Microsoft's GroupMe gets Skype 'group call' feature on Android, Windows 10 (Updated)

News
By Daniel Rubino
published

After years of stagnation, Microsoft has added the ability to create Skype group calls through its GroupMe app.

Groupme Skype Android Feature
Groupme Skype Android Feature (Image credit: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • GroupMe on Android and Windows 10 now connects to Skype.
  • Groups can now create group calls to Skype without a Skype account.
  • Microsoft is trying to compete against Zoom.

Update: Microsoft has pushed out an update to GroupMe on Windows 10 (v 2.41.1.0), which adds the same Skype icon and the ability to schedule calls.

Microsoft has effectively ignored its GroupMe chat and messaging client ever since it took over Skype years ago. Despite some essential app updates over the years and Microsoft seemingly having other priorities, the chat service remains popular amongst college kids, especially in the U.S.

Some of that may be changing. Microsoft is rolling out an update to the GroupMe client on Android that lets you easily create a Skype group call. While it's not quite a native integration of Skype VOIP, it sure is better than nothing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Groupme Win10 Skype

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

The feature is simple enough. At the top of the chat is the Skype logo. Clicking it asks if you would like to create a Skype group call with those in the room. Once you accept, it generates a link and posts it to the chat. By clicking the link, GroupMe hands off to Skype where the group call is created, and everyone can join in with just a single tap.

The feature is built off Skype's Meet Now.

Skype rolled out its "Meet Now" back in December 2019 although this week it went on a media offensive against rival Zoom in actually promoting the function for once.

Groupme Skype Android Feature

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)

Zoom has seen tremendous momentum as families and friends try to keep in touch virtually during many "shelter in place" restrictions around the planet due to the coronavirus pandemic. GroupMe merely is piggybacking on that Skype Meet Now ability by making it a one-click task to get a group call going.

How to easily set up a voice call or video meeting on Skype

With Skype Meet Now, users do not need a Microsoft or Skype account to join the call. For years, that has been a barrier to entry that a service like Zoom does not need.

It remains to be seen if Microsoft will push out this feature to its Windows 10 and iOS GroupMe clients, but it is probably likely.

The bigger question is, will Microsoft give GroupMe the attention it deserves, or just let it wither.

Thanks, Jason H., for the tip!

Groupme Reco
GroupMe


GroupMe is a chat and messaging service that lets you connect with friends, family, and more by creating rooms and groups.

Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.