APPS SPECIAL... 8 best Android apps, according to Google

APPS SPECIAL 8 best Android apps, according to Google

Check out some of the apps that were honoured at the tech giant's annual developer festival

Identifying the best Android apps from nearly three million is a tough task, but that's what happened at Google IO 2017 last month. While Google's impressive AI and VR initiatives took centrestage at its annual conference, it did take some time out to focus on the apps that make its Android platform popular.

Here are a few:

Hooked, winner of Standout Startup award

Almost 2,00,000 people have given Hooked an average of 4.4 stars in the Google Play Store in the lead up to its win as the Standout Startup. This category was for “apps from new developers that offer a unique experience while achieving strong organic install growth“, and it pulled that off with stories told on a text message conversation medium.

Runtastic Running & Fitness, winner of Best Android Wear Experience award

Runtastic Running & Fitness has been one of the best apps to show that technology isn't always turning us into inactive hermits. This Android app has been doing a fine job at improving our fitness routines, together with loads of tracking tools, a voice coach and cheering features.

Red Bull TV, winner of Best TV Experience award

The awa rd for B est T V Experience is for “apps or games built for the large-screen format to provide an intuitive experience.“ And there's only one that has bikes careening downhill, high-octane motorsports, pros carving the slopes, surfers and cliff divers, and documentaries about these wild sports. Red Bull TV has what extreme sports viewers want.

Virtual Reality, winner of Best VR Experience award

While the award in this category is for “Highly engaging and immersive experience with optimal use of Daydream UI,“ Virtual Virtual Reality takes it a step further by putting virtual realities inside a virtual reality.Stylised and cartoony, the game looks impressive, and the concept is novel.

Woorld, winner of Best AR Experience award

Pokemon Go and Snapchat might be the best known augmented reality apps, but you should try the breakout hit Woorld. The app, powered by the AR technology of Tango, lets users add all sorts of things to the world around them, creating interesting environments.

Memrise, winner of Best App award

Memrise is a useful app for learning. It allows users to create their own custom study sets -think flashcards but way more advanced -and tests users on a regular basis to keep their knowledge fresh. It is also loaded with study sets created by other users.

IFTTT, winner of Best Accessibility Experience award

Experience award IFTTT, meaning `If This Then That', enables all sorts of automation with your phone. The integrations with a wide array of apps allow it to do things like open your garage door and text your significant other, “Honey, I'm home“ when you pull into your drive or publically broadcast every text message you receive as a Twitter post.

ShareTheMeal, winner of Best Social Impact award

The United Nations' World Food Programme has made it easier to make a difference for people who are going hungry around the world. Its ShareTheMeal app lets users donate simply and directly from their phone. So after ordering a pizza, one can make a quick little donation to help out someone else in need of a meal.

The app lets users decide how much they want to donate

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