GroupMe: Text Messaging for Groups

GroupMe, a relatively unknown member of the Skype family, is a free group text messaging service for mobile devices and desktop computers in which you can form text message distribution lists or join existing distribution lists.

These lists operate as a form of high-speed discussion forum, sharing text conversations with everyone in the group. People can join and leave private groups in much the same way they enter and leave online forums. However, GroupMe goes a step further and offers direct messaging, image sharing, the option to have silent notifications or none at all, GPS location tagging, and no advertising.

Anyone can send a message that is viewable by everyone else in the group. Every text message is preserved until you choose to delete or hide your messages in the future. This way, conversations are stored for any latecomers to see.

The GroupMe app uses web data to send and receive the text messages, but you can also choose to use SMS so that you can chat from non-smartphone devices. GroupMe provides alarm notifications that play as sounds or show as icons on your device.

Nearly everyone travels everywhere with their smartphone. Much more reliable than email, text messaging reaches people for "transitory" types of communication that are time-sensitive. By putting group messaging into your pocket, you can reach people for last-minute and real-time communications.

All sorts of groups can benefit from using Group Me, including:

• Co-workers
• Sports teams
• College fraternities and clubs
• Groups of friends
• Festival and concertgoers
• Volunteer organizations

To use this group text messaging service from a computer, create a GroupMe account using your email address, Facebook account, or Microsoft account. Enter your name and then, if you're going to be the group leader, start adding people to your messaging group.

Another way to get GroupMe text messaging is from any mobile phone or tablet. It works on iOS, Android, and Microsoft devices like Windows Phone, Windows 10, Xbox One, and more.