Windows Phone has given developers the unique opportunity to foster growth of alternative, third-party apps for services that just don't bother. Just look at the success of Metrotube or 4th & Mayor as concrete proof that beautiful apps can be made even if they're not 'official'. We have a strong feeling Blueprints by José Arriaga is one of those apps, and in the past few days it has gotten even better with a pair of new updates.

When we originally featured this Tumblr client for Windows Phone, it was possibly the best available and it turns out that is still true today. Touting the same gorgeous Metro-faithful interface and bevvy of features, Blueprints is the closest thing you'll get to a first-party Tumblr app.

Now with version 0.4, one of Tumblr's hallmarks is finally supported: animated GIFs. Previously the app would tell you to tap on a thumbnail to show the GIF in an Internet Explorer tab, but now you can look at the animated image right from the main blog list. Another update which was pushed out before 0.4 also added a few features and tweaked the design of the app.

Blueprints is up for grabs in the Windows Phone Store for $0.99 or as a free 'read-only' trial (no posting, liking, or reblogging). Tumblr addicts on Windows Phone, this is the best buck you're ever going to spend. If you are updating to the latest version and run into trouble, the developer advises you reinstall it. Happy tumbling!

Blueprints by José H. Arriaga Version: 0.4 Price: $0.99 Trial: Yes Store Link