The latest version of Research In Motion's (RIM's) BlackBerry Messenger (BBM 7) will allow users to make free voice calls to other BBM users, over WiFi.
RIM says: "For consumers, especially in developing markets, the BBM Voice feature offers an attractive way to talk with friends and family near and far, and staying in contact will be easier than ever as the holiday season approaches. For business customers, BBM Voice allows for enriched collaboration."
BBM 7 is currently available in beta for BlackBerry handsets running the BlackBerry 6 OS or higher. RIM says support for handsets running the BlackBerry 5 OS is planned at a future date. BBM 7 Beta can be downloaded for free from the BlackBerry Beta Zone.
Users can create a Beta Zone account using their BlackBerry ID. Once logged in, the BBM 7 Beta program can be found listed under "Eligible Programs". The user will then need to fill out a registration form in order to access the download. A WiFi connection with access to the Internet is required in order to make free calls within BBM 7.
RIM's VP of BBM and social communities, TA McCann, says: "The new BBM Voice feature is for when you're travelling and you want to call home without worrying about phone charges. It's for when you have news you can't wait to share, for quickly explaining complicated details, and collaborating with colleagues. Whenever your ideas are too big for text, there's BBM Voice."
BBM 7 offers a split-screen feature to allow for simultaneous talking and texting. BBM Voice can be used over the handset's speakerphone and RIM says it is compatible with any accessories a user may have for making voice calls.
RIM will launch its new operating system, BlackBerry 10, on 30 January. The new OS is also expected to bring further updates to the BBM platform.
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