Facebook, Google Maps Top Mobile Apps of 2012
The social networking giant has consistently ranked tops in terms of mobile app engagement: Its app currently accounts for 23 percent of time spent on apps.
Google Maps
Apple's decision to replace Google Maps with Apple Maps on iOS 6 caused a decline in Google Maps usage in October, but that usage has been clawing its way back the past few months after getting reinstated on iOS 6.
Google Play
Given the ubiquity of various Google services in addition to many being native apps on both iOS and Android, its strength should perhaps not come as a surprise, the report noted.
Google Search
Despite losing the top position, Google maintains a strong leadership position in the app market with five of the top six ranked apps, including its ubiquitous search engine.
Gmail
Various Google apps combine to account for 10 percent of time spent, with Gmail owning the highest individual share at 3 percent.
YouTube
More than ever before, the existing norms of the PC-centric Web are being disrupted by mobile channels, as more consumers view free video content on their mobile devices.
Pandora Radio
The free personalized radio system creates a custom station based on what it thinks you want to listen to—a premium version, which costs $3.99 per month, is also available.
Apple iTunes
Apple's sometimes magical, sometimes infuriating media content delivery platform managed to sneak inside the top 10 despite repeated criticism of endless updates.
Cooliris
This app allows you to browse photos from a variety of shutterbug specialist sites, including Flickr, Picassa, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Yahoo Messenger
Do you Yahoo? Apparently enough people do to warrant a 10th-place finish for the social networking platform, which lets users stay connected with friends and offers free voice and video calls.
