Update July 1, 2024: Wavelength is shutting down July 31, 2024.
For the past few days I’ve been testing out Wavelength – a group messaging app that is currently only available on Apple’s platforms. It reminds me a lot of Quill, the former messaging app that was swallowed whole by Twitter just prior to … you know.
Why use Wavelength? It is tailor made for group messaging. Focusing on starting asynchronous conversations rather than realtime chats. While it is possible to have a one-on-one direct message with someone or to host thousands of people – it is very clearly made for a relatively small group of people to have a private discussion.
John Gruber, adviser to the Wavelength team, provides this analogy:
“Wavelength is designed for the area between those extremes. Think: groups that could fit in a bus, or even an airplane.”
Out of the gate Wavelength is platform native, encrypted, thoughtfully designed, has no ads, doesn’t collect personal information, and isn’t owned by a tech giant.
So far my use of the app has been limited since I do not know very many people that have it yet. To fix that I started a Wavelength chat for darkroom printers (you can join it too by clicking that link). The number of darkroom printers in the world is dwindling and finding one another proves to be a challenge. So this chat is a good way to share tips and stories, ask questions of others with more experience, and to test out Wavelength.
I don’t know if my darkroom printers group chat is best served via Wavelength longterm. Personally, I prefer knowledge share like this to happen in public so that others can benefit from it. But it has been a great way to test out this app.
If you find yourself in need of a group messaging app that fits these criteria give Wavelength a shot. And be sure to send them feedback as well, it seems they are paying close attention and making adjustments.