If you’ve unwrapped a shiny new Android smartphone or tablet under the tree today, then don’t waste any time downloading these apps from the Google Play Store. Yes, if you’re struggling to work out which apps and games are worth your time… and which doesn’t deserve to take up any megabytes on your hard drive, then Google has the answer.
The Californian technology firm has published a list of the best Android apps of the last year. The definitive ranking combines recommendations from millions of Android users worldwide. Voting took place on November 23, with the Californian company now confirming which developers won the sought-after award.
The Play Store editors, who publish editorial content and shine the spotlight on new and noteworthy apps throughout the year, have also highlighted a number of their favourite applications from the last year too.
According to the editors, the best app available to download on your Android smartphone or tablet right now is “Loóna: Bedtime Calm & Relax”. According to the team at Google, the software is a “rare case where utility meets ingenuity and delight” that is “beautifully designed and thoughtfully executed”.
In a blog post about the app, the Google editorial team adds: “Loóna captivated us like no other app this year, with its innovative, beautiful take on bedtime stories. Drift into relaxation through immersive ‘sleepscapes’ — 3D scenes you’ll explore with narration and simple interactions, tapping to bring colour and light to everything from a magical Brooklyn bookshop to a carousel in Paris. Rather close your eyes? Turn on a soothing soundscape, like ‘Lo-fi Beats’ or ‘Art of Nature’.”
Meanwhile, millions of Play Store users who voted in the poll decided that Disney+ was the worthy recipient of the Best App Of 2020 gong. That makes a lot of sense – after all, for millions of people, the last twelve months have been characterised by time spent indoors working from home, studying from home and socialising indoors to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
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Disney+ launched on March 24 in the UK, bringing access unlimited access to classic animated Walt Disney films, Pixar movies, and all of the entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as well as shows and films from National Geographic, including the Academy Award-winning Free Solo, for a single monthly fee.
Not only that, Disney+ includes a number of exclusive original shows, like The Mandalorian, which is set inside the Star Wars universe, as well as High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The Mandalorian recently wrapped-up its second season, which finished on a cliffhanger with dramatic ramifications for the universe of the show.
Meanwhile, Disney has leveraged its new streaming service to bring a number of films scheduled for a cinematic release to the small screen – allowing those in lockdowns to be able to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters while staying safe. The latest from Pixar, dubbed Soul, will debut on Disney+ for all subscribers on Christmas Day for the same reason.
According to the latest statistics on the Play Store, Android users have downloaded Disney+ a staggering 50 million times.
Here are some of the other worthy winners as picked by Google Play Store users –
Best Personal Growth Apps
- Paired: App for Couples | Relationship Advice by Better Half Ltd.
- Centr, by Chris Hemsworth by Loup Pty Ltd
- Speekoo by LearnMyLanguage
- Intellect by The Intellect Company
- Jumprope: How-to Videos by Jumprope
Best Hidden Gem Apps
- Paperless Post Flyer Invitation Maker, Text Invite by Paperless Post
- Loóna: Bedtime Calm & Relax by Loona Inc.
- Explorest-Photo Locations by Explorest Inc.
- Cappuccino by Olivier Desmoulin
- Tayasui Sketches by Tayasui
Best Everyday Essential Apps
- Grid Diary – Journal, Planner by Sumi Interactive
- Whisk: Turn Recipes into Shareable Shopping Lists by whisk.com
- The Pattern by Pattern Home, Inc.
- ZOOM Cloud Meetings by zoom.us
- Calmaria by ABDZ
Best Apps for Good
- GreenChoice: Healthy Grocery Shopping by GreenChoice, PBC
- Medito by Medito for Mindfulness, Meditation and Sleep
- ShareTheMeal: Donate to Charity and Solve Hunger by United Nations
