Disco: Google Launches Group Texting App

After denying rumors at South by Southwest that it's launching a social network, Google is developing a social app. Disco, a group texting app, isnow available as a free app from the iTunes store.

Developed by Max Levchin, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur who sold Slide to Google in August for $182 million, the social messenger's FAQ describes the service:

"You can easily invite groups of friends, family, co-workers and more to chat in real time via group text messaging. Create or join unlimited groups to touch base with everyone! Use it to coordinate weekend get-togethers, after school practice schedules, details for surprise parties or simply driving directions to local events! Whether you are on the go or hanging out at home, it's time to get instant feedback from a group of your pals without the hassle of a laptop!"

Still in beta, it promises it will work with smartphones from "every major US cell service provider." Check out the screenshots below.

TechCrunch, which broke the news, calls it "barebones," but "simple" to use and "nice." Its interface is certainly clean, if a bit basic: