While all the news and rumors on the web are oriented towards the probability of a new Apple or Android device, or when or if a new OS update will reach the users, RIM is quietly getting ready to roll out a major new updated BlackBerry Messenger to users, alongside the upcoming launch of the BlackBerry 10 OS.
The new BBM 7.0 introduced by the company will now offer voice options, rather than just the usual text support. Now free Wi-Fi calling between all BlackBerry Messenger users will be available, and interested users can now try it out as the open beta starts Nov. 14.
As far as the new feature is concerned, the BBM Voice feature is directly built into the BBM app and users will need to open up a chat window and click on the call button to make a voice call over Wi-Fi.
Interestingly, once hooked to a voice call, users can continue to send text, images, and other multimedia over BBM. Additionally, BBM also provides a certain visual indicator that shows when contacts are available for a voice call.
Compatibility is not really an issue as BBM Voice is also compatible with bluetooth, wired headset or BlackBerry’s native speakerphone. However, there is a catch. Although BBM Voice works over Wi-Fi, a call may tend to get disconnected in case a user receives a normal cellular call.
According to T.A. McCann, RIM's VP of BBM and Social Communities, the BBM feature is something “we pioneered and is now being copied by many.”
BBM 7.0 also brings integration with user’s BlackBerry ID. What this will do is it will back up the user’s BBM profile, groups and contacts so that they can automatically restore them in case they decide to move for a newer BlackBerry model.
“Overall, it seems a valuable addition to BBM, especially for those that frequently communicate with people in other countries, which can be a costly venture with a mobile phone. Of course, there are a wide variety of VOIP apps that offer cheap or free calling, but having it integrated into the still-large BlackBerry user base gives RIM a bit of a differentiator and provides users with some useful functionality,” stated The Verge report. “That's especially true for users in developing markets, a user base that has become increasingly important to RIM as its market share has faltered here in the US and elsewhere.”
Nonetheless, it seems like there’s little chance of this feature heading over to 3G or LTE networks any time soon. James Tantram, senior product manager at RIM, told The Verge that the company has "no plans currently for that capability."
He also added that “carriers viewed BBM as ‘driving a lot of purchase decisions, so making it more compelling makes people want to sign up for the BBM plan or data plan.’”
BBM 7.0 is compatible with BlackBerry devices running OS 6.0 and higher. However, RIM plans to introduce it to older phones with BlackBerry OS 5.0 as well. The app is currently available in Beta for BlackBerry smartphones and can be downloaded for free from BlackBerry Beta Zone.
Users will first need to sign-up with the BlackBerry Beta Zone to download the app.
