Android tablet apps got a jolt of excitement this year when we learned theyrecoming to Chromebooks soon, too.

TheLifehacker Packis a yearly snapshot of our favorite, essential applications for each of our favorite platforms.

For our always-updating directory of all the best apps, be sure to bookmark ourAndroid App Directory.

Google Calendar/Today Calendar

Today Calendar took our recommendation for Android phones.

Once you view an individual event, though, it starts stretching out to super-widescreen mode.

If youd rather use something that makes better use of the space, Google Calendar does the job.

Google Docs/Sheets/Slides

Googles suite of office apps has only gotten better over the years.

If youre using a tablet with a keyboard, they really start to shine.

Dropbox still suffers from the stretched phone look even after all these years, but its still plenty usable.

If youd rather not shell out the cash, OneNote from Microsoft offers a great alternative.

It also includes quick access to voice search right in the address bar.

Pushbullet

There are few developers who really understand the power of Android quite like Pushbullet.

Hangouts

Hangouts supplies both individual and group chat, making it a solid contender for tablet messaging..

It also allows you to send picture messages and emoji, and conduct video calls.

So far, Hangouts is still one of the most tablet-friendly chat apps.

Be sure to check out our list of things you probably didnt knowyou could do with Googles voice commands.

Its a handy, if fairly basic suite of security features.

Music and Photos

Pandora

Pandora is the standard when it comes to internet radio.

The multi-panel design allows you to browse new stations while exploring them more in-depth without constantly swapping screens.

Snapseed/Google Photos

Snapseed has managed to make editing photos on mobile a breeze.

It allows you to apply a ton of filters, fixes, and corrections to your images.

It even has some great tools for complex editing.

The cards-style UI scales perfectly to larger displays and it adapts very well to different screen sizes.

Spotify offers a nice alternative if youre not into Googles app.

Youre given a host of instruments and loops you’re free to use to weave together real songs.

Its not a complete music studio, but professionals or aspiring artists should definitely check it out.

Netflix/Hulu

Netflix and Hulu serve very different streaming needs, but they go great together.

Netflix serves up a bunch of original content plus a library of older TV shows and movies.

Hulu focuses more on currently running series the day or week after they air.

Or do the same process in reverse for casual reading.

Pocket lets you set aside articles for casual perusal later.

Kindle/Play Books

Tablets make great ereaders.

Google Play Books has worked its way up toour favorite ereader on Android.

It comes with a ton of research features like Wikipedia integration, dictionaries, and notes.

Amazons Kindle is another solid option.

Utilities

AirDroid

AirDroid is the closest thing that Android has to a desktop client.

you’re free to even reply to text messages or update applications.

Tasker/IF

Taskers is just as powerful on slates as it is on phones.

There are plenty of ways toget started with Taskerif youre unfamiliar with it.

Fortunately, Solid Explorer is a gorgeous alternative that offers some useful features.

Just like the phone, the app has a 14-day trial and costs $1.99 afterwards.

Titanium Backup

Titanium Backup remainsthe best app for backing up other appson any Android gear.

There is no exception for tablets.

Illustration by Nick Criscuolo.