From fun selfie filters to apps that will teach you how to adult – our smartphones would be nothing without mobile applications.
But downloading a new app can always feel like a little bit of a lottery; will you love it, will you hate it and most importantly, will you actually use it?
To help you out, Google Play has compiled a list of 2017’s best apps, from the most popular to hidden gems.
Here are the company’s favourites.
Most downloaded in 2017
This #CyberWeek, shouldn’t selling your stuff be as easy as buying new stuff? #WhatWillYouSell? https://t.co/z7Golu9wMU pic.twitter.com/GiHN2Tf93t
— Mercari (@mercari_app) November 26, 2017
It looks like selfie, shopping and gaming apps were Google Play users’ favourites this year. FaceApp, the selfie app which produces photos of users looking older or younger, came out on top.
Here are the top five:
1. FaceApp
2. Mercari
3. Selfie Camera – Filter & Sticker & Photo Editor
4. 5 Gold Rings UK
5. Don’t Ask Me Ask Britain
Best for Kids
Sago Mini Town Kids Games – 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky Baby Songs EP#9 https://t.co/Dl4eBUKrat pic.twitter.com/t3hgrQdgbZ
— Unboxing TV (@UnboxingTVkids) June 7, 2017
If you are looking to keep the kids entertained on the long drive to the grandparents for Christmas, why not try one of these recommended apps?
Pinkfong Shapes & Colours
Sago Mini Town
123 Numbers – Count & Tracing
Space for Kids Star Walk 2 Astronomy Game
Miffy’s World
Best Hidden Gem
Introducing: Libby! The new app for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks, brought to you by OverDrive https://t.co/MVr8EIHe7N pic.twitter.com/B6kDSCixxv
— Waunakee P. Library (@Waunalib) August 29, 2017
You may not have heard of these, but you may want to check them out.
Socratic – Math Answers & Homework Help
Gyroscope
Libby
Mercari
Notin
Most Innovative
"The @BeMyEyes app has changed my life in the way that now I really have certainty, I have a security.” – Hans-Peter, Switzerland pic.twitter.com/r8gyid0Qeo
— Be My Eyes (@BeMyEyes) November 29, 2017
From sharing your every move to helping others, these apps are leading the way.
Snapchat
Be My Eyes – helping the blind see
Timbre: Cut, Join, Convert mp3
Google Earth
Best Daily Helper
These apps will help you get a grip on your life. Meditation, cooking and money saving are all covered in this list.
Simple Habit Meditation
SideChef: Step-by-step cooking
Notebook – Take Notes, Sync
Step Counter – Pedometer Free & Calorie Counter
Chip – Saving, made easy.
Best Social
Whatever dusty corner of work you find yourself in, join us at Frontiers to explore how things can be different. https://t.co/Ho1qaLl3Kq pic.twitter.com/qgunI8dx09
— Slack (@SlackHQ) August 28, 2017
Share your running achievements, find people to practise languages with or work better as a team with these.
Litsy
Tandem: Find Language Exchange Partners Worldwide
Strava Running and Cycling GPS
Kudos
Slack
This set of applications should keep you going well into 2018.