The app utilizes Bluetooth technology to communicate with people nearby who also have the Slide app installed on their iOS devices. The app displays those in range on a single screen, and gives you the option to push a picture to everyone or to pick and choose who will see it. You can keep your picture private or blast it out.
There are no friends or contacts in Slide — It just shows whoever is nearby, using the iBeacon technology built into the iPhone. iBeacon basically turns your phone into a locational signal to anyone who may be looking for it, informing them of where you are so they can communicate with you.
Photos from Slide are sent and received via the low-energy Bluetooth signal, which works for a range of up to 200 feet. You’ll also be able to interact with people beyond that, with likes and comments.
It’s important to note that while you can share photos with people nearby who you don’t know, it’s not anonymous. You have a username. People can see that username. If you want to take pictures of your junk in the bathroom and send it to everyone at the bar, they will all know who you are. And they will all give you the side eye for the rest of the night because you’re a creep.
Where Slide does make sense is at get-togethers with extended groups of people like parties or weddings. Snap a picture from one side of the room, and everyone else at the event will be able to see it whether they know you or not — so long as they have the app. It makes the shared experience of the event easier to actually share.
You can download the app here.
