Time to make this your most memorable summer months ever

It’s officially the first day of summer and what do you need? Apps. Entertainment. Games. Getting all the digital gear in place guarantees an eventful, engaging, and memorable season that allows you to explore and discover as you get the most out of your travel and/or staycation plans.

Entertainment

Disney+

Disney+, this years’ entertainment category winner of the Microsoft Store Editor’s Choice Awards, is not only the home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content, but the app provides viewers an immersive viewing experience. Each week, check out its latest addition to its inventory. From its latest releases to original works to the classics, you’ll have your pick of movies, TV series, and documentaries. Plus, you’re in the driver’s seat with Parental Controls, the ability to watch four screens at once (at no additional cost), and MAX Enhanced to experience an expanded aspect ratio. This summer, you and your family won’t be short of titles to watch, explore, and relish in their fandom. In fact, over the next few weeks, check out titles like Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (June 22), season one of Disney’s “Baymax” (June 29) and National Geographic’s “America the Beautiful” (July 4).

Microsoft Movies & TV

With summer adventures, you’re going to amass your collection of videos. Gone are the days where you miss those unexpected moments that you want to share with friends and family. Just whip out your device and those memories are chronicled for life in your Microsoft Movies & TV app.

However, with Movies & TV you also have access to the latest, biggest movies and commercial-free TV series right at your fingertips. Entertainment is always available to you for those plane rides, road trips, or moments of solitude. Rent or buy from the Microsoft Store’s huge catalogue of content, then watch at home or on the go (i.e., download to your Windows PC and watch with or without an internet connection). And with the most recent blockbusters, catch them before they are on DVD or subscription services. As an extra bonus, you can catch one of Microsoft Store’s frequent sales, promotions, and bundles (often including Xbox games). Plus, you can gain points to redeem for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and nonprofit donations. Right now, you can check out two of the store’s latest blockbusters, Uncharted and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Music

Spotify – Music and Podcasts

Whether you’re on the road, the air, the sea, or the couch, you won’t miss a beat, an opinion, or a chart-topping moment with Spotify. Enjoy access to a seemingly endless number of tracks, albums, and radio, plus ready-made and personalized playlists to suit your every mood. Are podcasts your thing? Well, listen in on thousands of podcasts, many of which you can only find on this fan-favorite app. You’ll even find video podcasts that you can watch directly in Spotify or get sucked into your latest read through one of their many audiobooks. Enjoy with an occasional ad or go ad-free through its premium service. The choice is yours.

Games

Among Us

Just because you’re leaving town this summer, doesn’t mean you can’t stay engaged with your friends and family. Check out Among Us, a four to 15-player online game that was initially developed as a party game. You are a crew member seeking to complete all of your assigned tasks on a spaceship. However, watch out for Imposters who are seeking to kill everyone aboard. Call emergency meetings to vote them out, but you must choose correctly. The twist? You can also choose to be an Imposter as you sneak around the ship, cause chaos, and frame innocent bystanders. Customize your character and tap into voice chat. Plus, you can also play across mobile and PC.

Township

Now is the time to build that town you’ve always wanted from the ground up. Till your land and grow a massive farm with all the fruits, vegetables, and farm animals you can hold. Sell your offerings at the local market. Better yet, why not build the local market? From zoos to cinemas to restaurants, this free game is steeped in choice. With Township, you can even explore the mine to collect resources and discover ancient artifacts.

Seriously, being bored is not an option this summer.

Journaling

Diarium: Journal, Diary, Notes

Your summer adventure must be chronicled. As you’re collecting a multitude of memories, you don’t want anything to be forgotten. Queue in Diarium. This digital journaling app is as beautiful as it is functional and simple to navigate. Keep all thoughts in one place for future reference. Are you prone to forgetting to update your diary? Set up a reminder. Not interested in letting anyone sneak a peek at your private thoughts? Simply lock it with your password. Attach photos, audio recordings, files, tags, people, ratings, or locations in a snap. Plus, you can always revisit your journeys in Diarium’s world map.

Video Editing

Wondershare Filmora

While it’s great to have an awesome summer, but it means nothing if you can’t provide the proof. Share a video or it didn’t happen! And while you’re at it, give your proof of a well-lived life a little pizzazz with the video editing app, Wondershare Filmora. Try out advanced features that have been simplified and ramp up the fun factor. You can edit your imported video and audio within a magnetic timeline while applying an array of effects, titles, transitions, and music, while having a choice of working in light or dark mode. Plus, you can try out intuitive motion tracking.

Social Media

Pinterest

When it comes to your summer, you’re in control. Before you get started on your next great adventure, collect your inspirations and get to planning on Pinterest. Gather those pics and screenshots of cool, regional tattoos you’ve been eyeing. Collect imagery of houses from your favorite movies or TV shows you’d like to visit. All of the baked treats in the city of your dreams can be collected and not missed when you arrive. There’s no reason to stifle your inspiration. Curate all your ideas in one place and build boards to see your vision come together and inspire you to make your move. Find travel-based ideas and articles, collaborate with your friends, and pull together visual cues in one space. Save your ideas, organize by topic, and share. Your travel plans vision board will thank you.