![]() ![]() We spend dozens of hours researching and testing apps, using each app as it's intended to be used and evaluating it against the criteria we set for the category. PawBlock for distraction blocking with cute animal picturesĪll of our best apps roundups are written by humans who've spent much of their careers using, testing, and writing about software. One sec for adding a little friction to every distraction Session for a combination Pomodoro timer and distraction blocker RescueTime for time tracking with built-in website blocking LeechBlock NG for free browser-based website blocking The 8 best focus appsįreedom for blocking distractions on all your devices at onceĬold Turkey Blocker for scheduled system-wide blocking I've been updating this list every year for several years, and this year, after testing all the top focus apps out there, I found some new options. Instead, you'll see a reminder that you set up software to block apps, and you'll be encouraged to get back to work. Turn these focus apps on, and you can't open anything distracting-it won't work. This is where distraction blocking software shines. Which is why there's no shame in using tools to help you build discipline. The greatest minds of our generation are working around the clock to "increase engagement," which is a tech term that means "getting you to spend every waking moment scrolling and liking things." Trying to fight this with willpower alone is like bringing a water gun to a thermonuclear war. The internet is, at this point, a dopamine slot machine. You could say this is a matter of discipline, and it is, but the odds aren't in your favor. No judgement for trying to make money on an app game, but it feels a little too systematically stacked against the player for my taste.Yes, the internet is a place where work happens, but distractions are always a click away. And because there is no foresight mechanic to let me know what my next three pieces are, the game very well could be rigged to give me a win, a frustrating loss, a pat on the back and encouragement to do better, and an ad for my trouble so the creator can collect their revenue. The fact that every game I played I got a new high score, but then one to two moves after that achievement I was hit with something I clearly could not handle feels rigged. I feel like if you added a “here is your next three pieces” foresight, or made it so the algorithm will only ever give you one or even two of the same piece at a time, might be worth looking into in terms of balancing the system and not making players feel robbed of a good thing. You could be doing well, and preparing you board for something big, and then three of those blocks show up and there is nothing to do. The fact that at any point you can get three 9-block cubes at the same time and there is no way to predict or prepare for it is disappointing. Great concept, love the simplicity, but at a certain point the game becomes just a gamble. It would be a perfect opportunity to use my iTunes credit lol. Also, I personally find the ads a bit obnoxious, so I’d love an option to buy an ad-free version of the game. Thus, I’d really like to see an update in which the game doesn’t stop the player from beating their high score. I know one of the “helpful tips” is to “always leave room for more blocks” (Block Puzzle, 2021), but this is not always a possibility, or I was working on a bigger block to gain more points. However, the problem with this is that the game KNOWS I’m getting close and intentionally gives me pieces that may fit in my puzzle, but will not clear the way for the “gray” pieces that “won’t fit.” It’s quite infuriating as one time I was 20 points away from beating my high score (at the time, 2819, but it is currently 3140) but physically unable to destroy any more blocks. In my addiction to Block Puzzle and extensive hours playing the game, I’ve come to want to beat my high score each time. It’s so fun and the great thing is, it’s not timed and provides for a relaxing but brain-building activity. This game is so much fun and so addicting that I literally imagine shapes fitting into everyday spots (in my real life). ![]()
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