Staff Picks: Windows Phone 7 apps - Tim

With the impending launch of Windows Phone 7 in the US, software developers are preparing their applications for the platform. This is a look at the apps in the Marketplace that I am most looking forward to.

Netflix (Free)

I am really looking forward to being able to watch Netflix content whenever and wherever I am. The 4” Super-AMOLED display on the Samsung Focus has me excited about watching movies and TV; and I can guarantee that this will be a favorite app for my kids.

Seesmic/Twitter (Free)

The decision on which application I will use to manage my Twitter feed is on hold until I can actually use and compare the two apps, but it doesn’t look like there is a wrong choice here.

WeatherBug/Weather Channel (Free)

Like the Twitter choice, the Weather application is something that I have yet to make an actual decision on. I’m actually somewhat surprised there isn’t a built-in utility that handles weather and such. The fact that WeatherBug supports Live Tiles has me leaning that direction currently.

The Harvest ($6.99)

I have been salivating at the chance to play The Harvest ever since MIX. The Harvest has the best graphics that I’ve seen in a WP7 game up to this point; until proven otherwise, this is the Xbox Live game that all others are compared against.

Slacker Radio (Free)

Having an endless source of music is something that I definitely look forward to. I personally think of Slacker as a poor man’s Zune Pass. If I get tired of my own music collection, Slacker’s there for me.

Tetris ($4.99)

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Facebook (Free)

I’m perfectly aware that part of the concept behind Windows Phone 7 is that it integrates with Facebook. I’m fairly certain that there will be some instances where I am wholly focused on interacting with my Facebook profile and my associated friends; in that scenario I will turn to the Facebook app.

Honorable Mentions: de Blob ($2.99), Unite (Free), OMG: Our Manic Game ($2.99), Foursquare (Free).

Tim Ferrill