My 16 Favorite Apps Available on Google Play

Like most people, I do just about everything on my phone now a days. My Samsung Galaxy S4 literally controls my life, whether it be for work, entertainment, social media or relaxation. So I decided to break down my 16 favorite apps that you can get on the Google Play Store. They are not in any particular order...

1. Play Music
This is my go to music app - it works better if you have All Access, like Spotify Premium - I can sync it up with my Chromecast and let my playlists or stations play while im working around the house or in the car. With All Access you have access to every song available in the Google Play Store, even new releases; as I write this I am enjoying Pharrell's new album G I R L. If you are an iOS user, don't be discouraged, it is available in the App Store.

2. Twitter
Come on, everyone should have Twitter in their favorites. Twitter is my portal to everything, I interact with people for every reason on Twitter and the app is really the only good way to do so, what else is there? Sitting on the computer, I don't think so. I can interact with my friends, coworkers, celebrities and get current news all at once, it just works. *Disclaimer* I am a Twitter addict.

3. Drinkspiration by Absolut
This app no longer gets updated but it doesn't need it to be in my favorites. Absolut has gathered the best collection of Vodka based drinks all in one app. As a bit of a Vodka drinker, this is a great app for my day off or a great app for when I get off work. I can select my drink by mood, location, or taste, among others. You can still get this app through the Google Play Store but I don't know for how much longer.

4. Rewards
This is a great way to make an extra buck for downloads in the Play Store. Just answer a survey here and there and next thing you know, you can rent a free movie or download that new song that's stuck in your head.

5. Duolingo
A great free way to learn a second language on your free time. I currently am learning Italian with Duolingo, there are a few other languages you can learn as well. They break it down in to sessions and levels, finish all the session in each level and move on. It talks to you and you can talk to it as well which helps tremendously.

6. Play Newsstand
If you didn't know, you can read our articles on this app as well. Newsstand has a large collection of publishers all in one app, buy magazines or read news articles from your favorite sites. The news is broken down by topic, then by publisher. Its a great way to get all the news without having to use multiple apps. Plus you can add RSS feeds into your news section.

7. Airbnb
This is one of my favorite apps ever made, I can find amazing and unique places to stay around the globe all at an amazing price. Anyone can list a room, apartment or house on Airbnb, so you don't have to pay the crazy hotel prices and you get much more for your money. You can rent everything from treehouses to castles, boats to islands, or just a traditional room or apartment.

8. FIFA
As a huge Soccer/Football fan, this is a must have. You can follow multiple teams from multiple leagues around the globe, plus it is the only official app for the World Cup this June. You can follow the matches in real time. It has an amazing design and a flawless set up.

9. Swiftkey
I have always hated Android keyboards, they never have a good set up and never correct my spelling properly, Swiftkey is the solution. I have to have it, its the first app i download on every device I get. It adjusts itself to your style of typing by syncing with you twitter, GMail and SMS so it gives you the best possible corrections when you are typing. The sensitivity is just right and the key layout is perfect.

10. Uber
Hailing a cab is impossible, and calling a cab is a pain in the ass, Uber uses you phones location to tell the driver, that you requested by tapping your phone, where to find you. You also don't have to worry about cash because it just charges your credit or debit card, you can even add tips at the end. It may sound expensive but its not, its usually cheaper than calling a cab.

11. HBO GO
Not much to say here, its like Netflix for HBO Originals as well as their selected movies for that month. It works with my Chromecast and I love watching The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire. The new episodes are available the same day so you dont have to worry about setting the DVR.

12. Frank & Oak
A great members only fashion shop. The apps gives you access to their entire selection of tees, button ups, blazers, chinos, accessories, knitwear and more. The prices are great and the shipping is usually reasonable.

13. Brilliant Quotes
I am a book of famous quotes, but I like to find new ones and share some knowledge with myself and my followers on Twitter or Facebook. This app offers a great selection of quotes from a huge selection of people from history and from the present, I read at least the daily quote everyday.

14. Hangouts
Hangout is like Skype for Google users, except it isn't slow and you can video chat with multiple people for free. The app is unique because it can take over your messaging app so you can send SMS, video chat and instant message all with one app.

15. Calender
Google's Calender app makes the list because it allows me to schedule from the app, from Google Now (by voice) and from any computer. It helps me keep my work schedule, class schedule, and other personal events all in line no matter where im at, and it reminds me of those events when I need it to.

16. Zagat
Last but not least Zagat, Google's restaurant review website and app. I love Zagat, it's my go to app when im looking for something good to eat or a good place to get a drink in San Francisco. The reviews always reflect the place just right in my eyes and I've never found a place I didn't enjoy in one way or another.