BlackBerry's BBM For Android App Update Brings Region-Exclusive Features, Changes To BBM Feeds
BlackBerry is rolling out a new update for its BBM for Android app, and it is one that brings something new to the table. Generally speaking, the app update comes with region-exclusive features and some changes to BlackBerry Messenger’s Feeds.
According to PhoneArena, the new BBM for Android update expands the things users can do to BBM Feeds. For example, users may now share their photos to all of their contacts with the new option that enables the direct posting of photos to the Feed. BlackBerry even teased that “it’s selfie time” now that this option is available to users.
Making the user experience more convenient when sharing photos, the BBM update adds a new photo icon in the Feed tab. Clicking this icon will apparently allow users to take a snap, crop it and add a caption before sharing it to the Feed.
Aside from still photos, users may now post videos as well. Unfortunately, this option is only available to the owner of the BBM Channel. To share a video, the BBM Channel owner must first upload the clip to Vidio.com, then log in to the Channel Management Console and paste in the link prior to publishing it to the Feed, as per Android Authority.
In addition to the new features, BlackBerry also tweaked some parts of the app. The Discover menu now gives access to the BBM Channels. The default contact layout has been altered from grid display to a list. Also, the Scan Barcode option is now part of the main menu.
The new update for BBM for Android also requires users to include chat names for multi-person chats, so that group chats are better organized. Another modification that comes with the update is the 25-second default timer for timed messages.
Finally, apart from bug fixes, the update also brings with it certain regional specific features. For Nigeria, the Airtime icon is now accessible via the Discover menu. Airtime allows users to buy more airtime for their smartphone and purchase a gift for another person.
Meanwhile, Indonesia-based users can now have access to BBM Voucher, BBM Pulsa/PLN and the new BBM Game Center via the Discover menu. The last feature is set to go live in Indonesia on Nov 1 and is expected to introduce new games weeks after. To download the latest update for the Android app, click here.
BBM is BlackBerry’s messaging app that was initially exclusive only to BlackBerry users. In October 2013, however, the Canadian tech company launched iOS and Android versions of the app to reach out to more smartphone users. The app is still available to download for free from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
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