app so people that bought were going to not even be able to redownload it. Left a bad taste of the dev for me anyway.
  • Real question, not real quest. Need an edit function in the wpcentral app lol.
  • The power of the press prevails, again. Thanks WP Central for both articles. Now I can get back to tracking my packages, soon on all my devices.
  • Im very happy to have given this tip because this app is the second most useful app to me, WPCentral app being my number one. Thanks Rich for the acknowledgement.
  • This is a great app! Thanks for the article.