Struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry has unveiled BBM Channels, a forum for active conversations between people, brands and communities.
The forum has been made available for BlackBerry users on BlackBerry OS 5 and above, and BlackBerry 10, through BlackBerry World. BlackBerry says users must update to the newest version of BBM to have access to the BBM Channels beta when it becomes available today.
The smartphone maker claims BBM Channels builds on BBM's strengths of engagement and communications, and gives BBM users a community-building tool that will allow them to connect with brands, influencers and people of shared interests.
It explains that BBM Channels maintains the BBM core value of giving users control over their content by allowing them to join or opt out of channels at their discretion, and gives channel owners the ability to deliver content their communities are looking for.
Channel owners can post messages, share pictures, spark discussions, post animated GIFs and chat directly with subscribers. Integrated live chat allows channel owners to offer "scheduled chat hours" where BBM users can directly engage with their favourite channels one on one.
During the limited beta for BBM Channels that began in May, BlackBerry says it has seen people creating channels based on their passions and building communities with each other. This broader beta will give BlackBerry users the chance to try out a growing number of channels and build their communities, either through their own channel or through new contacts made through shared interests on other channels, it adds.
Android move
Meanwhile, BlackBerry has revealed BBM will soon come preinstalled on a variety of Android-based smartphones from original equipment manufacturers across Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Beginning next month, Android smartphones from Be, Brightstar, Celkon, EVERCOSS, IMO, Micromax, Mito, Snexian, Spice, TECNO, TiPhone and Zen will include BBM preinstalled. In addition, BlackBerry confirmed BBM will continue to be available as a free download from Android app stores, including Google Play.
"It is clear that smartphone customers see BBM as a must-have app for active conversations. The uptake we have seen for BBM since the launch on Android and iPhone is amazing," says Andrew Bocking, executive VP for BBM at BlackBerry. "We're thrilled to be working with leading Android smartphone manufacturers from across the globe to help bring their customers the best out-of-the-box experience with BBM preinstalled."
"Mobile messaging is a top priority for Indonesian mobile users and BBM has long been the premium messaging brand. Mobile users want their conversations to be immediate, private and reliable, which makes BBM a great fit for our devices," says Janto Djojo, chief marketing officer at EVERCOSS.
"BBM is incredibly popular in Indonesia and since it's availability on Android, it's become the must-have messaging app for our customers. We are, therefore, thrilled to be working with the BBM team at BlackBerry to preinstall BBM on our devices, making it easier than ever for our customers to get connected to BBM contacts and start chatting."
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