Top 10 Best Android Apps of 2013

Being the dominant mobile platform in the market, 2013 proved to be an unforgettable year for Android. In only one year, we saw an upgrade to Jelly Bean and the introduction of Android 4.4 Kit Kat. 2013 also saw the launch of popular Android devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, HTC One, Motorola Moto X, Motorola Moto G, an upgraded Google Nexus 7 and the new Google Nexus 5. Here is our list for the top 10 best Android apps of 2013.

1. Swiftkey

Developed by TouchType Ltd., Swiftkey is able to understand not just patterns in your typing, but also how words work together. Swiftkey can continue to learn from SMS, your email and even social media accounts (if enabled), so it gets better at making predictions as you type. You can download Swiftkey Android app from the Google Play Store here.

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2. Twitter

Twitter recently updated its Android app with a new feature that allows users to send photos inside direct messages. By focusing on its new direct messaging feature, Twitter is now competing against messaging apps like WhatsApp, Kik and Line. You can download Twitter Android app from the Google Play Store here.

3. Instagram

Instagram made a splash in the news recently by releasing Instagram Direct, a new feature that lets users send photos and video messages to friends. With Instagram Direct, users can now capture and share their favorite moments. Back in June, Instagram introduced their video sharing feature, allowing users to shoot and share up to 15 seconds of video. You can download Instagram Android app from the Google Play Store here.

4. Snapchat

While Snapchat was released in 2011, it’s still one of the most talked about and controversial photo-messaging apps in 2013. The app quickly gained popularity amongst teens, replacing popular social networks like Facebook, and became notoriously known as a “sexting app.” The Snapchat app lets users send temporary pictures and videos to friends. When friends receive a photo or video message, it appears for a few seconds — 10 at most — and then it permanently becomes deleted. Recently snagging $50 million in funding, Snapchat won’t be disappearing anytime soon.You can download Snapchat Android app from the Google Play Store here.

5. Vine

Earlier this year, Twitter released Vine for Android, an app that lets users share 6-second looping videos. The Vine app was first released for iPhone, quickly gaining more than 13 million users, and arrived on Android five months later. Twitter’s Vine is the best way to share fun videos with friends and family. You can download Vine Android app from the Google Play Store here.

6. Spotify

Spotify recently announced a new free streaming service for Android smartphones. With this new free service, users can pick an artist or playlist and hear a stream of playlists. While the service will still include ads, it still provides a better listening experience compared to commercial radio. Spotify is the current music streaming leader with 6 million paid subscribers and 24 million users. You can download Spotify Android app from the Google Play Store here.

7. Nova Launcher Prime

There are plenty of launcher applications for Android, but Nova Launcher is one of the top favorites amongst Android users. With Nova Launcher Prime, users can easily customize their home screen, and organize all their favorite apps in the dock. If you’re looking to customize your Android phone or tablet, Nova Launcher Prime is the way to go. You can download Nova Launcher Prime Android app from the Google Play Store here.

8. Viber

Viber for Android, makes it easy to connect with friends and family for free. Users can make phone calls, send text messages, video messages, and share their location. With Viber, you will never miss an important call or text message again. You can download Viber Android app from the Google Play Store here.

9. Avast! Mobile Security

Mobile Security & Antivirus is a security app developed by AVAST Software. Keep your Android phone and tablet safe from viruses, malware, and spyware. Locate your lost phone until you find it, or wipe the memory to keep your private data safe. Easily scan installed apps and memory card content upon first use, and schedule automatic scans when you’re asleep. You can download Avast! Mobile Security Android app from the Google Play Store here.

10. Flipboard

Flipboard, the popular news reader app, originally allowed users to flip through news feeds imported from other sites in a magazine-like experience. Back in March, Flipboard released Flipboard 2.0, which lets users create their own custom magazine based on the content they curated themselves. Flipboard considered this to be one of the biggest features added since the app was launched in 2010 on the iPad. You can download Flipboard Android app from the Google Play Store here.