Research In Motion has launched BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)
version 7, a free update for the globally popular mobile social network.
A
key new feature of the update will allow customers to make free voice calls to
their BBM contacts around the world over a Wi-Fi connection. The feature is an
inexpensive way to stay connected with friends, family and colleagues.
The
Beta version of BBM 7 with the new BBM Voice feature was made available to the
public through BlackBerry Beta Zone on November 14. Beta testers were excited
and pleased with the update, generating comments such as: “The voice feature is
easy to use and the audio quality is excellent.”
Some BBM Stats:
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When RIM surveyed customers who downloaded the Beta, over 80% of testers said
that they were likely to recommend BBM version 7.
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In the same survey, 90% of testers said that they would use BBM Voice while
travelling to keep in touch.
*
Nearly half of BBM customers have international contacts and can benefit from
free Wi-Fi calls.
“BBM
began as a convenient and effective business messaging tool, and today it is an
essential part of daily communications for customers around the world. Now,
with BBM version 7, customers have a new option: they can text and talk with
their BBM contacts near and far, for free. With the integrated experience, we
extend the core features of reliable, real-time engagement to include voice
calling and take BBM to the next level,” said T.A. McCann, Vice President of
BBM and Social Communities at RIM.
What else is new in BBM 7 with BBM voice?
Multi-tasking
with Split-screen feature – Customers can do more while they talk, such as
check other BBM text chats, check email, or navigate to other apps while
engaged on a BBM Voice call. They can start a call in an instant, and switch
between texting and talking, or text and talk at the same time. They can also
for example, send a picture to a contact while they are talking with them.
*
Clear Visual Indicator – Customers can see when contacts are available for a
voice call.
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Convenient Compatibility with Accessories – Customers can use their favourite
accessories, such as a Bluetooth or wired headset, or use the BlackBerry
smartphone’s speakerphone.
*
16 New Emoticons – Available in the final software released today, customers
will see a slate of new emoticons offer them fresh, fun ways to express
themselves in text chats.
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Direct BBM Update Notification – BBM will now notify a customer when there is
an update from within the app, and allow them to download it immediately from
inside the app.
*
Simple BlackBerry ID Synchronization – A customer’s BBM profile, Groups and
Contacts are now linked to their BBID for easy backup and restore. The data
will also carry over when they move to BlackBerry 10.
BBM
7 with BBM Voice is now available for all BlackBerry smartphones running the
BlackBerry 6 OS or higher with support planned for smartphones running the
BlackBerry 5 OS early next year. The BBM 7 software update can be downloaded
for free at appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/3729/.
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