Marco Polo: An AI-Enhanced App for Asynchronous Video Messaging to Stay Connected

Marco Polo is a private video messaging app developed by Vlada and Michał Bortnik under Joya Communications, designed to facilitate asynchronous, genuine connections without the need to coordinate real-time calls. The app allows users to send and receive video messages called ‘Polos’ that can be watched and responded to at any convenient time, overcoming the constraints of live virtual calls. It features AI-driven closed captioning, transcripts, and summaries that convert video content into searchable and digestible text, enhancing user experience by allowing message previews before watching. AI leverages natural language processing to generate concise recaps of messages, which is useful for managing busy schedules or large group chats. The app supports individual and group chats (up to 200 participants), offers fun features like voice filters, drawings, and photo-video integration, and includes paid subscription options with added functionalities such as message speed control and cloud storage. Privacy is emphasized, with data used only for internal AI processing and no training of AI models on user content. Users can disable transcription if desired, though this limits access to key features. Marco Polo is available on iOS and Android and is suitable for those seeking low-pressure, flexible video communication, especially helpful for families, busy friend groups, and different time zones without the stress of live calls.