With more than two million apps to choose from for iPhone and Android, it can be difficult to pick out the software that’s actually worth your time. And without quality apps, that $700 smartphone in your pocket is as good as useless.

From photo editing software to productivity apps and games, these are the TIME technology team’s favorite apps of the year so far. Those included in the list have either been released, had a significant update, or took off in popularity this year.

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Write to Matt Peckham at matt.peckham@time.com.

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