Skype is dying, but this niche messaging app once bought by Skype just integrated with Microsoft Copilot

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Microsoft Copilot can now help you write messages and make plans in GroupMe chats.

GroupMe app on an iPhone
Skype purchased GroupMe in 2011, but the latter will soon outlive its former owner. (Image credit: Future)

With Microsoft killing Skype, you may assume that the tech giant is stepping back from personal messaging apps apart from Teams, but that's not the case. Today, Microsoft announced a Copilot integration with GroupMe.

The new Copilot integration is different from the Copilot feature for GroupMe that shipped last year. The new feature lets you long press any message and ask Copilot to have the AI tool generate a response.

  •  🔥 Write the perfect response  Not sure how to respond in the group chat? Ask Copilot to help brainstorm a response that will get you all the reactions.
  • 📚 Be the study buddy you actually need.  Class chat swirling on a challenging concept? Copilot will break it down for you.
  • 🎉 Save the group from decision fatigue.  Theme party ideas? Travel plans? Copilot makes picking easy.
  • 🎵 Curate the vibe  Someone share a song they’re into? Copilot will build you a whole playlist.
  • 💡 Help your group get stuff done  From event planning to fundraising ideas, Copilot gives `the squad superpowers. 

It's a bit ironic that GroupMe is getting a new feature. The app was purchased by Skype about 14 years ago, but it has since outlived Skype.

Microsoft teased future features for GroupMe, such as AI understanding how specific group chats operate. Perhaps there's a future in which Copilot in GroupMe can share dank memes with your friends and make plans while you're asleep or otherwise occupied.

GroupMe | Free

GroupMe | Free

This messaging app has a niche following because of how easy it makes group chats. GroupMe is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and the web. Now, it integrates with Microsoft Copilot to enhance your chats.

Android | iOS | Windows

What is GroupMe?

GroupMe is a messaging app owned by Microsoft. The app first launched in 2010 and was purchased by Skype rather quickly.

With Skype purchasing GroupMe and Microsoft purchasing Skype in 2011, Microsoft ended up with multiple messaging apps.

GroupMe is available on most major operating systems and the web. Its cross-platform nature earned it popularity in its early days, as did the fact that it made group chats easy.

Microsoft released a surprising update to GroupMe in 2024 that overhauled the app and added Copilot capabilities. The Copilot addition last year allowed users to message Copilot directly within GroupMe, which is quite different from today's new feature.

GroupMe is a niche app. Many of its users are university or college students in the United States.

As a bit of a fun fact, under the hood, GroupMe's communication features are powered by Microsoft Teams.

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Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.

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