Skype aquires GroupMe - Multiperson text-based chat to rival Google+

Skype has just announced its purchase of GroupMe, a mobile group texting service – which adds another social weapon to the arsenal against Google.

Working much like the Huddle feature on Google+ for mobiles, GroupMe brings friend together for multiperson conversations using text-based “chatting” allowing easy organisation of get-togethers and keeping everybody involved “in the loop” without the need of multiple repetative texting and basically keeping everybody on the same page.

“This acquisition is another step towards our vision to provide a global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience. It complements our existing leadership in voice and video communications by providing best in class mobile text-based communications and innovative features around group messaging that enable users to connect, share locations and photos and make plans with their closest ties.” – reads Skype’s website announcement.

After bringing in Qik mobile video, and two-way integration between Skype and Facebook (and Facebook and Skype) it shouldn’t be too long before Microsoft’s new video communications baby and Zuckerberg’s Empire combine again to bring a Facebook version of Huddle across for it’s Android and iOS app users.

For the full statement from Skype regarding the aquisition of GroupMe read below.

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[spoiler]Skype Acquires GroupMe

LUXEMBOURG, 21 August 2011 — Skype today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GroupMe, a provider of mobile group messaging services that helps users stay in touch and make decisions. GroupMe was founded in 2010 at the Techcrunch Disrupt Hackathon and is headquartered in New York, New York. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Through the acquisition of GroupMe, Skype continues its drive to provide a global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience. The acquisition of GroupMe complements Skype’s leadership in voice and video communications by providing best in class text-based communications and innovative features that enable users to connect, share locations and photos and make plans with their closest ties. This, coupled with the acquisition of mobile video provider Qik, which Skype announced earlier this year, augments Skype’s role as an innovator in driving unique mobile user experiences.

“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.

“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.
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Skype aquires GroupMe – Multiperson text-based chat to rival Google+