The Year's Outstanding Apps from Apple Mirror the Chaotic Scene of 2020
In the confines of 2020, Apple honored an array of apps and games for their exceptional performance across various platforms. Let's delve into the roster of these extraordinary talents:
When it came to iPhone applications, Apple's unsung hero emerged as the App of the Year - Wakeout!. This indie marvel allows users to squeeze in brief workout or relaxation routines (known affectionately as 'wakeouts') from almost anywhere, offering a respite from work or a serene pause before slumber. With the year dueling for our attention, it's easy to understand why such a time-sensitive app made Apple's list, even though it wasn't the most buzzed-about pick of 2019 (the iPhone app laurel that year went to Spectre Camera, a tool for long-exposure photography).
Apple's established picks for the iPad, Mac, and Apple TV recognition were more recognizable titles. Zoom grabbed the iPad hot seat in 2020 as our homes morphed into our offices and classrooms, with Zoom seamlessly facilitating video conferences, work meetings, and family chats during the isolation period. The top Mac app of the year was Fantastical, a scheduling and task management tool that helped users navigate the chaos with a tad more order in their lives.
For Apple TV, Disney snagged the coveted award, signaling Apple's unsubtle agreement to play nicely with rivals. The idea being that Disney+ was an unavoidable force in 2020, so viewers might as well embrace it.
Apple's Apple Watch pick, Endel, is rather fascinating. This soundscape app relies on an algorithm to serve up noises that enhance productivity and focus during the day and soothe users into sweet dreams at night. In a year that forced most of us to remain indoors, this aural change could make up for the dearth of geographical shifts to break the monotony of our days.
Phil Schiller, an Apple Fellow and former marketing boss, proudly announced the recipients, praising the remarkable efforts of developers worldwide. He concluded by highlighting how the innovative apps eased some of the burdens that a global pandemic brought on by providing solace, elevating self-care, and even contributing to efforts to alleviate hunger[1].
Apple also recognized a few additional trends based on this peculiar year, including the self-care app Shine, Explain Everything Whiteboard for online classrooms, and the ever-present AR game Pokémon Go that kept enthusiasts socially distancing while having fun outside.
If there was an app or game that made your lockdown experience tolerable, do share it in the comments below, and together we may explore new ways to survive (or even thrive) amidst a global pandemic.
Since the information regarding Apple TV's App of the Year and Apple Arcade's Game of the Year was not available in the original text, we have integrated some insights from the enrichment data. The enrichment data indicates that The Explorers was chosen as the best Apple TV app of the year, and Dandara Trials of Fear Edition was chosen as the Apple Arcade game of the year. These selections highlight the emphasis on both educational and entertaining content, as well as the quality of gaming experiences available on Apple platforms[1].
The recognition of Wakeout! as the iPhone App of the Year showcases the importance of time-sensitive apps in our hectic lives in 2020. Zoom's victory on the iPad platform underscores the significant role it played in transforming our homes into work and learning spaces during the isolation period. In the future, we might see more apps focusing on productivity and relaxation, like Endel, which won the Apple Watch category. Surprisingly, Disney+ was chosen as the Apple TV's App of the Year, reflecting Apple's willingness to collaborate with competitors.
In December, Apple honored various apps that provided solace and entertainment during the pandemic, such as Shine, Explain Everything Whiteboard, and the ever-popular Pokémon Go. These apps not only made lockdown experiences more bearable but also opened up new possibilities for self-care and online learning. The distinct and diverse choices of Apple for different platforms indicate its commitment to fostering innovation and catering to diverse user needs.
