We're closing in on the end of 2013 and as we look back it'll hard to argue that this wasn't an incredible year for Windows Phone in terms of gaining new apps. There have been so many big name apps that joined the platform this year. But more importantly, startups have increasingly been turning their attention and resources to focus on Windows Phone. Blippar is a fairly young startup that's just released their application for Windows Phone 8. Let's check it out.

Microsoft just released the My Server 2012 R2 application at the Windows Phone Store. The app helps keep you connected to your server resources through Windows Phone devices. You can manage users, devices, alerts, and access shared files in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials. This is the first version of the app, so let the team know if you have any feedback.

Have a developer unlocked phone? You can get the XAP for the YouTube app from Microsoft that was pulled by Google. 

Metrotube and myTube are by far some of the best options in the Windows Phone Store right now if you want to get your YouTube on. There was a brief period of time where Microsoft's own YouTube app was killer, before Google had it killed. Now it's a shell of its former self and not exactly an app we'd recommend to anyone. Miss that great YouTube app that Microsoft put out? There are ways to get it back. Details below.

It's finally here. Flipboard has been an app that's been high on everyone's list for both Windows Phone and Windows 8. Today we're getting Flipboard for Windows 8.1, with the Windows Phone 8 version coming later. Let's check out what Flipboard for Windows is all about.

We're rounding up the very best deals for Black Friday 2013 in tablets, smartphones, speakers and headphones, mobile accessories, and other cool electronic stuff! Check it all out here for the greatest deals that America's retailers have to offer on the day after Thanksgiving. Prices will, of course, mostly only be applicable on Black Friday (that's November 29), and in some instances on Thanksgiving Day (November 28), and may only be available in limited quantities and only in stores.

We'll be updating this page frequently leading up to Black Friday, so check back later for even more deals!

Save on Flight Control Rocket, An Alien with a Magnet, and Avirall Time Suite this week with Microsoft's Red Stripe Deal. 

With the appearance of Asphalt 8 as a non-Xbox title, some Windows Phone Xbox fans remain in shock. What better way to cure your ills than with an Xbox game that's never gone on sale before? That's exactly what we get with this week's Xbox Red Stripe Deal: Flight Control Rocket from Electronic Arts. Not bad!

The non-Xbox Red Stripe Deals include indie game An Alien with a Magnet from Rejected Games and stopwatch/productivity app Avirall Time Suite from Pilcrow App Dev. Both cost 99 cents this week. Head past the break for descriptions and Store links!

We have 6 reasons why third-party application, 6sec, is better than the official Vine app for Windows Phone. 6sec has been around since July while the official app just came out on Tuesday. Both have the essential features of viewing and uploading Vine videos, but 6sec comes out on top right now.

We have a video comparing these two apps, so go watch it after the break.

Phox is a straightforward Windows Phone photography app that lets you crop, add creative filters, and share your creations with friends and family.  The app was recently updated to version 1.5, which adds a few changes to the user interface and a handful of new filters.

You now have a home button that returns you to Phox's start page after you have save or shared your image.  This may not sound like a huge change but it does eliminate the need to repeatedly tap the Windows Phone Back Button when you need to return to the start page.

Depending on your location, we're a little over a week away from the Xbox One launching around the world. November 22nd marks the day when we'll finally get our hands on Microsoft's next-generation gaming console (in addition to the Lumia 1520 and Lumia 2520). While Microsoft is quick to tout the all-in-one entertainment possibilities on the Xbox One, we want to know what games you're most excited about in this week's poll.

Huawei's second Windows Phone is a budget device with a ton of perks

When it comes to budget Windows Phones for emerging markets (or those with limited financial abilities), Nokia comes to mind. However, China-based Huawei knows a thing or two about low-cost smartphones and with the recently announced Ascend W2, they're carving a nice niche for themselves in the East.

While many in the West will dismiss Huawei as "cheap" or not worth their time, our exposure with the Ascend W2 may change your mind. Sure, the device falls on the low-end for features but it's a solid budget offering that Window Phone fans should be proud of. It represents the brand well and we think it's an excellent choice for new and aspiring shoppers.

Head past the break for our video tour, high quality photos and thoughts of this phone.

In a blog post on Windows Phone Developer Blog, Microsoft has announced support for Facebook Login on Windows and Windows Phone 8. This would allow developers to tap into the Facebook social graph to enhance their app's experience and open up the app to new customers.

The Xbox team has revealed on Twitter that the Games for Gold promotion is moving to the Xbox One. Those who own an Xbox 360 and are subscribed to Xbox Gold have been enjoying a steady stream of free games made available each month. Microsoft recently made the campaign permanent and the company now plans to support those who purchase its next-generation console.

The Windows Phone community is a pretty incredible place. Third party developers have constantly stepped up to the plate when an official app doesn't exist on the platform or the current app is lackluster. Case in point, Phonly is an excellent app for users who want to get Feedly on Windows Phone. Solid performance meets a gorgeous UI in Phonly. The app also just received an update, so let's dive into what's new with it.

Does it feel like you're forking out for tools and the means to create some content for the Xbox console (or any platform for that matter)? Microsoft may have a solution for you with its independent developer self-publishing program for Xbox One. Heard of Unity? The popular, highly rated and expensive kit will be available for free to those who are signed up for the Microsoft program.

Crumble Zone is a new arcade game for Windows Phone 8 that calls upon you to save a tiny planet from impending doom.  You play the role of a tiny green alien who must protect a planet from wave upon wave of asteroids.  You also have a variety of comets and meteoroids that presents a serious concern as well.

As you destroy the various dangers hurtling from space the explosions generate gems and diamonds that can be collected to unlock special weapons that will give you a slight edge in protecting the planet.

Crumble Zone is the first game from the developer, Rebel Twins, to land in the Windows Phone Store.  It makes a very good first impression and hopefully this won't be the last we see from Rebel Twins.

Microsoft has announced a new strategy to combat criminal hackers by opening up a new Cybercrime Center. This building will house security engineers, digital forensic experts and trained lawyers. The company is attempting to play catch up with hackers who have innovated alongside technology to remain one step ahead of law enforcement. 

The Nokia DVLUP team has kindly provided Windows Phone Central with 10 free giveaway DVLUP design consultations for your Windows Phone apps! The consultations are usually worth 3,125 XP points so it's a very good deal.

Do you have a Windows Phone app that works great, with good ratings and reviews but not the best UX and design? If you do then this giveaway is for you.

Today, leakster Twitter account @evleaks revealed the codenames of two upcoming Nokia Windows Phones, the "Goldfinger" and "Moneypenny." As well as these new smartphones, Nokia is also reported to be working on "3D Touch," utilising hardware sensors to enable you to manipulate things on-screen through gestures. Similar to what you can do already with Nokia Glance. 

While many of you opt for Nokia's free HERE Drive, which just received a nice update this morning, some of us opt for more powerful apps like CoPilot from ALK Technologies. Put simply, third party apps may cost money, but they often feature more options and tech that make it worthy for the true road warrior. CoPilot for Windows Phone 8 arrived back in June and maintains a healthy 4 out of 5 stars on the Store for reviews.

This morning, version 9.5 has gone live in the Store and brings along with it a host of new features. We of course have the full scoop of all the changes, so read on if you're curious.

Like other Nokia software releases, this morning also saw the arrival of their HERE Maps application for Windows 8. The Windows Store app, meant for their RT-based Lumia 2520, is their first mapping app for the desktop/tablet.

That's the good news, but the bad news that it is only for their Lumia tablets.  That means that once again, users can see the listing in the Store but if they try to click the Store link, they will be met with an error that this app is not mean for their device. It also means that the Lumia 2520 is getting close to release.

Developer Jimmy Engströ​m has managed to build an API to control a Silverlit (www.silverlit.com) remote control car. Using Bluetooth, the Windows Phone is able to control the toy just like any supported controller. It's pretty neat, but of course not really useful for the average consumer (unless you happen to have a Bluetooth controlled car stored away somewhere).

Nokia is on an updating roll this morning. The company has pushed out a new version of HERE Drive to the Windows Phone Store, introducing a batch of new features. If you find yourself looking around for your car often, or wish to view a list of turn-by-turn directions from any given route, this update is for you. But wait, there's more.

Nokia has updated its Nokia Camera app for both Lumia 1520 and Lumia 1020 owners to take full advantage of the upcoming RAW image format support. We previously looked at company plans to add capabilities for the Windows Phones to save photos in lossless DNG (Digital Negative) format, but this app update is a small hint that the wait is almost over.

The official GoPro app for Windows Phone just received a much-requested update. Version 1.1 adds compatibility for the new GoPro HERO3+ cameras. This app lets you control your GoPro camera remotely using Windows Phone 8 devices with at least 1GB RAM. You can start/stop recording, snap a photo, or adjust settings from your phone. You can also preview live video for easy shot framing.

We've covered Bear Motion cases for the Microsoft Surface before and now we turn our sights on the company's offerings for the smaller screen. Bear Motion offers a slim, shell case and a flip case with cover for the Nokia Lumia 1020.

Both cases are economically minded and comes in a wide selection of colors. The Bear Motion cases don't rise to the level of protection the Otterbox line of cases offer but will help defend your Lumia 1020 from minor scratches and scuffs.

While some may not see the need for a case with the Lumia 1020, those who do may want to consider the Bear Motion cases.