These apps made 2014 better. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

It’s been a great year to be an Android user. Not only have we seen the release of Google’s massive Material Design makeover and all kinds of wonderful new features inside Android 5.0 Lollipop, but we’ve also had oodles of awesome apps to enjoy.

In this roundup, we’ve selected the best Google Play releases from the past 12 months. We’ve got great launchers, amazing email apps, terrific Twitter clients and lots more. (Some are also available on iOS.)

The Galaxy S6 could have curves like this one both sides. Photo: Samsung

With the Galaxy Note Edge’s curved display being well received by both consumers and critics, you can expect Samsung to use the same technology in future handsets. In fact, according to some sources familiar with its plans, the upcoming Galaxy S6 will have a display that curves on both sides — as well as an all-aluminum chassis.

Project Tango packs a serious punch. Photo: Google

A select group of Android developers have been invited to purchase Project Tango, Google’s superpowered developer tablet that costs a whopping $1,024. Only limited quantities of the device are available, Google says, and only those chosen to receive an invite will be eligible to purchase one.

Lollipop looks sweet on the Galaxy Note 3. Screenshot: Cult of Android

If you’re a Galaxy Note 3 user, you’re going to be waiting a little while for Samsung’s Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update; the company is focusing its efforts on bringing the update to more recent devices first. However, if you really cannot wait, you can download and install a beta build right now.

Lollipop will deliver more new features next year. Photo: Google

Google has already made some tweaks to Lollipop since its initial debut back in November, but the search giant is said to be planning major improvements and new features that are expected to arrive early next year. In addition to bringing back silent mode, Android 5.1 is to improve RAM management, fix sudden app closures, and enhance stability.