BlackBerry BBM Updated To Version 2.0 With Voice Calling, Channels And Many Other Features

Struggling Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry (NASDAQ:BBRY) updated its BBM messaging app on Thursday, taking the version to 2.0.

The new update for its users on Android, iPhone and BlackBerry phones brings many new features to the app such as free voice-calling, BBM Channels, Dropbox integration and location-sharing among others.

“When the update becomes available later today, these new features will give you more ways to chat and share than ever before on BBM,” the company said in an official blog post.

Let’s dig into the following list of new features:

BBM Voice

With BBM Voice for Android and iPhone, users can make free calls to their BBM contacts anywhere in the world using Wi-Fi or data connection. Similar to other voice-calling applications such as Skype, FaceTime Audio and Viber, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling in BBM 2.0 also requires BBM Voice on both ends. When a BBM contact is available for a BBM Voice call, users will see a green icon in the top right corner of their chat. To start a call, users need to touch the green icon.

BBM Channels

BBM Channels is like a group-chatting feature, which allows users to chat with other BBM users about topics based on their interests. Users can join these forums that tackle topics ranging from products, hobbies, sports, entertainment, fashion and cars.

“By posting to their channel, channel owners immediately reach their subscribers with a message that can spark discussions,” BlackBerry said.

Location-Sharing Powered By Glympse

The new location-sharing feature allows users to share their live location for a specific amount of time. Users can choose how long they want to share their location with others by setting the timer. When the timer runs out, the location becomes private again.

Improved Photo, Voice Notes And Other Attachments

The new BBM 2.0 lets users quickly share a picture, voice note or file with their contacts. Users can snap a photo or pick one from the gallery, and touch and hold to send a voice note; a calendar event or contacts.

Dropbox Integration

Thanks to Dropbox integration, users can exchange files from their personal cloud directly to a BBM contact. The user on the receiving end can save the files directly to a smartphone or move it to a Dropbox account.

Larger BBM Groups

The new version of BBM now includes 50-person BBM Groups, allowing users get more of their friends, family or team in on the action.

Check out the video here:

In addition, BBM 2.0 also includes 100 new emoticons to choose from.

The new BBM 2.0 is currently available on the respective app stores for Android, iPhone and BlackBerry phones. Click on the links below:

Google Play

App Store

BlackBerry World