Skype Purchases GroupMe Messaging Service

Users of Skype will soon be able to enjoy new capabilities with the service, as the company has just announced plans of purchasing GroupMe, a group messaging and conference calling service.

For the time being, no specific info on the deal emerged, but Skype did say that they were looking into expanding the capabilities of their service.

What is interesting to note is that Skype already had some features that GroupMe includes.

However, the latest update for GroupMe added in-browser chat capabilities into the mix, which would bring to Skype features that are available in Facebook Messenger at the moment.

“There is a natural affinity between Skype and GroupMe and our goal is to continue developing tools that make it easier for people to communicate, share, and stay in touch with their close and important ties,” said Jared Hecht, GroupMe's co-founder.

“Integrating GroupMe into the Skype experience is an amazing opportunity for us and accelerates the execution of our vision tenfold,” added Steve Martocci, GroupMe's co-founder.

The acquisition of GroupMe will offer Skype the possibility to continue expanding its global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience.

Moreover, the purchase will add more features to Skype's leadership in voice and video communications service, enabling the company to offer text-based communications, as well as a set of other new capabilities.

With the new acquisition, Skype plans on offering users the possibility to connect, share locations and photos with their friends, and more.

These features will add to those available through the purchase of Qik, resulting in an even greater mobile user experience for the company's users.

“Skype and GroupMe have a shared vision of creating applications and experiences that are the daily communications choice for a billion people. We will continue to seek the top talent and technology to make that vision a reality,” said Tony Bates, Skype's chief executive officer.

“The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family,” added Bates.