In order to launch these apps from the command line, a shortcut, or from a program like Rainmeter requires using the new "protocol-based" method Microsoft has introduced with Windows 8.
Basically you launch them with the name followed by :// (just like any protocol like http://)
So for instance, to launch the Bing Weather app, you would use:
LeftMouseUpAction=["bingweather://"]
Now the trick is how to find the "protocol names" for the apps you have installed in Windows 8.
There are two ways.
1) Search for the app in the registry and find the associated "protocol".
http://www.itsjustwhatever.com/2012/10/28/launch-windows-8-metro-apps-from-a-desktop-shortcut-or-command-line/
2) Use the "Set Default Programs" app in Windows, scrolling down to the bottom in "Set Associations" to find the list of programs and their "protocols".
http://www.itsjustwhatever.com/2012/12/22/metro-app-names-the-easy-way/
Here is a skin that launches the "Microsoft Solitaire Collection" app from Rainmeter.
Code: Select all
[Rainmeter]
Update=1000
[MeterLaunch]
Meter=Image
W=25
H=25
SolidColor=99,196,84,255
LeftMouseUpAction=["xboxliveapp-1297287741://"]
