TextPlus group-texting app adds photos

TextPlus, an application that lets groups easily text each other, today announced it has launched textPlus 4 Pics Edition. The new version lets users send and receive picture messages in an effort to make group texting more social and fun.

The company claims more than 8 million downloads of the original group texting application textPlus and is looking to make the new version even more popular using pictures.

New photo capabilities include being able to easily text images within both private and public communities. For example, a user who has joined a Boston Celtics group can now share pictures live while at the game. With real photo messaging, users can send, share and save photos one on one and in community settings.

Probably the most interesting feature of the textPlus 4 Pics Edition is what the company is calling “Face Text.” The feature allows users to leverage the iPhone 4’s forward facing camera and automatically sends a fresh pic of the texter along with each message.

The Marina Del Ray, Calif. based company, founded in 2007, has raised a total of $13.2 million in funding. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers participated in both rounds.

Several companies are providing group texting services, including CallVine, which recently landed $4 million, and TextFree, which has reportedly grabbed $11 million in two rounds of funding.