My favourite a part of a cellphone isn’t just what it will possibly do, however the companies that energy it. This 12 months, we used loads of companies, and all of us agree the winners are really deserving of their awards!
From music streaming and video streaming companies, to the most effective Android app and greatest Android sport, listed below are our winners! Congratulations to all, you made our telephones a lot extra enjoyable to make use of, and we’re very grateful.
Finest music streaming service: Spotify
We’ve seen some notable updates from music streaming companies this 12 months, however Spotify continues to guide in high quality and sheer characteristic set. This 12 months lastly noticed the launch of the app’s long-awaited Lossless audio characteristic, which considerably improves the standard of your music whenever you’re listening via wired headphones or through Wi-Fi with Spotify Join. One of the best half is that it comes at no additional price to Premium subscribers, regardless of rumors that it could be its personal tier or price additional.
In fact, Spotify additionally continues to replace and add options, reminiscent of its AI DJ, Jam, and a brand new Prompted Playlist that lets customers generate a playlist by describing the type of music they need. Customers can even deliver DJ vibes to their playlists with Automix, which creates pure transitions between songs to maintain the celebration going with out pauses. Lastly, probably the most vital replace free of charge customers got here this 12 months when Spotify lastly gave them the flexibility to play and seek for particular person songs, bringing it a step nearer to the premium tier and making it simpler to take pleasure in and share tunes.
Finest video streaming service: Netflix
2025 was a bizarre 12 months for streaming companies. The standoff between YouTube TV and Disney lastly boiled over, everybody and their mom tried to purchase Warner Bros, and sure, a lot of the apps acquired costlier. None of this drama benefited the patron, in fact, however that didn’t cease Netflix from having one among its strongest years but.
Even amid worth hikes and password crackdowns, Netflix continues to dominate the video streaming area, placing that delicate steadiness between crowd-pleasers and Oscar-worthy characteristic movies. We’re positive to see extra battles between the large firms in 2026, however as soon as the mud settles, don’t be shocked if Netflix is the final service standing.
Finest Android app: Gemini
Synthetic intelligence is likely to be a really divisive and polarizing matter, however one factor’s for positive: it’s right here to remain. When used ethically and effectively, it may be an excellent productiveness instrument and mental support. Gemini is one among Google’s greatest Android apps proper now, and it’s built-in with every part else. This cross-platform integration makes Google’s suite of apps much more highly effective, helpful, and very handy.
When you have a Google Pixel gadget, your Google Assistant should already get replaced by Gemini, and you need to have seen how way more intuitive and purposeful the expertise is with it. From deep analysis and producing photos to knowledge evaluation and fast stats, there are 100 good the reason why Gemini is the most effective Android app of the 12 months.
Finest Android sport: Pokémon TCG Pocket
Did you assume that the post-pandemic Pokémon craze was over? Assume once more. Not solely did Nintendo launch a brand new Change sport within the type of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, however earlier than that, it shocked many people by releasing Pokémon TCG Pocket for each Android and iOS on the tail finish of final 12 months, and the sport has obtained a gentle stream of updates all through 2025 to maintain gamers vying for the most recent playing cards and packs!
The premise is easy and acquainted: Open packs of playing cards, acquire your Pokémon, construct decks, and battle! Not solely that, however you possibly can even commerce playing cards out of your assortment with pals, whereas additionally competing in ranked matches to place your expertise to the check. Better of all, it’s completely free to do all of this, with out you needing to spend a dime.
