Following a closed beta status in December that required an approved email to try it out, Path has finally released an open beta version of its app for Windows Phone 8. The app, which was released on Friday, is already available for download on the Windows Phone Store.
The Path Beta for the platform comes with the core features of the mobile-only social media app that allows users to share thoughts, location, photos, and videos. It also allows users to share their memorable moments on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter plus the visually appealing platform of Tumblr. Check-ins can also be done on Foursquare. Path users can also choose if they just want to share their posts with their closest of family members and friends without the prying eye of the public. Path also integrated elements that will make most of Windows Phone's Live Tiles feature.
According to the company, future versions of the app will include Path Shop where stickers are available, Path Messaging to privately message friends, and media moments to highlight movies, music, and books.
"Windows Phone 8 has been our most requested platform. We're excited to welcome Windows Phone 8 users into our community of 23 million strong, so they too can add to the billions of moments that have already been shared on Path. Path Beta for Windows Phone will be available today in the Windows Phone Store, thanks to our collaboration with a joint team from Nokia and Microsoft," Path announced on its official blog.
"Today marks an exciting moment for the Windows Phone community as Path releases an early glimpse of their public beta app. Although there is more ahead, we look forward to Path providing continued updates and delivering a best-in-class Path app experience for Nokia and Windows Phone devices," Nokia's vice president and general manager of developer relations Bryan Biniak said.
Path released the iOS version of its app in 2010 and subsequently jumped to the Android platform to include Google Glass, Samsung Galaxy Gear, and Amazon Kindle Fire.
It seems Path is trying to tap into the reach of the Windows Phone which, according to Kantar World Panel ComTech, is now the third largest mobile OS in Europe with a 10 percent share. However, Windows is still struggling in US and China with a 4.7 percent and 2.7 percent share, respectively.
"You don't have to conquer China and the US to win in the smartphone market, but you do need success in one of them. At the moment there are few signs of progress in either country for Windows Phone and momentum needs to be made soon before OS loyalty severely limits the available market," said strategic insight director Dominic Sunnebo of Kantar.
Path Beta app for Windows Phone can be downloaded here.
