BlackBerry’s popular instant messaging service, BBM, introduced voice calls support early last year to help it compete with more feature packed rivals. Alongside voice calls, it also brought in an interesting new Channels feature that lets users create groups to share content, location information. These features have so far been exclusive to BlackBerry devices.
We first spotted BBM Voice support for Android in the beta channels. Krishadeep Baruah, Senior Director of channel marketing in APAC for BlackBerry has now revealed that an update coming sometime next month will bring both the features to Android, iOS users. Revealed in an interview with the Times of India, Baruah also claims that video calling features too will be available across platforms later this year. BBM Voice will make it a compelling alternatives to the likes of Viber and Line given its sizeable userbase and popularity in India.
As the company’s market share drops, it aims to create new revenue streams through private BBM channels. The report goes on to state that Indian brands like Airtel, Cafe Coffee Day and Gaana.com have already launched their channels. Expect to see the application being updated sometime next month. Will BBM Voice, Channels support make you shift over from WhatsApp / Viber / WeChat or whatever other service you’re currently using? Sound off in the comments section!
[Via – Times of India]