10 must-have iPhone apps for Windows users

To many people, Microsoft and Apple represent diametrically opposed factions in a technology holy war. However, the rivalry has eased in recent years as both companies have recognized the changing technology landscape, and developed a strategy to stay connected with customers no matter which device or platform they use.

For Microsoft’s part, that has meant crossing the divide and creating native apps for iOS that enable users to continue using the Windows tools they’re familiar with, and rely on, even if they are using an iPhone or iPad.

I wrote a PCWorld article looking at 10 indispensible iPhone apps for Windows users. Here is an excerpt:

If you’re one of the two out of three Windows users who also own Apple products, you may not realize you can use the traditionally adversarial platforms to get a productivity edge. Microsoft made waves when it launched Office Mobile for iPhone and the Office for iPad apps, but those were just the biggest steps in a strategy the company has been building for awhile. As a result, there are a slew of iPhone apps to help those who depend on Microsoft tools to get things done. Here are the 10 most essential.

1. OneNote

OneNote is the unsung hero of Microsoft Office. It was the first Office product offered on outside platforms like iOS and Android, as well as the first to receive a Windows 8 Modern UI overhaul. The result is an app that lets you record moments, take notes, maintain a to-do list and more from virtually anywhere.

The OneNote app ties in to your Microsoft account to access and sync files through your OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or SharePoint account. You can add pictures, checkboxes, and bulleted or numbered lists from the iPhone, and you can perform limited text formatting.

2. Office Mobile for iPhone

Office Mobile for iPhone delivers the three core Office apps—Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—to the iPhone. When Microsoft first launched Office Mobile for iPhone, using the app required an Office 365 subscription. Microsoft has since removed that restriction and now offers the app for free.

The capabilities of Office Mobile for iPhone are admittedly limited. You won’t be writing the next great American novel, or creating a massive Excel spreadsheet with sparklines and pivot tables. But, you can review and edit existing files and create basic documents. Office Mobile for iPhone even includes templates for common documents you might create from a smartphone, like Agenda, Budget, or Mileage Tracker…

Read the complete article at PCWorld and see which must-have iPhone apps you might be missing: 10 indispensable iPhone apps for Windows users.

What do you think? Do you have an iPhone or iPad and a Windows PC? Are there any “must-have” apps on your list that I missed? Let me know in the comments below.