For those of you who are prone to doomscrolling (I can’t imagine there are many amongst us knitters), here’s an app that was developed and launched late last month to help users put down their phones. Since its soft launch, the app has already amassed over 740,000 downloads worldwide, showing strong demand for creative alternatives to smartphone addiction.
So what does all this have to do with knitting, you ask? Focus Friend centers around an adorable animated bean who loves to knit and decorate his room. When the user sets a timer in the app, the bean is able to knit in peace—as long as no other apps are opened. Once the time is complete, he produces knitted goods (such as socks) that can be used to purchase quaint little decorations. If he’s interrupted, though, his knitting is ruined, and he becomes visibly sad. The app’s entire premise revolves around users’ desire to avoid disappointing the bean at all costs.
I have yet to try it out; however, it does sound very interesting. Perhaps I’ll give it a try and let you know how it goes.
