2013 was a good year for Android. But what would that new HTC One, Moto X, or Galaxy S4 be without some great new apps? Join Gizmag, as we break down some of the top Android apps of 2013.
Hangouts

Google rolled out its Hangouts central messaging hub in 2013, which replaced the old Google Talk chat app. Now your Google+ conversations, text and video chats, and (in Android 4.4 KitKat) SMS all live in one place.
Google Play (free)
Helpouts

As Google's other big "H-outs" release of the year, Helpouts connects people seeking help with experts offering help – all through the magic of video chat.
Google Play (free)
Android Device Manager

There's no shortage of "Find My Phone" type of apps on Android, but 2013 saw Google release its own integrated tracker.
Google Play (free)
Buy Me a Pie

Grocery apps may not be the sexiest category of apps, but they can be extremely handy for families keeping their shopping requests in sync. Buy Me a Pie is a simple and user-friendly grocery app that made its way over from iOS.
Google Play ($1)
Google Keep

Google's note-taking Evernote rival, Keep, is fast, simple, and tied to your Google Drive account.
Google Play (free)
Moves

Interested in fitness tracking devices, but wondering why your phone can't do the same thing? That's the idea behind Moves, which automatically logs all of your daily movement. The only thing to keep an eye on here is battery life.
Google Play (free)
Chromecast

Google's US$35 Chromecast streaming device offers nearly as much functionality as set-top boxes that cost two to three times as much. The Android companion app sets up your connection and turns your phone into a remote control for the device's compatible streaming apps.
Google Play (free)
Cover Lock Screen (beta)

This launcher (home screen) replacement monitors which apps you use at different locations (home, work, in the car) and puts them front and center. Its swipe-based UI can also let you peek into apps without fully opening them.
Google Play (free)
Botifier

Ever wished you could get Android notifications on your car's stereo? Well, as long as yours supports AVRCP 1.3, then Botify will show them as text or even read them aloud while you're driving.
Google Play (free)
Rayman Fiesta Run

The follow-up to 2012's Rayman Jungle Run, Fiesta Run continues the series' tradition as one of the best running games on mobile devices.
Google Play ($3)
Ridiculous Fishing

An instant arcade-style classic, Ridiculous Fishing lets you snag the big one, reel it in, and blow it to Timbuktu with your 12-gauge.
Google Play ($3)
Swype Keyboard

The Swype trace keyboard has been around for years, but in 2013 it finally exited beta and hit Google Play.
Google Play ($2)
Fleksy Keyboard

It isn't for everyone, but Fleksy is another alternative keyboard that has a gorgeous layout and boasts of accurate auto-correction – even if you aren't looking at your phone. Fleksy even has an invisible keyboard option, for the truly brave souls.
Google Play (free)
Ingress

Google's Ingress is augmented reality at its nerdy best. Travel to real-world locales and use the app to capture bases and help your side (the Enlightened or the Resistance) in its ongoing struggle for the future of humanity. And hey, you even get to help improve Google Maps in the process.
Google Play (free)
Camera Awesome

Smugmug's full-featured camera app has been popular on iOS for a while, and it jumped to Android in 2014.
Google Play ($3)
Krome

Ever wished you could get your Android phone's notifications on your PC? Krome lets you do just that, pushing them to your desktop or laptop via a Chrome browser extension.
Google Play (US$1)
Microsoft Remote Desktop

It's hardly the first remote desktop app for Android, but Microsoft's just might be the best. Just remember that you'll need a Windows Professional or Windows Server-running PC for the other half of this equation.
Google Play (free)
Carbon for Twitter

One of the most eagerly-anticipated Twitter clients for Android, Carbon's dark theme, simplicity, and unbeatable price (free) combine to make it one of your best options.
Google Play (free)
Helium - App Sync and Backup

While we're focusing on apps named after periodic table elements, let's not forget Helium. It's an app backup solution for Android that doesn't require root.
Google Play (premium version requires separate $5 license app)
1Password (beta, invite only)

You'll have to sign up and wait for an invite, but AgileBits' popular password storage client for iOS, Mac, and Windows is finally getting a full-fledged Android client. We've been testing it and are happy to see the app become truly multi-platform.
Photoshop Touch for Phone

It isn't full-blown Photoshop, but it's the closest you'll get on a smartphone. About the only downside here is that owners of Photoshop Touch for Tablets will have to make another purchase to enjoy it on their phones.
Google Play ($5)
The rest?
This is just a smattering of some of the great Android apps that launched in 2013. What did we miss? Hit up the comments below to let everyone know!