The arrival of the new technologies is forever changing the way we communicate. That nostalgic tradition of writing letters to exchange messages with others is long gone. After the boom of apps such as WhatsApp or Telegram, we can send any type of information to anyone in a matter of seconds. However, there are other apps such as Slowly that are trying to rekindle the experience of sending non-instant messages. Although these are technically virtual letters, you have to go through the process of choosing a stamp and waiting for a couple of days until the message arrives at its destination. This is such a nostalgic and unique idea, that it recently earned the 2019 Google Play Award for the most innovative app.
Write about your hobbies and interests
One of Slowly’s most interests features is that you can send letters to other users who share your interests. That’s why the app will ask you about your favorite interests when you create your profile. Another key aspect is that you get to choose the languages you master, so you’ll only exchange messages with those who understand you.
In order to start sending and receiving letters, you’ll first have to create a Slowly profile. This is when you get to choose your geographic location, date of birth and languages. You can also create a charming avatar that others can use as a guide to imagine what you look like. In fact, not actually knowing what others look like is another key aspect of the app. But don’t worry, you won’t be exchanging letters with a total and complete stranger because you do get to see the zodiac sign and a brief description of the user.
Slowly adjusts delivery times
Slowly’s main selling point is that each letter takes a certain amount of time to arrive at its destination, depending on the sender and the receiver’s location. You’ll be shown an approximate arrival time, according to the distance between the users. Just keep in mind that if you want to send a letter overseas, it could take days to arrive. This is an aspect to consider if you’re especially impatient.
Also, you can either choose your letter’s recipient manually or automatically. If you choose the former, then you select the person you’ll establish your conversation with. Otherwise, the app will send your letter to a randomly selected user (who understands the language).
Collect stamps like you did in the past
Another interesting aspect that Slowly offers is that you can collect a wide range of stamps. But, unlike physical stamps, you don’t actually have to lick them (yuck!). You can view all your stamps by accessing the My stamps section through your profile. Then, just choose the stamp that you want to use to certify each of your letters. In order to unlock these stamps, all you have to do is make friends in different countries or enter the app during specific days. We’ve already unlocked a few of them, is there one for your city?
There’s a limit of pictures you can send
Slowly also lets you enclose some pictures to your letters. However, keep in mind that the number of pictures you can send is limited to only a few a day and to certain users that you’ve added as friends. Text is really the protagonist here and no multimedia content can replace the main objective of the app.
To sum it all up, Slowly is an app that uses nostalgia to triumph. Sending actual letters using the postal service could be considered a thing of the past. However, new technologies can help you relive that beautiful way of communicating with others. The best part is that you don’t have to buy envelopes or stamps, walk all the way to the mailbox or get covered in ink. But hey, some of us might miss that sometimes…
Slowly for Android [APK] | Download
