Two apps showcasing Metro UI in its full glory

Over the past few weeks, we have begun to see more and more exciting WP7 being demoed. However, in most of the demos, it never seemed like the developers were taking the time to make the apps visually pleasing and harnessing the full power of the panoramic concept as much as they should. This has ended with apps that are functional, but posses a utilitarian look. The first app (on the video above) is  Kiva; a nonprofit micro finance outfit that provides loans to deserving  entrepreneurs around the world who usually cannot get it through traditional banks. They connect the the lenders usually individuals from the developed world, to these entrepreneurs through the internet. I really like the way they have incorporated the charts and maps into the app.

The second, (on the video below) is a concept WP7 app for the Dutch news website Nu.nl. This app mirrors the WP7 start screen and I wasn’t sure at first if this wasn’t the case. I love the integration with Flickr, social networks and videos. These two apps show what developers can do if they take their time and take advantage of the new UI paradigm instead of using concepts from the old WinMob 6x  or porting design cues from the iPhone or Android platforms. (Please note: There are already great apps like Netflix, Foursquare, AP mobile, Graphic.ly comic reader, that are taking advantage of the Metro UI. These apps just add to that group)

Thanks to:

mobiletechworld.com for the Kiva app and 1800pocketPC.com for Nu.nl concept app.