Days after the death of Skype, Microsoft’s other messaging app received an AI update — no, not Teams

by

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve been excitedly following the updates to GroupMe, a messaging app owned by Microsoft. In 2024, it was given a fresh lease of life with the introduction of Copilot. Since then, Microsoft has been stealthily enhancing the app with AI capabilities. This week, something amazing happened – GroupMe now supports 40 image generation powered by Copilot! I can’t wait to see what else they have in store for us.

In any GroupMe conversation, you have the option to mention ‘@Copilot’ and request it to create an image based on your instructions. For instance, you can ask Copilot to modify an existing image into a particular artistic style.

You can also tag Copilot and ask for help with plans, facts, and topics of discussion.

It’s intriguing to notice GroupMe adding fresh functionalities. Despite being an oldie in the tech world, it mainly caters to a specific audience, with a strong following among college students.

Among the limited number of informal messaging platforms under Microsoft’s ownership, GroupMe stands out following the demise of Skype. Although Microsoft Teams offers a free version, it is generally perceived as being more suited for professional or educational purposes rather than casual communication.

GroupMe: What’s new

Upload + Prompt

Please upload an image in our group conversation, and make sure to mention @Copilot for attention. Here’s an idea: Transform that selfie from last night into a captivating album cover! Or, if it’s a coffee picture you have, let’s add some artistic flair and transform it into a stunning Renaissance-style painting. Let your creativity guide the way!

“@Copilot make our group selfie look like a 2000s boy band album cover”

“@Copilot turn this burrito into an oil painting”

Quote Reply to Riff on Shared Pics

If you spot something unusual or exciting, respond to your friend’s text, mention @Assistant along with your suggestion. This is the perfect place for shared humor and experiences to turn into visual representations.

“@Copilot turn Justin’s dog into a 90s action figure”

“@Copilot make Max look like a medieval knight”

Not Just Visuals

Copilot serves as a catalyst for your team’s imagination by generating images, but this is merely the beginning of its capabilities. Utilize it for:

1. Brainstorming new ideas and concepts for projects.
2. Visualizing complex data or theories in a simplified manner.
3. Creating engaging and compelling visual content for presentations.
4. Generating unique and eye-catching designs for marketing materials.
5. Quickly producing high-quality images for social media posts or blogs.

  • Plan your next move: “@Copilot help us plan a weekend trip to Nashville with food, music, and one weird museum.”
  • Fact check your friends: “@Copilot is it true octopuses have three hearts?”
  • Start something new: “@Copilot draft an email we can send to local businesses for our fundraiser.”
  • Get homework help: “@Copilot explain the transitive property like I’m 5”
  • Spark ideas: “@Copilot we want to start a podcast—throw us some name ideas and a first episode topic.”

Copilot only processes messages when it’s directly addressed (@ mentioned). It also keeps track of conversations whenever it’s tagged in a group chat, maintaining an understanding of the context over time.

What is GroupMe?

GroupMe, an instant messaging platform, debuted back in 2010. Not long after its debut, it got acquired by Skype. Fast forward approximately a year, and Skype itself ended up being bought by Microsoft.

For approximately a decade, GroupMe has been sheltered under the Microsoft corporation, with minimal changes made during this period. However, a significant revamp was introduced by Microsoft to GroupMe in 2024, which modernized the application and incorporated AI functionalities.

This year, Microsoft incorporated various Copilot capabilities into GroupMe, and that evolution persists with this week’s release of an updated version of the application.

Read More

2025-05-09 21:34