BBM Channels and Voice included in new BBM for Android beta

According to a published report on Friday, BlackBerry is now offering an updated version of the BBM for Android app to beta testers. Version 200.0.0.138 of the messaging app includes support for BBM Voice and BBM Channels. The latter allows you to open a discussion group or sign up with one. BlackBerry expects corporations to open groups in order to stay in touch with their customers. This is one area of BBM that could be easily monetized, something that is supposedly on new CEO John Chen's "things to do" list.

BBM Voice offers free calls to other BBM Voice members. Similar to the audio service provided by Skype, BlackBerry says that its calling service offers the clearest VoIP conversations. Besides Channels and Voice, those BBM users on both iOS and Android are awaiting BBM Video, which allows members to engage in video chats. BlackBerry has already said that it would roll out Voice, Channels and Video support this year to BBM for iOS and BBM for Android.

In addition to Android beta testers, those who are members of the BlackBerry Beta Zone are also able to access the updated version of BBM. Besides adding Voice and Channels, the update makes it faster and easier to share photos and files, allows larger group sizes in BBM Groups, offers a new way to find friends and adds over 100 new emoticons.

source: RapidAndroid, bbnews.pl (translated) via MobileSyrup