Following the launch of Windows 8 on Friday, and ahead of the official launch of Windows Phone 8 later today, Microsoft has published a "Windows Phone" app in the Windows 8 Store. Acting as a replacement for the Zune Desktop client, it can be used to transfer music, photos and video from your PC to your Windows Phone 8 device (and vice versa). 

The app also shows basic information about the connected Windows Phone 8 device, inlcuding battery life, and amount of space being used by each type of content. In its current form the app has less functionality than Zune Desktop, and is, perhaps, best described a media transfer and companion app.

The Windows 8 Store lists the app as having the following features:

• Get your music, photos and videos from your computer to your phone (and vice versa).
• Quickly share things from your phone with Windows 8 apps (like Photos or Search). You don’t even have to open the Windows Phone app to move things around.
• Automatically save photos and videos you take with your phone to your PC.
• See at a glance how much space you’re using for each type of content, so it’s easy to make sure you never run out of room on your phone.
• Get to WindowsPhone.com to download apps, learn more about your phone or find it if it’s lost.

App description:

Your computer and your Windows Phone 8 work together seamlessly with the Windows Phone app so you always have your photos, videos, music and more right where you want them.

We'll have additional coverage on the Windows 8 Windows Phone app as part of our in-depth Windows Phone 8 coverage.

The Windows Phone app for Windows 8 can be downloaded from the Windows 8 Store.