What you need to know
- GroupMe on Windows 10 now has a dark mode.
- It only took three years.
- GroupMe is still popular with college kids in the US.
Microsoft's chat app GroupMe has been a favorite focus of the staff at Windows Central for years. It's a fun, light chat app that is available on literally everything, including just straight up SMS.
Three years ago, Microsoft started adding a dark mode to GroupMe on Android and iOS, but some reason, it never came to Windows 10 even though the app is continually updated. It's been a popular rant topic on our weekly podcast.
Finally, our prayers have been answered with version 2.44.7.0, which seems to be going out to all users tonight.
Upon updating the app, the user should be switched to the new dark mode feature, assuming their OS is set too dark. Of course, you can manually override the function and choose light or dark, depending on your preference.
Microsoft has been paying a bit more attention to GroupMe in these last few months. The app recently picked up some minor integration with Skype, which was long overdue too. That new feature lets users start a quick Skype call with the group without users being required to have a Skype account (aka "Meet Now"). Microsoft also introduced some Fluent UI elements, including acrylic, over the last few years.
GroupMe may seem like an out of date service, but many college students, especially in the US, rely on it for classroom collaboration (go on Twitter and search for #GroupMe). On iOS, it enjoys a 4.7 rating (out of 5) from 1.3M reviews.
GroupMe is a classic example of Microsoft owning an excellent service, but not knowing what to do with it. Skype originally bought GroupMe, and then Microsoft bought Skype, where it has mostly been on life support. The app could have been a Telegram competitor back in the day, but it now seems too late. Either way, we're just glad to have dark mode as an option. Maybe someday we'll gain the ability to delete messages?
GroupMe is a chat and messaging service that lets you connect with friends, family, and more by creating rooms and groups.
