Instagram, Twitter and Facebook were, without a doubt, the most talked about apps of 2012, but they're not what we consider the top apps of the year.
Newcomers like Zeebox and Ad Hawk weren't part of everyday conversation for most smartphone users, but we feel they should be.
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Check out the gallery above to see our picks for the definitive apps of the year. Although some were launched before 2012, we feel the impact they've made during this calendar year deserves merit. Some make life a little easier, and others provide entertainment, but they're all notable.
This is just our top 25, though. Did you discover a life-changing new app during 2012 that we missed? Be sure to let us know in the comments, or tell us what apps you're looking forward to in 2013.
Additional reporting contributed by Fran Berkman and Jennifer Shore.