We talk about tons of tips for making the most of Android and tapping into all the operating systems easily overlooked options, features, and shortcuts.But when it comes to real-world productivity, Googles actual operating system is really only half the story.With Android in particular, lots of core OS-level elements exist as their own standalone apps technically separate pieces of the puzzle that live in the Play Store and are updated numerous times a year in a way that reaches all of us at the same time. Its a sharp contrast to the all-in-one strategy on the other side of the mobile-tech divide, and it offers up some pretty interesting (if also largely unappreciated) advantages for those of us here in the land o Googley matters.Over the past year, Ive shared some splendid suggestions for digging in deeper to those apps and uncovering all sorts of buried treasures genuinely useful options and adjustments thatll help you work faster and more efficiently and generally just have a better all-around Android experience.Its a lot to take in, and its all too easy to miss (or maybe just forget!) something worthwhile along the way. So here, as the end of the year approaches, are 12 of my favorite collections of Google Android app wisdom from the past 12 months with a whopping 124 top-notch tricks within em.Use the quiet holiday weeks ahead of us to take em all in and grant yourself some new spectacular new superpowers for 2025 and if you arent already receiving my Android Intelligence newsletter, by golly, make it your first order of business to fix that now. I send out three new things to try every Friday, and the best tip I can offer for the coming year is to make sure you dont miss out.Now, where were we? Oh rightThe best Google Android app advice from 202420 handy hidden tricks for Google Calendar on AndroidUpgrade your agenda with these tucked-away time-savers in the Android Calendar app.5 advanced Gboard tricks for smarter Android typingGoogles Gboard Android keyboard has some smart systems for improving your text input experience. Ready to become a total typing pro?8 out-of-sight superpowers for Google Contacts on AndroidGoogle Contacts might not be Androids flashiest app, but it has some surprisingly useful tricks lurking in its corners.6 secret settings for a smarter Chrome Android setupSupercharge your smartphone browsing experience with these powerful yet completely concealed options for Googles Chrome Android app.13 tricks for more efficient Android messagingThese easy-to-miss advanced options for Googles Android Messages app will help you save time and communicate more effectively.16 handy hidden tricks for Google Maps on AndroidTake advantage of all Maps has to offer by tapping into these easily overlooked features and options.26 note-perfecting tips for Google Keep on AndroidTime to tap into all of Keeps potential and turn Googles note-taking app into a powerful mobile productivity tool.A powerful Android dark mode enhancementOne quick switch within the Android Chrome app can take your web-wide dark mode adventures to a whole new level.5 nifty new gestures for the YouTube Android mini-playerGoogles YouTube mini-player has some noteworthy new tricks up its sleeves and its up to you to find em.20 smart search terms for Google Photos on AndroidFind what you need fast with these advanced search commands for your Android Photos app.A simple new way to set a custom ringtone on AndroidAt last, an easy shortcut for setting, finding, and managing custom ringtones for contacts on Android. Hip, hip, hoorah!3 buzzworthy Android alarm enhancementsGive your next alarm some extra pizazz with these hard to find but delightful to use options.Bonus: Goodbye, Gemini a sanity-saving Google Search switchTake a step back in time to a simpler, less bloated form of search without all the unreliable AI poppycock.2025, here we come!Your mission for the new year, should you choose to accept it: Get yourself set with my Android Intelligence newsletter and get my Android Notification Power-Pack six powerful enhancements for any device as a special instant bonus.