GroupMe is an incredible new service for group text messages.  And now it has a brand new iPhone app.  Don’t be confused with that $1 app with a similar name.  This service and app is FREE.  If you haven’t checked out this free service, it basically sets up a free SMS chat room or mailing list.  Any text message sent to the number you are given is sent to everyone on the group list.  You can add people to the list, delete them, name yourself, or rename the group topic with easy commands.  You can even call the number and set up a group conference call.

The web site for the service reflects its alpha status though.  As yet, there is no real way to manage the lists you are on.  That is where the free iPhone app comes in.  Once you install it, you “register” it with a text to a supplied number.  It comes up with a list of all the groups you are members of.  You can select the group and see the names and numbers of all the group members.  The app also includes a help file with all the commands and an option to add your group numbers to your contact list.

If I could add a suggestion to the developers, I’d love the ability to select a group member and be given an option to add them to your contacts, text them, or call them.  I’d also love to see the ability to see chat history posted to the group.  As fast as the developers are working though, I expect those kinds of things in a future release.

If you haven’t tried GroupMe, you really need to give it a shot.  It works great in small family groups.