There's so much new gadgetry coming out of the MWC 2012, it's easy to overlook some of the most popular and least expensive gear to debut, namely the apps. Microsoft has run away with the apps crown at this show because they used the conference to unveil the Windows 8 Consumer Preview software. Included in that release is the opening of the Windows 8 store, and the new apps there are free during the duration of the preview.

Nokia released a few new apps for the Windows Phone system, and Nokia has also united Bing Maps with their own Maps app. The singular design is now available in both app versions. Additionally, there are new apps for the PlayStation Vita, and we included a couple of new useful iPhone apps and Android apps, of course. The focus has been on Microsoft, and perhaps the most popular app unveiled for Windows Phone was Skype (beta).

Finally, Samsung announced an app contest for the Galaxy Note. The best new app that takes advantage of the Note's S Pen will win $200,000 and there's a popular choice award given to the app consumers like best. Developers have until April 2 to submit their new Galaxy Note specific apps. Start the slideshow to see the 10 best new apps from MWC 2012. Let us know in the comments if you're checking out the Windows 8 preview and what you think of the new apps.

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