Windows Phone has grown and developed in recent years, but remains in a distant third place behind iOS and Android where active users are concerned.

There are many reasons why nothing short of a miracle will break the big two's dominance, but Microsoft's most pressing concern is narrowing the app gap that stands between the platform and its rivals.

With the likes of Instagram and Dropbox arriving late to the Windows Phone party, the operating system is in reasonably good stead ahead of its transition to Windows 10, but here are seven apps it still sorely needs.



1. Snapchat

Windows Phone already has apps for the majority of the leading social networking and messaging services, but Snapchat remains a glaring omission.

Although the ability to send self-destructing picture messages doesn't appeal to everyone, the service now boasts more than 100 million monthly users, so it's certain to be a popular addition to the platform.

Windows Phone users can usually get by with third-party substitutes, but this is not the case with Snapchat, as sending snaps through an unofficial app will result in your account being suspended.

Snapchat



2. Pebble

The Pebble Watch is one of our favourite wearables, outshining its pricier Android Wear competitors in the battery stakes thanks to its economical e-ink display.

All it would take for Windows Phone users to be able to enjoy this device to its full potential is the launch of an official app from the manufacturer, and we live in hope that one is on the horizon.

Third-party options such as Pebble Watch Pro are available, but functionality is limited to music playback controls, Twitter updates and various notifications.



3. Google Maps

HERE Maps is a solid mapping service and we'd choose it over Apple Maps any day of the week, but Google Maps is the market leader for a reason and many Windows Phone users would welcome it on their handset.

Of course, there are scores of HERE Maps loyalists who have no desire to switch services, but the luxury of choice is a wonderful thing.

Unofficial alternatives to Google Maps include gMaps Pro and GMaps, but we recommend sticking to HERE unless a genuine version comes along.

Google

Google



4. Sky Go

Being able to access live and on-demand Sky content is one of the best perks the broadcaster offers, but once again Windows Phone users are left out in the cold.

The service is already available on the desktop version of Windows and Sky hasn't ruled out supporting Microsoft's mobile platform, but we'd be surprised if there was an announcement before Windows 10 touches down.

There are no unofficial apps for accessing Sky Go on the platform, and even if there were we wouldn't recommend them, as you'd probably be running the risk of having your Sky account suspended.



5. Tinder

Tinder has come to dominate the world of online dating and popularise the term 'swipe right' in the process.

While many of the major players in this sector, like Plentyoffish and Match, do have Windows Phone apps, Tinder is yet to spread its love on the platform.

Third-party Tinder clients such as Timber exist, while imitator apps like 6tin provide essentially the same service.

Tinder

Tinder



6. SwiftKey Keyboard

SwiftKey Keyboard has replaced many a default keyboard on iOS and Android hardware, and these devices are all the richer for it.

The app uses a learning algorithm to monitor how the user types, remembering their colloquialisms and writing style to save them precious time.

There's little wrong with the default Windows Phone keyboard, but we did find ourselves missing SwiftKey when we switched from Android.

SwiftKey



7. ComiXology

There are plenty of Windows Phone devices with generous display real estate out there, making them ideal for viewing digital comic books.

Market leading digital comics platform ComiXology did support Windows Phone at one point, but its official app is sadly no longer published.

Comic book fans on Windows Phone are short of options right now, but digital comic readers such as Comicana at least let them browse their existing collection.

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