Pokki
Pokki is a free digital distribution platform and Windows Shell extension by SweetLabs, Inc. that provides a mobile app-like interface for Windows-based computers. It is available for Windows XP and later; the Windows 8 version takes over the Start screen to imitate a look and feel of the second generation Start menu in earlier versions of Windows.

Pokki has been identified as adware by Malwaretips and as "viruses and spyware" by Sophos AV. It may be installed under other names such as "Host App Service" or "App Explorer".

History
The program launched as a beta version in June 2011. Pokki's framework is built on Chromium and allows developers to build desktop applications using standard web languages like HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

In April 2012, Pokki launched the Pokki Store, a marketplace and app store for desktop apps for social networking services and social gaming apps. The Pokki Store allows users to browse, search, and download applications in various categories. Applications are submitted by developers through the Pokki Developer Center.

In August 2012, Pokki exited beta, announced 1 million monthly active users, and released the Pokki Menu, an app launcher for access, management, and discovery of its apps, and a notification center for real-time updates.

In October 2012, Pokki for Windows 8 was released, a free software download that brings back core Windows Start menu functionality that had been removed from Windows 8. As of January 2013, it had about 1.5 million users.

References

External links
 

Software distribution platforms
Windows-only software
Windows-only freeware