It's yearly roundup time, and today's launches include Google's list of the best apps, games, and books from 2023 on Google Play.
Of the 25 categories, the list highlights 36 apps, over 40 games, and 10 ebooks, so folks looking for something new to try have plenty of options.
New for 2023 are the Best with AI, Best Game for Good, Best Multi-device App and Game, and Best for Google Play Games on PC categories.
Not surprisingly, ChatGPT—a rival to Google's own Bard AI that landed on Android in July—didn't make the Best with AI category (though it is the users' choice app). Google instead gave the category to Character AI, which lets you "chat with ultra-realistic AI personalities." One odd decision: Amazon Prime Video is the best app for cars, though presumably it's passengers who are watching, not drivers.
Best Overall App and Game
Best app: Imprint: Learn Visually
Best game: Honkai: Star Rail
Best Multi-Device App and Game
Best multi-device app: Spotify
Best multi-device game: Outerplane
Users' Choice App and Game
Users' choice app: ChatGPT
Users' choice game: Monopoly Go!
Best Apps of 2023
Best for fun: Bumble For Friends: Meet IRL
Best for personal growth: Voidpet Garden: Mental Health
Best everyday essential: Artifact: Feed Your Curiosity
Best hidden gem: Aware: Mindfulness & Wellbeing
Best with AI: Character AI: AI-Powered Chat
Best for families: Paw Patrol Academy
Best app for good: AWorld in support of ActNow
Best for watches: WhatsApp Messenger
Best for tablets: Concepts: Sketch, Note, Draw
Best for Chromebooks: FlipaClip: Create 2D Animation
Best for Google TV: Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies
Best for cars: Amazon Prime Video
Best Games of 2023
Best multiplayer: Farlight 84
Best pick up and play: MONOPOLY GO!
Best indies: Vampire Survivors
Best story: Honkai: Star Rail
Best ongoing: Stumble Guys
best games for good: Pokémon Sleep
Best on Play Pass: Magic Rampage
Best for tablets: Honkai: Star Rail
Best for Chromebooks: Minecraft
Best Google Play Games on PC: Arknights
Best eBooks and Audiobooks of 2023
