There have been some outstanding apps and services released this year, and I wholeheartedly agree with all the winners on this list.
Personally, I am a huge fan of Spotify. While I have tried YouTube Music and Apple Music, Spotify just meets my needs better. This year, Spotify introduced a feature called “Spotify Unwrapped” which provided me with valuable insights into my listening habits using AI.
Although there are many great streaming services out there, Netflix stands out as the king. With a plethora of fantastic shows and now venturing into live TV, Netflix remains highly entertaining and ahead of the competition.
Lastly, it’s essential to mention the best Android app, Gemini. Google outdid itself with this remarkable app, and the AC Staff has been thrilled to use it.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Here’s what some of my colleagues, Derrek Lee, Patrick Farmer, and Namerah Saud-Fatmi, have to say about the winners.
Best music streaming service: Spotify
Derrek Lee: Spotify continues to be our favorite music streaming service for good reasons. With a significant increase in subscribers and monthly active users this year, Spotify’s streamlined UI makes listening to music and discovering new tracks a breeze. The company’s continuous efforts to add new features like AI-generated playlists and personalized recommendations show its commitment to staying ahead in the industry. We’re excited for what 2025 holds for Spotify!
YouTube Music takes the runner-up spot, showing Google’s efforts to compete with Spotify. With UI improvements and new AI features, YouTube Music is steadily becoming a worthy competitor in the streaming service market.
Best video streaming service: Netflix
Patrick Farmer: In 2024, Netflix continued to thrive with a diverse range of content, from blockbuster films to original series and holiday romcoms. Despite potential challenges like password-sharing crackdowns and price increases, Netflix remains the most popular streaming service globally, with its recent venture into gaming signaling its commitment to innovation.
While Netflix may not have had groundbreaking hits like “Squid Game” this year, its continuous stream of quality content caters to a wide audience. With its gaming expansion, Netflix’s future seems promising.
Best Android app: Gemini
Namerah Saud-Fatmi: Google’s Gemini stands out as the best Android app, combining the intelligence of Google Assistant to create an exceptional experience. Gemini offers a wide range of capabilities, from home automation to code writing assistance, making it a versatile AI assistant incorporating Google services for a seamless user experience.