Shortwave, the application widely recognized as the spiritual successor to Google Inbox, has finally launched its Android app on the Google Play Store after an 18-month beta testing phase. Created by a group of former Google employees to fill the void left by Inbox’s discontinuation, Shortwave promises a streamlined, organized email experience with an array of customizable features.
Origins: The Google Inbox Legacy
- Google Inbox: Launched in 2014, Inbox revolutionized email by offering a to-do-style interface that allowed users to reorder, snooze, and bundle emails. However, it was discontinued in 2019.
- Successor: Shortwave aims to fill the gap left by Inbox, offering similar functionality and more. The service’s resemblance to Inbox is likely owed to the fact that Shortwave was founded by an ex-Google employee.
Features of Shortwave
Inspired by Inbox
- Reordering and Bundling: Allows users to reorder, pin, bundle, and snooze emails to prioritize them better.
- Bottom-based Navigation: A redesigned interface with shortcuts aligned at the bottom, mirroring its iOS counterpart.
- Swipe Options: Customizable short and long swipe options enable quick actions on emails without opening them.
- Multiple Account Support: Support for multiple Google accounts with granular push notification options and scheduled bundle delivery.
- Dark Mode: Introduced for better visual comfort.
- Notes to Bundles: Option to add notes to bundles for specific project naming.
Additional Features
- Sender Control: Easily block or allow new senders without relying solely on Gmail’s spam filters.
- Intuitive Search: A more intuitive search option compared to Gmail.
- Scheduling and Undoing: Options for scheduling and undoing send actions.
- AI Integration: Utilizes a large language model to summarize messages, draft replies, list questions, or translate, enhancing functionality.
Pricing and Accessibility
Shortwave offers a free basic version that comes with limitations like 90 days of searchable email history and slower support. For $9 per month, users can access unlimited searchable emails and receive support responses within one business day. You can download Shortwave on the Play Store or get started with the service on the Shortwave website.
Concerns and Expectations
Though there is much enthusiasm around Shortwave’s official Android launch, concerns remain over some aspects, such as its status as a web application rather than a native Android app. This distinction could potentially affect the overall experience and performance of Android devices. Additionally, the divergence between the web, iOS, and Android versions may lead to confusion for users operating across multiple platforms.
Shortwave’s decision to include an obnoxious side tab/multi-panel view in the web app has also been met with mixed reactions, as some users prefer an inline inbox experience. The ability to quickly unsubscribe, block people, schedule sends, undo sends, and get email summaries from the AI integration is welcomed, but it remains to be seen how these features will evolve with user feedback and ongoing development.
Final Thoughts
Though not a native Android app and different from its iOS version, Shortwave’s Android version 1.0 brings a user experience that is reminiscent of the much-missed Inbox by Google. Its minimalistic design and smart features such as AI-powered replies and customizable navigation make it an attractive alternative for those seeking efficiency and a clean inbox experience.
While there may be a learning curve for some users, the addition of detailed documentation and the array of features make it a compelling option. As email continues to be a central part of daily communication, tools like Shortwave are a testament to ongoing innovation and the quest to make email management simpler and more intuitive.
Even though the web app version of Shortwave underwent a significant change earlier this year, shifting from a single inline inbox to a side tab/multi-panel view, the new Android app promises a minimal and clean approach. This change in the web app did lead to some users moving away from it, but the Android app has been eagerly anticipated by many.
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