Posted by Purnima Kochikar, Director, Apps and Games Business Development, Google Play

This year's Google Play Awards will take place on Monday, May 7th, kicking off the week of Google I/O. Celebrating our third year, we're excited to highlight nine categories; some you may recognize from previous years, along with new additions highlighting growth areas and trends we're focused on, such as building for emerging markets.

Each year, the Google Play Awards recognize top apps and games on Google Play. They represent some of the best experiences available on Android, with an emphasis on overall quality, strong design, technical performance, and innovation. The nominees were selected by various teams across Google, and all meet criteria thresholds covering high star rating, Android vitals, and have had a launch or major update since April 2017.

Congratulations to this year's nominees below and don't forget to check them out on the Google Play store at g.co/play/gpa2018.

Standout Well-Being App

Apps empowering people to live the best version of their lives, while demonstrating responsible design and engagement strategies

Clue by BioWink GmbH



Fabulous by TheFabulous



Headspace by Headspace, Inc.



Lifesum by Lifesum



Simple Habit by Simple Habit, Inc.



Best Accessibility Experience

Apps or games enabling device interaction in an innovative way that serves people with disabilities or special needs

Best Social Impact

Apps or games that create a positive impact in communities around the world (focused on health, education, crisis response, refugees, financial health & fundraising functions)

Forest by forestapp.cc



Khan Academy by Khan Academy



Otsimo by Otsimo



Tala by Tala Mobile



TODXS by TODXS



Standout Indie

Games from indie developers that focus on artistic design, gameplay mechanics, and overall polish

Best Community Building Game

Games built to connect gamers, encouraging social interaction and community building

Best AR or VR Experience

Apps or games offering highly engaging and immersive experiences with optimal use of ARCore or Daydream UI

Standout Build for Billions Experience

Apps or games with optimized performance, localization, and culturalization for emerging markets

Cricbuzz by Cricbuzz.com



Flipkart by Flipkart



Mercado Libre by Mercado Libre



Moovit by Moovit



Viki by Viki, Inc



Standout Startup

Apps from new developers that offer a unique experience while achieving strong organic install growth.

Astro by Astro Technology



Canva by Canva



Drops by Language Drops



Kredivo by FinAccel Pte Ltd



N26 by N26



Best Breakthrough Hit

New apps or games with excellent overall design, user experience, engagement and retention, and strong organic install growth

Check out the winners, and make sure to try out some of these great apps and games on Google Play at g.co/play/gpa2018.