Called the video “walkie-talkie” by Digital Trends, Marco Polo is an app taking Utah on a voyage even the famed explorer couldn’t have imagined. So just what is it that makes Marco Polo stand out from other communication apps of the day?

Consider the following reasons 1 out of 10 Utahns are using the Marco Polo app.

Providing a more authentic connection for families

Thanks to mobile app innovations of the day, our world has never been more connected — virtually. But why is it that the American Psychological Association reports that many still feel “alone in the crowd?” Northwestern grad Vlada Bortnik and her husband felt it had everything to do with the quality, not the quantity, of our interactions. They set a course to produce something more genuine, more private and a lot more convenient.

Enter Marco Polo.

Eliminating the highlight reel

The driving goal of Marco Polo was to bring families together in a way they could have real conversations instead of just the “highlight reel,” Bortnik said on a recent podcast with familytechzone.com. The goal was to create a product that allowed people to actually be a part of each other’s lives and feel like you’re close, Bortnik said.

Marco Polo offers something the competition just wasn’t offering. The app allows users to create and share video messages, called Polos, with friends and family, and respond back, but messages won’t disappear after they are viewed and videos can be of any length.

App users love the ability to interact and react to facial expressions and to match tone, mood and voice just as you would if the person was with you.

Designed with privacy and safety in mind

One of the biggest differences between Marco Polo and other messaging apps is that conversations are one on one or with small groups of people from your phone’s contact list. Participants have the peace of mind that what they share is shared in a safe place. And since messages don’t disappear, there is more accountability and responsibility for what is shared.

Marco Polo allows you to talk on your own terms

Being a part of someone’s life in a way that works with your life is what Marco Polo is all about. Users have the option to chat in real time with family and friends or to watch saved videos when they can, responding when they can. Unlike Skype and other video messaging apps, you don’t have to wait for everyone before you start a discussion because all discussions are saved. You can chime in when you can, as much as you can. Live in different time zones from those you love? Not a problem with this app.

A more intimate experience

Since Marco Polo isn’t a social media network, it just has a cleaner feel. Your world is your family and friends. There are no ads vying for your attention or scrolling news feeds stealing you away from what you came to accomplish on the app. The ability to watch and rewatch messages from those you love allows you a different kind of experience, closer to home, even when you are a million miles away.

Video storage is online, not on your phone

Expecting a hefty price tag for all this app is offering? You won’t find one. Marco Polo is free and offers unlimited chatting time at no cost. Polos are stored on the app's server, so your phone doesn’t get bogged down with data.

In a state where family time and family togetherness are highly valued, it is no wonder this app is breaking records. Just as with the swimming-pool game, Utahns are quick to call and quick to answer. This app just made that so much easier.

Marco Polo is free to download on either Google Play or the Apple App store — or you can go to www.marcopolo.me.

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