Seven of the top fastest growing Android apps in the UK between May and October 2012 were commerce-focused, delivering increasing numbers of mobile shoppers to both digital and real-world stores. According to Nielsens smartphone analytics study, Amazon’s app store came out on top, with Google Play in ninth and Google Books at 13. Tesco was the highest ranking traditional retailer, in fourth place, with Asda at 12. Money saving apps, Quidco and TopCashBack came in sixth and 10th out of the fast growing app list. HSBC and Lloyds also made the top 15, with around 20 minutes now spent mobile banking per month.

Although just one of the top 15 fastest growing apps in October was a game, Coin Dozer, this app saw the most time spent out of any of the fastest growing apps, 166 minutes per month. The next most used was Instagram, with 79 minutes spent using it every month.

Nielsens MD for digital in Europe, David Gosen, said: “Apps have grown up. The list shows that consumers are now seeking apps which help them with real-world tasks, not just fun gimmicks and games.”

Google Play is the most widely used app, reaching 96 per cent of UK Android users. This was followed by Google Search and then Facebook. Click the image for the full list.