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

Drum roll please! To kick off Google I/O this year, the 2019 Google Play Awards will take place on Monday, May 6th. We’re excited to highlight nine categories this year, some familiar and some new, to recognize developers that continue to set the bar for quality apps and games on Google Play.

Building on previous years, we celebrate our fourth year by recognizing 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 meet criteria thresholds covering high star rating, Android vitals, and have had a launch or major update since April 2018.

Congratulations to this year’s nominees below and remember to check them out on Google Play at play.google.com/gpa2019. Stay tuned as we announce the winners of each category at Google I/O.

Standout Well-Being App

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

Kinedu by Kinedu

My Oasis by Buff Studio Co.,Ltd.

Shine by Shine, Inc.

SleepTown by Seekrtech

Woebot by Woebot Labs

Best Accessibility Experience

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

Best Social Impact

Apps and games that create a positive impact in communities around the world (focusing on health, education, crisis response, refugees, and literacy).

Bury me, my Love by Dear Villagers

Plantix by PEAT GmbH

Reblood by PT Gaya Hidup Sehat

Think!Think! By Hanamaru Lab

Wisdo by Wisdo LTD.

Most Beautiful Game

Games that exemplify artistry or unique visual effects either through creative imagery, and/or utilizing advanced graphics API features.

Best Living Room Experience

Apps that create, enhance, or enable a great living room experience that brings people together.

ivi by ivi.ru

Neverthink by Neverthink

Pluto TV by Pluto, Inc.

Tubi by Tubi TV

Viki by Viki, Inc

Most Inventive

Apps and games that display a groundbreaking new use case, like utilize new technologies, cater to a unique audience, or demonstrate an innovative application of mobile technology for users.

Cube Escape: Paradox by Rusty Lake

Firework by Loop Now Technologies, Inc.

Scripts by Language Drops

Tick Tock by Other Tales Interactive

Wysker by wysker GmbH

Standout Build for Billions Experience

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

Best Breakthrough App

New apps with excellent overall design, user experience, engagement and retention, and strong growth.

Dave by Dave, Inc

Khan Academy Kids by Khan Academy

Notion by Notion Labs, Inc.

Slowly by Slowly Communications Ltd.

Tasty by BuzzFeed

Best Breakthrough Game

New games with excellent overall design, user experience, engagement and retention, and strong growth.

Come back on Monday, May 6th when we announce the winners, and until then, make sure to try out some of these great apps and games on Google Play at play.google.com/gpa2019.