BlackBerry Messenger

BlackBerry Messenger
BBM

Stable release	7.0.1.23 / March 13, 2013; 7 months ago[1][2]
Development status	Active
Operating system	BlackBerry OS BlackBerry 10 BlackBerry Tablet OS iOS Android
Available in	Multilingual
Type	Instant Messaging Client
License	Proprietary
Website	www.blackberry.com/bbm

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) is a proprietary Internet-based instant messengerand videotelephony application included onBlackBerry devices that allows messaging (and videocalls for BlackBerry 10smartphones) between BlackBerry users. It was developed by the manufacturer of the BlackBerry, BlackBerry Limited (formerly known as Research In Motion Limited (RIM)). Messages sent via BlackBerry Messenger are sent over the Internet and use the BlackBerry PIN system, so communication was only possible between BlackBerry devices until 2013. There are 70 million BBM users worldwide and BlackBerry infrastructure handled 30 petabytes of data traffic each month by early 2013.

The service communicates over the phone's Internet connection using the mobile phone network. A wireless LAN ("Wi-Fi") network connected to the Internet may also be used to send messages, most service providers allow sign-in to BlackBerry Messenger if you have a BlackBerry data plan.^[

Exchanging messages is possible to a single person or via dedicated discussion or chat groups, which allow multiple BlackBerry devices to communicate in a single session. In addition to offering text-based instant messages, BlackBerry Messenger also allows users to send pictures, voicenotes (audio recordings), files, location on a map and a wide selection of emoticons and the top spec devices can even make videocalls over the WiFi or mobile network.

With the release of BlackBerry Messenger 5.0, BlackBerry allows users to use a QR Code to add each other to their respective friends lists rather than using only numeric PIN identification or an email address associated with the user's BlackBerry. Recent BlackBerry devices can also exchange BBM contacts using Near Field Communicationtechnology.

The release of BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 introduced additional traits. This update is focused on social communication mediums, including 'BBM Connected Apps', which allow the user to invite friends to share their favourite BlackBerry Applications.

With the release of BlackBerry Messenger 7.0 in December 2012, voice chat was introduced. The new feature is called BBM Voice Call.