2020 is seeing its end, and both Apple and Google have revealed the best performing Apps on their respective platforms.
As in previous years, the editors selected the winners based on factors like the app’s quality, creative design, and usability, among other things.
And the 'best in 2020' here are apps that mostly helped people transition to a life spent at home.
2020 has been a tough year. From the 'COVID-19' pandemic, the U.S. Presidential Election, Donald Trump's impeachment, stock market crash in many countries, and more.
As Apple explained in its announcement, apps are a reflection of culture. And this 2020, apps reflect people’s focus on self-care and mental health, remote work and learning, staying connected with family and friends, interactive and social gaming, and more.
And here, Wakeout! has won iPhone App of the Year, while Zoom snatched the top spot as the iPad App of the Year.
Disney+, which helped families entertained at home during coronavirus lockdowns, won for Apple TV App of the Year.
“This year, more than ever before, some of our most creative and connected moments happened in apps. This was thanks to the amazing work of developers who introduced fresh, helpful app experiences throughout the year,” said Phil Schiller
“Around the world, we saw remarkable efforts from so many developers, and these Best of 2020 winners are 15 outstanding examples of that innovation. From helping us stay fit and mindful, to keeping our children’s education on track, to helping fight hunger, their impact was meaningful to so many of us.”
Apple also gave Fantastical, Endel, Genshin Impact, Legends of Runeterra, Disco Elysium, Dandara Trials of Fear, and Apple Arcade’s Sneaky Sasquatch an honorable mention.
Apple also commented Niantic for adapting Pokémon GO's gameplay so gamers could still play the game despite the imposed stay-at-home measures.
The other two apps it recognized are Shine, Caribu, Explain Everything Whiteboard and ShareTheMeal.
These apps and games "proved to be essential for making life easier, healthier and more connected this year," Apple said.
And for the first time ever, in this 2020, Apple has made a physical award to the winners. Developers receive the award made from recycled aluminum that features the App Store logo on one side and the winner's name on the other.
As for Google, the company also revealed its best Android apps:
- Users’ Choice 2020 (U.S.): SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off and Disney+.
- Best Game of 2020 (U.S.): Genshin Impact.
- Best App of 2020 (U.S.): Loóna: Bedtime Calm & Relax.
Google also crowned Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint & More as the winner of its Users’ Choice App of 2020 category.
In addition to the above top winners, Google also gave honorable mentions to other titles, including Chris Hemsworth’s training app Centr, behavioral modification app Intellect, as well as games like The Gardens Between, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells and Sky: Children of the Light.
The Play Store also awarded various gaming subgenres with awards of their own, like best competitive games, best indies, best pick up and play and best game changers.
As for apps, Google has also made a long list of its best 2020 apps.
"This year, the world came together over games, apps, movies and books, even when we were apart," said Google on its announcement. "These titles are part of Google Play's Best of 2020, and there are even more games and apps to celebrate."
