What happened to the group messaging (MMS) option?

[fwaits]

I hope WP hasn't replaced group text with "Rooms". Although I COULD POSSIBLY see the appeal, for cross-platform, it isn't a good fix...

I didn't know there was no group text option prior to purchasing my 8x yesterday. I only have one group mms going, so it isn't TOO bad for me, but hopefully we can figure this out!

If one of you have Twitter, send a tweet to @joebelfiore. If you don't know him, he's the head guy for OS at Windows Phone. He answers a lot of people's questions on Twitter.

As I mentioned in my post above with screenshot that on AT&T the option is there (Lumia 920) so it's not a WP change. Not sure why the 8X would not have it. Does anyone have an 8X on AT&T that can check maybe?

 

[anjan84]

This sucks because I upgraded to the 8x from the trophy and I used group texting almost every single day. Is there any apps available in the store we can use until we find out exactly what went wrong here?

 

[-Scienide-]

I don't know if this helps you guys but I have the HTC 8X here in the UK. So its not on any of your providers. I bought the phone unlocked and sim free. Here is my screenshot:



So, I have the group messaging that you are missing. It is not a Windows Phone issue. It must be Verizon in the states.

 

[jsk0703]

There's a link on the WPC home page : Verizon ditches Group Messaging on Windows Phone | Windows Phone Central

 

[anjan84]

Can anyone confirm if the nokia 822 from Verizon is lacking group text?

 

[strokee]

Guys, there is an article on the home page of this site saying that Verizon removed the group messaging option from WP8 devices. AT&T still offers it...no mention of other carriers.

 

[slick5150]

Guys, there is an article on the home page of this site saying that Verizon removed the group messaging option from WP8 devices. AT&T still offers it...no mention of other carriers.

Yes, it's looking like this is strictly a Verizon issue, though still not explanation as to why. I'm really hoping the WPCentral crew contacts Verizon about this to get an explanation from them, as unless they say it will be added back via update shortly, I have to give my 8X back and switch back to AT&T I guess as I need the group messaging feature for my work.

 

[jlangner]

Yes, option still there on T-Mobile 8x

 

[slick5150]

I talked to a Tier 2 rep from Verizon today. She thought it must be a decision by HTC to remove the feature (despite the fact that it's missing from the Lumia as well). So we got an HTC support person on the line and he tried to tell me how to turn group messaging on, and I told him that's the problem, the option is missing. He sounded confused, then put both of us on hold, then came back and said that the software team said that Verizon had flagged group messaging as a "feature block" for them which means they are told to block it from the firmware when submitting it to Verizon. He agreed this didn't make much sense as it would mess up the "group" feature of the People Hub as well.

The Verizon rep seemed surprised by this and couldn't understand why Verizon would have done that. She said she'd try to find out more and call me back in a few days, though she didn't sound very confident of getting an answer.

So, we're still in this weird situation in which Verizon has clearly told both HTC and Nokia to block the feature, though nobody seems to have any clue as to why.

I'll still be returning my phone within the 14 day window unless we get a clear explanation from Verizon as to why this happened and that it'll be remedied soon.

 

[Reflexx]

That's unfortunate.

 

[fwaits]

Hmm does Verizon have some new "service" out or coming that would be impacted by this or something? Feeling even more justified in my move to AT&T for the 920. That and VVM is free and integrated into the phone dialer history page on AT&T as well. Verizon has it as a separate app and charges $2.99/mo. for it.

 

[slick5150]

Well, another update. Tech support did call me back and the "official response" from Verizon is that "Windows Phone does not support the group messaging feature and isn't something Verizon can offer."

Obviously, that's complete BS since the feature DOES exist in WP7 & WP8 on every other carrier, and also exists on Verizon's own WP7 device the HTC Trophy.

I really wish the WPCentral staff would keep following up on this. This is a major carrier intentionally crippling a feature on their WP lineup and is refusing to acknowledge a real reason as to why. Tech support is obviously clueless about it so it'd be nice to get their PR department involved.

As it stands though, I'll be taking my 8X back this week and switching to something else as it's simply not a function I can do without.

 

[Wayward323]

I went to the FAQ page on Verizon’s website to see if there was anything on why they removed group messaging from the new Windows phones and this popped up. So if I am reading this correctly no new phones, Windows Phone 8 or otherwise, will have group messaging as an option and as of 01/03/2013 it will go away for all phones even the ones that have it now.

 

[thed]

I went to the FAQ page on Verizon?s website to see if there was anything on why they removed group messaging from the new Windows phones and this popped up. So if I am reading this correctly no new phones, Windows Phone 8 or otherwise, will have group messaging as an option and as of 01/03/2013 it will go away for all phones even the ones that have it now.

Wow, WTF. And I think I just found the reason for this:

Verizon Messages

I'm really going to consider leaving Verizon if they're pulling crap like this.

 

[iamtim]

Of course. Revenue from texting is starting to go down because of iMessage, WhatsApp, and other SMS replacements, so the carriers want to make sure they're not left out in the cold. Sheesh.

 

[trikotret]

Wow, WTF. And I think I just found the reason for this:

Verizon Messages

I'm really going to consider leaving Verizon if they're pulling crap like this.

Are they going to have an app for windows 8 phone?

 

[Ebaneeezor]

What about groupme app?

 

[Darkgift]

Are they going to have an app for windows 8 phone?

Doesnt matter. You know they'll charge a monthly fee for it. I'm out. AT&T here I come.

 

[trikotret]

What about groupme app?

Groupme app is not the same group mms. It gives each group a unique number. Its kinda annoying but it does the job. Man this is a deal breaker for me. I am an android person but wanted to give windows 8 phone a try. But I cant switch cuz I do like 300 group messages a day for work. If only verizon can come up with an app like the verizon message app for android, then I'll consider it.

 

[philxor]

Carriers definitely want people to move to non-mms ways of doing group messaging. Looks like Verizon put a stake in the ground with this. I would expect other carriers to follow suit eventually. What we really need are some non-proprietary ways built into phones like Jabber.

At my work we use this fancy group communication method called email.