Windows 8 introduces APIs to support near field communication (NFC) on Windows 8 devices, allowing functionality like launching URLs/applications and sharing of information between devices via NFC. A Microsoft spokesperson however, denied these reports and stated that 'Metro-style' was merely a codename for the new application platform. Reports surfaced that Microsoft employees were told to stop using the term due to potential trademark issues with an unspecified partner. The term 'Metro-style apps' referred to ' Metro', a design language prominently used by Windows 8 and other recent Microsoft products. Upon launching an app, Windows allows the user to pick which snapped view the app should open into. Large screens allow up to four apps to be snapped. Snapped apps may occupy half of the screen. In Windows 8.1, apps can continually be resized to the desired width. In Windows 8 up to two apps may snap to the side of a widescreen display to allow multi-tasking, forming a sidebar that separates the apps. Windows 8.1 Update allows for sideloading apps on all Windows 8.1 Pro devices joined to an Active Directory domain.

Unlike desktop applications, Metro-style apps can be sideloaded, subject to licensing conditions. Metro-style apps are packaged and distributed via APPX, a new file format for package management. WinRT, being a COM-based API, allows for the use of various programming languages to code apps, including C++, C++/CX, C#, Visual Basic. Such apps run within a secure sandbox and share data with other apps through common APIs. Windows 8 introduces the new Windows Runtime (WinRT) platform, which can be used to create a new type of application officially known as Windows Store apps and commonly called Metro-style apps. Snap feature: Xbox Music app, along Photos app snapped into a sidebar to the right side of the screen

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