The 12 best* Android apps of the year

Perhaps you were lucky enough to activate one of the the mind-blowingly large number of new Androids and iOs devices — 17.4 million to be exact — on Christmas Day, easily eclipsing the 6.8 million tablets and smartphones activated at the same time last year. We've already covered a few iOS apps to help get you started with your new iPad. But what about new Android owners? If you unwrapped a glitzy new Nexus 7 on Christmas, here, in no particular order, are Google's favorite apps of the year:

1. Zappos

The mobile version of the popular shoe-shopping service is even better than its web counterpart, thanks to an elegant, easy-to-browse user interface. Consider your credit card warned. (Free)

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2. Evernote

The popular note-taking app was given a dramatic overhaul this year, making it more usable than ever. Clipping photos, notes, memos, and more has never been this easy. (Free)

3. Pinterest

Pin Grandma's pie recipe for all your followers without ever having to open your laptop. Then give The Week a follow while you're at it. (Free)

4. Grimm's Snow White

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is re-imagined as an interactive pop-up game. Perfect to hand off to the kids on long car rides. ($1.99)

5. Pocket

Pocket lets users clip articles or stories they come across on the web to read later. It's like Instapaper but free. (Free)

6. Mint

Manage your money with this award-winning personal finance app. Then try not to cry when it tells you your balance is low. (Free)

7. Expedia Hotels and Flights

Tablets like the Nexus 7 are the perfect light travel device. Now, booking a room's a breeze with this beautifully designed, photo-heavy interface. (Free)

8. Ancestry

Prove to your snooty friends once and for all that you really are the great, great, great, great nephew of Ulysses S. Grant by mapping your family tree. (Free)

9. Fancy

It's like a modern re-imaging of the catalog. Browse cool photos of products you love and unlock a few deals for yourself in the process. All shopping should be this stress-free. (Free)

10. Series Guide

Is it just me, or is there just way too much good stuff on TV? Keep track of all the shows you want to watch with this easy-to-use organizer and never miss the season finale of, say, The Walking Dead, ever again. (Free)

11. Pixlr Express

Need to give your Instagram shots some pizazz? Pre-edit your photos with Pixlr — which lets you quickly re-size, crop, apply filters, and more. Watch the likes pile up. (Free)

12. TED

Put over 1,200 TED Talks from some of the world's brightest thinkers right in your pocket. Feel smart. (Free)