When Microsoft released Windows 8 last year, I blogged about it and expressed my dislike for the Windows 8 Metro UI and apps. Of course, I love Windows 8 and love its Modern UI.
But what I don’t like about Windows 8 is its Start Screen which gives the feeling of running two PCs in one. It’s like we’re using a PC and Tablet at the same time. There are decent number of Windows 8 apps out there but I was not using any. Why? Because the Windows 8 app ecosystem is a light year away from iOS or Android.
But wait, things have changed ever since I tried the People and Mail app by Microsoft. Why? Because of Windows 8 Notifications. I personally tried both these apps when I first got the PC and didn’t play much with notifications but later I realized that the Windows 8 notifications works even when the app is not open or started.
For Notifications to work, you have to enable the same under "Permissions" [App > Settings > Permissions > Notifications] of each app.
People, Mail, Twitter: Only 3 Windows 8 Apps I Use
With People app, you can connect your Microsoft (or Hotmail or Outlook.com), Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Skype, and Twitter accounts. And it shows a consolidated view of your Facebook and Twitter updates.
With Mail app, you can add any e-mail account that supports IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) or EAS (Exchange ActiveSync) and can get real-time notifications about new messages. I don’t use this app for sending/receiving mail but its notifications are really useful for me as I don’t have to keep my Inbox open all the time in a web browser.
And finally, if you’re on Twitter then there’s an official Twitter app for Windows 8. Again, I don’t really use that app but its real-time notification works. You can enable notifications in Twitter app so that you’ll get real-time Notifications for new Mentions, Retweets, Favorites, Followers, and Direct Messages.
Now if you want to hide the Notifications temporarily then go to Windows 8 > Settings > Notifications and click on “Hide for 1 hour”, Hide for 3 hours” or “Hide for 8 hours”.
You Might Also Like
Notifications: The Only Reason Why I Love Windows 8’s Modern UI is a post by Minterest