Hank Green’s Focus Friend is Google Play’s App of the Year

Focus Friend — the charming screen-time assistant created by YouTuber and entrepreneur Hank Green — has been named Google Play’s App of the Year, capping off an impressive breakout for the productivity tool.

Launched in August, Focus Friend helps users stay off distracting apps by pairing them with an adorable virtual companion: a tiny bean-shaped character who knits scarves and socks while you focus. The twist is clever but straightforward — if you break your focus session, you interrupt the bean’s knitting project, adding a slight emotional nudge to stay disciplined. As you complete sessions, you earn knitted items that can later be used to decorate your bean’s room.

The concept resonated instantly. Focus Friend shot to the No. 1 spot on Apple’s App Store after a viral surge in downloads, and its Google Play listing now shows more than 1 million Android installs.

Google praised the app as both “cute and genuinely helpful,” highlighting its effectiveness in helping people disconnect from phones — a refreshing win in a year dominated by AI apps and hyper-engaging social platforms. On Google Play, the top charts are crowded with apps like ChatGPT, Sora, TikTok, Instagram, Temu, and WhatsApp — all designed to keep users engaged, rather than help them unplug.

Yet Focus Friend broke through, proving there’s still room for apps that support healthier digital habits.

Google Play also announced several other winners for 2025

Best Apps

• Best for Fun: Edits (Instagram)

• Best for Personal Growth: Focus Friend by Hank Green

• Best Everyday Essential: Wiser – 15 Minute Audio Books

• Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning

• Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game

• Best for Watches: SleepisolBio

• Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes

• Best for Cars: SoundCloud

• Best for XR Headsets: Calm – Sleep, Meditate, Relax

Best Games

• Best Game of the Year: Pokémon TCG Pocket

• Best Multiplayer: Dunk City Dynasty

• Best Pick Up & Play: Candy Crush Solitaire

• Best Indie: Chants of Sennaar

• Best Story: Disco Elysium

• Best Ongoing: Wuthering Waves

• Best on Play Pass: DREDGE

• Best for Google Play Games on PC: Odin: Valhalla Rising