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BlackBerry boosts BBM privacy

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 17 Dec 2014
The message retraction feature allows users to remove posts from chat threads before they have been read by recipients.
The message retraction feature allows users to remove posts from chat threads before they have been read by recipients.

BlackBerry has announced new features for Windows Phone users of its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) platform, boosting privacy and control over their communications.

In a short statement, the company said features include timed messages and message retraction, enables access to the BBM Shop and also allows users them to purchase BBM Stickers.

BlackBerry describes the features as follows:

* Timed messages: By setting a timer, users can control how long shared messages and pictures can be viewed within BBM. "The message is hidden until the recipient touches and holds on the chat. Then, once the timer has expired (or if the recipient takes their finger off the screen), the message is no longer visible," BlackBerry said. Users also receive a notification if BBM detects that the recipient has taken a screenshot of the image or message.

* Message retraction: Users can retract their message to remove it from their BBM chat thread before it has been read by the recipient or after it has been read so that it is no longer visible.

* HD picture transfer: BlackBerry said the new feature will make it "easier than ever" to get a high quality version of the pictures you receive in BBM.

* BBM Shop with Stickers: Users can chat with larger, bolder and more expressive images than emoticons. The sticker packs will either be free or cost US $0.99 (R11) or $1.99 (R23) and will be available in the BBM Shop inside BBM. According to BlackBerry, all stickers are currently R11 as part of a promotion.

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