Microsoft releases GroupMe 4.0 for Windows Phone right on schedule

Simply the other day we posted virtually the new GroupMe iv.0 launching on Android and iOS with an IOU about the Windows Phone version being "on its way". Well, it looks similar it was only behind past a few days as GroupMe 4.0 is now available in the Windows Phone Shop.

The leap from version 3.5 to 4.0 is indicative of some major changes and indeed, it is. The changelog is quite detailed and mostly focuses on the new UI and design, bringing Microsoft's new group-chat service up to date with a more "mod" look.

From the changelog:

Windows Phone 8 Support
Brand new outset screen with large, beautiful, animated tiles
A prettier conversation interface
It's a whole lot faster
And other smaller improvements

Surprisingly the Windows Phone viii support does not include Lock screen notifications nor a double-broad tile. Babe steps, we suppose.

In improver they have made the app much simpler with no "fluff" as information technology refocuses exactly on what the app is meant to do: grouping chatting. Of course some of you may be wondering what is the reward of GroupMe over the built in Groups or Rooms on Windows Phone? Well, GroupMe is first and foremost a cross-platform service tied to your phone number, but information technology (optionally) uses push button-data first over SMS, thereby saving costs. In an example for Windows Phone Cardinal, Rich and Rob tin be a part of our group chat and I don't have to worry about sending an SMS message to the UK or vice versa.

Granted, if we're all on Windows Phone together it'due south probably improve to use Rooms in Windows Phone viii merely for people on unlike platforms, GroupMe is quite a nifty solution to having group chats.

The 4.0 version shows Microsoft is still actively developing and promoting the service and we're okay with that. Will it be folded into Skype itself someday? After all, Microsoft but came into possession of GroupMe because Skype bought them starting time. Peradventure it will only for now, it'due south clear that the service will remain separate.

Head to the Windows Phone Store to go 4.0 of GroupMe right here. Thanks, Wade K., for the heads up!

QR: GroupMe

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