GroupMe

One of the most popular messaging and conferencing applications out there, GroupMe makes it possible for you to create chat groups, keep in touch with your friends, family, and colleagues, manage events in your life, and easily share media.

Aside from a widely known conferencing service, GroupMe brings to the table the versatility modern users need, delivering apps for mobile platforms and Windows 10. It operates SMS notifications, which means any user with a valid phone number can join a group conversation.

Talking about versatility, GroupMe requires you to create an account using any email address and a valid phone number (a code will be sent to your phone, a step that cannot be skipped). Alternatively, you can also login using your Facebook or Twitter account.

Following the latest trends, the Windows GroupMe application features a sharp-looking GUI and intuitive controls, with a layout that will surely seem familiar to many. Managing groups and conversations is easy, as all of your chats are neatly displayed in a list that shows the latest message and the group avatar, for easier identification.

GroupMe enables you to enrich your conversations using rich emoji collections, which you have to first download from within the app. Moreover, you can share webcam snapshots and photos on your computer, or browse the web for the latest and most viral GIF animations, images, and videos. GroupMe features an integrated image viewer and a video player, so you can enjoy the most popular media together with your friends.

GroupMe also makes it easier for you to organize an event with your friends or colleagues. You can create a new event in a group, add it a location, a photo, and a short description. Also, each event can be assigned one or more reminders.

Once created, the new event will be displayed in the chat window of each group member, allowing them to choose whether they will participate or not. Unfortunately, it is not possible for the event organizer to choose which participants get to see the event notification. As such, if you want to organize a secret birthday party, you might have to create a new group and add all the participants manually. A good idea would be to be able to create an event-specific sub-group that is automatically erased after the event takes place.

GroupMe shares various features with its competitors, but its modern look and its user-friendly interface makes it a go-to app for many. Encouraging communication and team work, GroupMe brings group text messaging to anyone with a phone. Nevertheless, it does not feature file sharing and video conferencing on Windows 10, which would only add to its value.