BlackBerry has announced that the latest iteration of its social messaging service, BlackBerry Messenger version 7, for BlackBerry 5 OS handsets.
BBM version 7 offers BlackBerry Messenger users free voice calls via its BBM Voice function, allowing users to make calls over a Wi-Fi connection.
Originally launched for BlackBerry 6 or higher OS handsets in December, BBM 7 will now offer BlackBerry 5 OS handset users its new features.
The new split-screen feature means that BBM 7 users can check texts form other conversations, read emails or use other apps, whilst engaging in a BBM Voice call with one of their contacts.
Conveniently displaying whether a contact is available for a voice call, BBM version 7 also provides a new selection of emoticons to express emotions when words just aren’t enough.
“Our customers around the world have embraced BBM version 7, which has brought BBM to a whole new level, further strengthening the experience of reliable, fast, real-time engagement,” said T.A McCann, BlackBerry’s Vice President of BBM and Social Communities.
The update also means that a user’s BBID will seamlessly sync with their BlackBerry messenger profile, groups and contacts for easy back-up and restore capabilities, and will enable users to download any new BBM updates from within the software.
“By bringing BBM version 7 with BBM Voice to customers running BlackBerry 5 OS smartphones, we really broaden the base of people who can connect with each other, especially in many of our emerging markets where BBM is the leading player.”
Since its launch in December, over 50 million BBM Voice calls have been made using BBM 7, says BlackBerry.
Have you tried the BBM Voice service? How does it compare to other VoIP services like Skype? Drop us a line at the TrustedReviews Facebook and Twitter pages or the comments section below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
