In a surprising turn for the 2025 Google Play Awards, Focus Friend, the screen time assistant developed by YouTuber and entrepreneur Hank Green, has been crowned Google Play's App of the Year. This victory stands out in a year dominated by AI assistants and tools climbing app store charts, highlighting a growing user desire to disconnect from technology.

Launched in August, Focus Friend is a unique productivity tool designed to help users block distracting phone apps. It employs a charming virtual companion – a cartoon bean that enjoys knitting socks and scarves – to encourage users. The knitted items can later be exchanged for décor to personalize the little bean's room, adding a layer of engagement and reward.

The app's core premise is built on the idea that users might be more motivated to manage their screen time if they perceive their actions as impacting others, even if that "other" is just a virtual bean whose knitting project would be interrupted by excessive phone use. This novel approach resonated with users, making the app an instant hit.

Focus Friend quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on Apple's App Store shortly after its launch. On Android, its popularity is evident with over 1 million installs, according to its Play Store listing. Google itself lauded Focus Friend as a "helpful and cute app" and an "effective tool for helping users disconnect."

The win is particularly noteworthy given the current app landscape. While AI assistants like OpenAI's ChatGPT (currently No. 1 on Google Play) and video app Sora, alongside social media giants like TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram, continue to dominate, Focus Friend offers a counter-narrative. These top-charting apps often focus on engagement and addiction, making Focus Friend's success as a "disconnecting" tool a significant indicator of evolving consumer priorities.

Beyond the top honor, Google also announced winners across various categories for 2025:

Top App and Game Awards

Other 2025 Winners Include:

Best Apps

Best Games