A neon Google logo at the Google office in Toronto.
A neon Google logo is seen at the new Google office in Toronto, November 13, 2012.Reuters

This week, the Google Play Store is reportedly getting a lot of app updates and releases. While Gmail, Chromecast and the Play Store received updates, the much awaited Nova Launcher update too finally went live on 10 December.

While Gmail was updated to 4.7, which now includes print support, extended file type support for attachments and auto-responses., Chromecast is now said to have support a dozen of apps. Plex. 3D app is also understood to arrive on Android app store, which performs 3D modelling services in real-time on the Android device. The Google Play Store too has been socially integrated along with an improved in-app purchase indicator.

Following are the top 5 Android apps the user should try out for the week. (Android Authority)

Angry Birds GO!

The much awaited Rovio creation, Angry Birds GO! gaming app has finally been made available to Android users. This downhill go karting game is the first ever 3D game created by the developers, which includes a wide range of game modes, tracks, environments, upgradable rides and more.

The app will also be updated in future as the description itself states "MUCH MORE TO COME! The race has only just begun - so look out for many more fun things coming your way!"

The app is free-to-play but features some in-app purchases.

  • 168MB Size.
  • Requires Android 2.3.3 OS and later to operate.

Download link.

Android Device Manager

The Android Device Manager or ADM by Google Inc. has finally reached the Google Play Store, which makes it easy for the users to manage several Android devices remotely.

The application is useful for those who use more than one Android device while on the go. The app lets the users locate their lost Android handsets by clubbing it with their Google account, and also allows users to reset the device's screen lock PIN and erase all date on the handset to prevent it from falling into wrong hands.

The application has been released few days ago and takes a minimal size to run.

  • 1.7MB Size.
  • Requires Android 2.3 and later OS to operate.

Download link.

Cover (beta)

Cover app is said to be the best lock screen replacement app available in the Android app market. The application includes a smooth and fluid user interface and includes good amount of features.

Some of the features included in the Cover (beta) app include easy swipe feature to access apps, swapping between different applications and enhanced setting options for user's ease. Some of the app crashing bug fixes has been fixed in the latest update.

The app is free-to-download from Google Play Store.

  • 19MB Size.
  • Requires Android 4.1 OS and later to operate.

Download link.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sega has released its Sonic the Hedgehog 2 gaming application for Android users just recently following its Sonic game released previously. The gaming app includes different gaming environments, epic boss battles and special stages.

New 'Boss Attack mode' challenges are also included in the game, which lets the users try their best to tackle all the bosses in one run. Besides the characters of Sonic and Tails, the player can also play as Knuckles.

Unfortunately the gaming app isn't free.

  • $2.99 (₹182.38)
  • 47MB size.
  • Requires Android 2.3 OS and later to operate.

Dayframe Prime

Dayframe Prime is an extension to the original app, Dayframe, created by Cloud.tv. While the previously released Dayframe app was a one of its kind Photo frame app for the Android devices, Dayframe Prime includes some extra useful features which would revamp the photo viewing experience.

Users can create custom playlists from different photo streams such as Instagram party pictures, Facebook family photos and other, advanced screensaver timer, brightness timer, app timer and local weather.

The description also mentions the app to include cross device sync feature in future.

In order to use this paid app, the users would need to download the previous Dayframe free-to-download app.

Dayframe Prime:

  • $4.99 / $2.99 on sale (limited time) (Rs. 149.99)
  • 941Kb Size.
  • Requires Android 2.3 OS and later to operate.

Download link.

Dayframe:

  • 11MB
  • Requires Android 2.3 OS and later to operate.

Download link.