I realize the irony of presenting apps that help you live in a slow queue, but not everyone has the luxury of doing a full digital detox.
That said, it’s summer – and then August. That means it’s the perfect time to take your foot off the gas.
These apps certainly won’t bother you with constant notifications. In fact, you have to exercise patience to really enjoy it.
So, slow down, take a deep breath and remember that good things come to those who wait.
Slow: 21st century pen pals
If the promise of social networking is to instantly connect hordes of people with similar interests around the world, think of Slowly as having the same goal.
Ah, but there’s a catch. You write virtual letters one by one to people with similar interests. And sending a letter doesn’t mean it’s delivered right away: the further the person physically lives from you, the longer it will take to deliver your letter.
It’s like real mail, but without all the stamps and the trips to the post office. The basic app is free, or there is a paid version for $8 a month or $43 a year that offers advanced friends finding filters, enhanced avatar customization, and other goodies.
Serial reader: classic books, 20 minutes at a time
So you’ve always wanted to read War and peacebut the thought of digging through 1,400 pages isn’t exactly a motivating factor.
With the Serial Reader app, you just need to set aside 20 minutes a day.
The app delivers the book – or any number of classics from his huge collection-in everyday “issues” so as not to overwhelm you.
War and peace, as it turns out, is a whopping 235 songs. But you can blow through Machiavelli’s The prince in just 11 issues if that’s more your speed.
The app is free on as many books as you can handle, with a one-time premium version for $3 that unlocks cloud sync, notes, highlights, and additional quality-of-life features.
1 second every day: quick daily reminders
The concept behind the 1 second every day app is simple: capture a second of footage every day and after a while you’ll have a movie full of memories to watch.
You’ll have to stick to it, of course, but the app will ask you daily so you don’t forget. You can also choose custom lengths for your projects. That week you spent in the Bahamas? Enjoy your seven second movie. The last year of your life? A truly epic six minute blockbuster.
The app is free to use and contains no ads. There is also a pro version that allows for longer snippets to be captured, collaboration with others, unlimited backup, and other features starting at around $10 per month, depending on the plan.