The Windows 8 app store is booming with activity, but a few popular apps have been missing since the operating system went public back in 2012. The missing apps are Facebook and Flipboard, and both apps should be available for user consumption not too long after Windows 8.1 is available.

Microsoft revealed the existence of both apps at its Build 2013 developer conference on the Acer Iconia W3 8-inch tablet running the new Windows 8.1 update. Microsoft does not build these apps, they are official from Facebook and Flipboard, and the experience should be what users would come to expect. The apps were announced on stage by Steve Ballmer, and according to the CEO, Facebook has long focused on connecting people across all platforms and the new app "is an exciting way to enhance that vision."

It didn't take long for Flipboard to upload a short 8 second video on YouTube about the app coming to Windows 8. It doesn't show much, but it definitely got many Flipboard users excited of what is to come. In the future, we would love to see a version of the Flipboard app make its way to Windows Phone 8, as it shouldn't be too difficult to derive a port.

"Flipboard will be custom-made for this new platform, allowing Windows users to read, create and share magazines on virtually any topic imaginable. Microsoft fans have already proven to be passionate curators on Flipboard-see magazines like "The Micro-Times," "Love My Windows Phone" and "Flip Your Geek," says the Flipboard blog.

No date has been given on when Windows 8.1 users can expect to see these apps in the Windows Store. Just note that apps made for Windows 8.1 will not be available for Windows 8. However, apps for Windows 8 will work without a problem on Windows 8.1 and higher.