It is developed by the manufacturer of the BlackBerry, BlackBerry Limited (formerly known as Research In Motion Limited, also known as RIM) and was first released in August 2005.
Messages sent via BlackBerry Messenger are sent over the Internet and use the BlackBerry PIN system.
In addition to offering text-based instant messages, BlackBerry Messenger also allows users to send pictures, voicenotes (audio recordings), files (up to 6 MB), location on a map, stickers and a wide selection of emoticons.
Communication was only possible between BlackBerry devices until late 2013 when BBM was released on iOS and Android systems. 300 million Stickers have been shared. Daily, 150,000 BBM Voice Calls are placed.
There are more than 190 million BBM users worldwide as of 2015, and BlackBerry infrastructure handled 30 petabytes of data traffic each month by early 2013. BBM was very popular in the late 2000s and the break of the decade, before it started to lose out to cross-platform rivals.
Throwback
BlackBerry Messenger was launched on August 1, 2005.
With the release of BlackBerry Messenger 5.0, BlackBerry allows users to use a QR Code to add each other to their respective friends lists rather than using only numeric PIN identification or an email address associated with the user's BlackBerry.
Recent BlackBerry devices can also exchange BBM contacts using Near Field Communication technology. Users can also set animated gif pictures as their display pictures, although animated pictures have a 32KB size limit. To design animated GIFs for BBM you'll need graphic design suites like Adobe PhotoShop or a simpler suite like FlashDP.
The release of BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 introduced additional traits. This update is focused on social communication mediums, including 'BBM Connected Apps', which allow the user to invite friends to share their favourite BlackBerry Applications.
With the release of BlackBerry Messenger 7.0 in December 2012, voice chat was introduced. The new feature is called BBM Voice Call.
Features
- Make BBM Video calls or Screen Share over Wi-Fi or the mobile network on the latest smartphones (only BlackBerry 10).
- Send and receive messages with unlimited length.
- Choose a personal BBM display picture and status.
- Real-time confirmations when messages are being written, delivered and read.
- Share photos, videos and more with multiple contacts at once.
- Add contacts by scanning QR Codes, using NFC technology or sharing PINs.
- Send files such as documents, photos, music, videos up to 16MB.
- Create and join groups where you can share and discuss lists, photos etc.
- Share location.
- Create, likes or comment BBM Channels.
- Free Call BBM contacts over Wi-Fi (only BlackBerry OS).
- Voice Call BBM contacts over Wi-Fi and mobile data [BBM app Android]
- Retract send messages (in app purchase)
- Send messages and pictures with a time viewing limit (in app purchase)
- Send stickers (in app purchases)
More Features
BBM brings you together in the moment with friends and family through instant chats, voice calls, picture sharing, voice notes and more ;
- BBM is always on and always connected – no app to open
- Know when messages have been delivered (D’s) and read (R’s)
- Say ‘hello’ with BBM Voice – free voice calling between BBM Contacts*
- Quickly share photos, files, documents, voice notes and more
- Allow contacts to view your location live on a map, powered by Glympse*
- See when contacts are responding to your message
- Emoticons for every mood and emotion let you express yourself
With BBM, what you share is yours to control!
Timed Messages
Set how long contacts have access to messages and pictures shared in a chat before it disappears from the screen.
Message Retraction
‘Retract’ a message to remove it from your BBM chat.
You choose how to share your information - BBM uses PINs instead of phone numbers or email addresses so that it's more private, and you always control who can contact you
You choose your contacts – 2-way opt-in means you have control over who is able to message you
Chat and Share with many at once
- Groups – BBM groups help you share pictures, lists, and appointments with group members. You can even be in a group with people who aren't part of your own BBM contact list.
- Multi-person chats – Invite multiple contacts to have a chat together.
- Broadcast messages – Send a message to multiple BBM contacts at one time.
BBM Channels
- Join conversations happening now about the things you love.
- Create a new channel to share your thoughts, ideas and passions.
- Subscribe to an existing BBM channel to join chats with others who share your interests.
Create your own BBM profile
- Post a profile picture using images, pictures or even animated pictures (GIFs).
- Update your status to let people know what you’re up to or how you feel
So.. What are you waiting for?
Download the latest BBM apps for free today.
What's new
Android Users
- Bug fixes and performance improvements
- Official BBM Sticker Club subscription in the BBM Shop
- PayPal integration for sending money to BBM contacts as an attachment
- Customizable font size within BBM conversations with pinch-to-zoom
- Enhancements to BBM Voice connectivity
- View, like, and comment on group pictures and other events from within BBM feeds.
iOS users
- iOS 9 support with quick reply
- Users can now send videos in chats
- Apple Watch support
- Official BBM Sticker Club subscription in the BBM Shop
- PayPal integration for sending money to BBM contacts as an attachment
- Enhancements to BBM Voice connectivity
- View, like, and comment on group pictures and other events from within BBM feeds.
Windows users
BBM for Windows Phone now supports BBM Channels. Create your own Channel, post messages, share pictures, spark discussions and chat directly with subscribers and brands.
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