Android apps have been a major aspect of the modern OS over the years. The open-source system has enabled minor and top developers to deliver a massive amount of software for smartphones and tablets since Google acquired the company in 2005.
Specialized statistics sites like AppBrain and Statista reported the Google Play Store currently leads the market with over 2.2 million apps to this date. With so many options, consumers are always finding new and different software to customize and upgrade their devices. Here’s list of the top 5 most downloaded Android apps of 2016.
Honorific mention: Pokemon GO free with in-app purchases
A top of this year’s most downloaded apps couldn’t be complete without mentioning the highly popular Pokemon GO.
Niantic developed this free-to-play augmented reality game that currently holds the crown as the number one download from the Google Play Store with more than 100 million users sin its release in July 2016. The game allows players to train and catch Pokemon using the mobile’s GPS.
Category: Games Download count: over 200,000,000/ Size: 61MB/ Requirements: Android 4.4 and up
APUS Launcher free
APUS Group delivered a new version of its small-size launched this year. The app features over 15.000 HD Android themes, wallpapers, and icons, as well as a one-tap boost to mobile RAM speed. It also enables fast battery charging with a Quick Charging Mode, and monitors apps that drain significant battery power.
Category: Personalization/ App Download count: Over 100,000,000/ Size: 2 MB/ Requirements: Android 4.0.3 and up/ Reported bugs: Minor crashes.
Kika Keyboard free with in-app purchases
Kika Tech unveiled its keyboard software back in 2015 but has recently gained fame for supporting WhatsApp’s skin tone emojis as well as a library of Gifs and stickers compatible with Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Messenger. The app also offers keyboard themes, press sounds, and enables easy swipe-based writing.
Category: Productivity/ Download count: Over 50,000,000/ Size: Varies with device/ Requirements: Android 4.0 and up/ Reported bugs: Slowing down of the device.
Prisma free
Moscow-based Prisma Labs launched this photo-editing app in the Google Play Store in June. What sets it apart from similar software is the usage of neural network and AI to transform pictures into artful pieces.
Pictures ‘drawn’ from Google’s DeepMind resembled the styles of famous painters such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Levitan. Prisma also offers a vast array of current filters and ornaments.
Category: Media & Video/ Download count: Over 10,000,000/ Size: 7.2 MB/ Requirements: Android 4.1 and up/ Reported bugs: Minor crashes after editing more than two pictures in a row.
Pocket free with in-app purchases
Debuting in 2013, Pocket – Previously Known as Read It Later – started as paid app that soon offered a free version on The Google Play Store. The Pocket Team, led by Nathan Weiner was in charge of the app’s design. It allows the user to save articles, videos or links from virtually any site and social networks like Twitter and Facebook to check out at any time and share them without external emailing or posting.
Category: News & Magazines/ Download count: Over 10,000,000/ Size: Varies with device/ Requirements: 4.0 and up/ Reported bugs: Minor crashes and lack of alphabetical entry sort.
Fernanfloo free with in-app purchases
Fernanfloo is a shooting game where players must battle against different enemies to let the protagonist broadcast his show. Vancouver-based network Broadband TV Corp developed the game that takes inspiration from Luis Fernando Flores (a.k.a. Fernanfloo), a famous Salvadoran YouTuber.
The platformer features funny Power-ups and costumes, as well as high score and achievement boards. Although the app debuted just a month ago, Fernanfloo has been downloaded and enjoyed by both casual gamers and fans of the YouTuber.
Category: Arcade/ App Download count: Over 1,000,000/ Size: 27 MB/ Requirements: Android 2.3.3 and up/ Reported bugs: None, though there’s only a Spanish version for now.
Source: Google User Content