BlackBerry Messenger
 | |
| Developer(s) | BlackBerry Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Stable release |
10.5.5.38 (BlackBerry 10) (31 October 2014) [±] 8.5.1.8 (BlackBerry) (3 August 2014) [±] 2.5.0.36 (Android) (10 November 2014) [±] 2.5.0.26 (iOS) (31 October 2014) [±] |
| Development status | Active |
| Operating system |
BlackBerry OS 5 and later BlackBerry Tablet OS 1 and later iOS 6 and later Android 2.3 only and 4.0 or later Windows Phone 8.0 and later |
| Platform |
BlackBerry iOS Android Windows Phone |
| Available in | Multilingual |
| Type | Instant Messaging Client |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website |
www |
BlackBerry Messenger, also known as BBM, is a proprietary Internet-based PIN instant messenger and videotelephony application included on BlackBerry devices that allows messaging and voicecalls between BlackBerry, iOS, Windows Phone and Android users. Users on Blackberry 10 can also use videocalling. 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. Communication was only possible between BlackBerry devices until late 2013 when BBM was released on iOS and Android systems. 300 million Stickers have been shared. Daily, 150000 BBM Voice Calls are placed. There are more than 190 million BBM users worldwide [1] and BlackBerry infrastructure handled 30 petabytes of data traffic each month by early 2013.[2]
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.[3] Blackberry data plans are not needed for Blackberry 10, iOS, Windows Phone and Android.
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, stickers and a wide selection of emoticons. Also contacts can make voicecalls with each other over the WiFi or mobile network and the top spec devices can even make videocalls.
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 Communication technology. Users can also set animated gif pictures as their display pictures,[4][5] although animated pictures have a 32KB size limit.[6][7] To design animated GIFs for BBM you'll need graphic design suites like Adobe PhotoShop or a simpler suite like FlashDP.
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.
Version History
BlackBerry OS
BlackBerry Messenger 7
- date release: March 11, 2010
- A new selection of emoticons is integrated
- Allows user to Free Call over WiFi
BlackBerry Messenger 8
- date release: November 26, 2013
- BBM Channels
- All new design interface
- Enhanced BBM Updates
- Performance enhancements
| Version | Released | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5.0.18[8] | June 16, 2014 | - Add Support BBM Protected - increased limit transfer file to 16 MB |
| 8.2.0.18 | April 1, 2014 | -Add more fun to your BBM chats with the introduction of stickers available in the new BBM Shop - Other bug fixes and performance improvements |
| 8.1.0.20 | February 13, 2014 | - 100 new emoticons - Get your point across |
| 8.0.0 | November 26, 2013 | BBM Channels |
| 7.0.1 | March 11, 2010 | Bug fixes and stability improvements |
| 7.0.0 | March 11, 2010 | - BBM Voice Chat - A new selection of |
| 6.2.0 | August 29, 2009 | - Finnish language support - Animated display pictures |
| 6.1.0 | N/A | N/A |
| 6.0.1 | N/A | N/A |
| 6.0.0 | N/A | Sharing Apps |
| 5.0.1 | N/A | N/A |
| 5.0.0 | N/A | N/A |
BlackBerry 10
| Version | Released | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10.3.33.18 | June 16, 2014 | - Introducing support for BBM Protected
- Support for chat wallpapers in the BBM Shop |
| 10.3.12.75 | April 1, 2014 | - Add more fun to your BBM chats with the introduction of stickers available in the new BBM Shop - Increased file transfer size (16MB) lets you share |
Android
| Version | Released | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5.0.36 | November 10, 2014 | -Set how long contacts have access to messages and pictures shared in a chat.
-‘Retract’ a message to remove it from your BBM chat. See the full description for more information. -Adding stickers to your BBM chats is now even quicker -It’s easier than ever to get a high quality version of pictures -See what music your contacts are listening in Feeds |
| 2.4.0.11 | September 21, 2014 | -Simplified to attach images,files,and other content to a BBM chat.
- In the application, renewal notices to help users download the latest version of BBM |
| 2.3.0.14 | July 31, 2014 | A newly redesigned ‘Add Contacts’ screen where you can quickly and easily:
- Add new contacts to BBM by PIN, email, SMS, and barcode |
| 2.2.1.45 | July 15, 2014 | - Bug fixes and performance improvements |
| 2.2.1.40 | June 17, 2014 | - Bug fixes and performance improvements |
| 2.2.0.28 | June 6, 2014 | - Fix to address missing emotions
- Fix to prevent some users from receiving |
| 2.2.0.27 | May 30, 2014 | - Fix to prevent users from receiving delayed messages after closing BBM |
| 2.2.0.25 | May 29, 2014 | - Simple sign up for new BBM users
- New sign in screen for existing BBM users |
| 2.1.1.53 | April 18, 2014 | - Bug fixes and performance improvements |
| 2.1.0.40 | April 1, 2014 | - Add more fun to your BBM chats with the introduction of stickers available in the new BBM Shop - Increased file transfer size (16MB) lets you share |
| 2.0.0.19 | March 10, 2014 | - Fix to enable sharing of emotions in status updates - Improved response time when opening BBM chat and group screen |
| February 18, 2014 | Support Android 2.3.x (Gingerbread) | |
| 2.0.0.13 | February 13, 2014 | - BBM Voice - Free voice calls between BBM contacts
- BBM Channels - join conversations happening now with |
| 1.0.4.97 | February 6, 2014 | This new update makes it easy to quickly build your
contact list by helping you find and add friends using BBM. |
| 1.0.3.87 | November 27, 2013 | - Bug fixes including a fix that addresses an
error that occurs while adding contact categories |
| 1.0.2.83 | November 14, 2013 | - Support for BBM Contact Categories
- BBM Group List sorting and filtering improvements |
| 1.0.0.72 | October 25, 2013 | - Bug fixes and performance enhancements
- Support for additional Android devices |
| 1.0.0.70 | October 21, 2013 | Initial release |
| 1.0.0.42 | September 21, 2013
12:00 |
First release for Android: 12:00 NZST (Pulled Out) |
iOS
| Version | Released | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5.0.26 | October 31, 2014 | - Timed Messages: Set how long contacts have access to messages and pictures shared in a chat. - Message Retraction: 'Retract' a message to remove it from your BBM chat. |
| 2.4.1.35 | September 23, 2014 | - Updates to support iOS 8 - Resolves some issues experienced in right to left language support |
| 2.4.0.15 | September 4, 2014 | - Simplified flow for attaching pictures, files, and other content to BBM chats - In app upgrade notifications helps users to download the latest version |
| 2.3.1.14 | August 14, 2014 | - Bug fixes and performance improvements |
| 2.3.0.12 | August 11, 2014 | - A newly redesigned 'Add Contacts' screen where you can quickly and easily: Add new contacts to BBM by PIN, email, SMS, and barcode |
| 2.2.1.24 | June 18, 2014 | - Bug fixes and performance improvements |
| 2.2.0.19 | June 2, 2014 | - Simple sign up for new BBM users
- New sign in screen for existing BBM users |
| 2.1.1.64 | April 18, 2014 | - Bug fixes and performance improvements |
| 2.1.0.57 | April 1, 2014 | - Add more fun to your BBM chats with the introduction of stickers available in the new BBM Shop - Increased file transfer size (16MB) lets you share |
| 2.0.1.36 | February 25, 2014 | - Fixes issues some users might be experiencing when trying to create BBM Groups with 50 people - Addresses issues that some users may have experienced |
| 2.0.0.31 | February 13, 2014 | - BBM Voice - Free voice calls between BBM contacts - BBM Channels - join conversations happening now with |
| 1.0.6.157 | February 5, 2014 | - This new update makes it easy to quickly build your
contact list by helping you find and add friends using BBM. |
| 1.0.5.134 | December 7, 2013 | - Bug fixes and performance improvements |
| 1.0.4.133 | November 14, 2013 | - Support for iPod and iPad devices running iOS6 and iOS7
- Improvements to right-to-left language support |
| 1.0.3.120 | October 25, 2013 | - Bug fixes |
| 1.0.2.114 | October 24, 2013 | - Contact categories
- List Sorting and filtering in BBM Groups |
| 1.0.1.108 | October 21, 2013 | Initial release
- Optimizations for iOS7 and bug fixes to improve app performance |
| 1.0.0.70 | September 22, 2013
00:01 |
First release for iOS: 00:01 NZST (Pulled Out) |
| 1.0.0.67 | September 12, 2013 | Beta for iOS: Invitation Only |
Windows Phone
BBM for Windows Phone was released on the Windows Phone Store in 2014.[9]
Reliability
BlackBerry Messenger is widely reputed for its uptime and reliability.[10][11] However, from October 10 – 12, 2011, those using the service within North America, Europe, the Middle-East and Africa were widely affected by an outage at provider RIM's UK headquarters in Slough, Berkshire. BlackBerry Messenger was reported to be unavailable, seriously affecting the company's reputation.[12][13]
Features
- Make BBM Video calls or Screen Share over Wi-Fi or the mobile network on the latest smartphones (only BlackBerry 10).
- Send and receive messages with unlimited length.
- Choose a personal BBM display picture and status.
- Real-time confirmations when messages are being written, delivered and read.
- Share photos, videos and more with multiple contacts at once.
- Add contacts by scanning QR Codes, using NFC technology or sharing PINs.
- Send files such as documents, photos, music, videos up to 16MB.
- Create and join groups where you can share and discuss lists, photos etc.
- Share location.
- Create, likes or comment BBM Channels.
- Free Call BBM contacts over Wi-Fi (only BlackBerry OS).
- Voice Call BBM contacts over Wi-Fi and mobile data [BBM app Android]
Trademark conflict with BBM Canada
In late December 2011, the broadcast ratings provider BBM Canada (which has maintained the BBM trademark in Canada since 1944) has asked Research in Motion to cease using the BBM initialisation to describe the BlackBerry Messenger service, or finance the cost for BBM Canada to change their branding in exchange for the use of the BBM initialisation, or face further legal action.[14] The suit was dismissed in 2012 by Canadian federal courts as being without merit,[15] and BlackBerry uses the terms "BBM" and "BlackBerry Messenger" equivalently and interchangeably, as seen in in the company's official website for the service.[16]
Availability on other mobile operating systems
BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins announced on May 14, 2013, that BlackBerry Messenger will be available on iOS and Android in the Summer of 2013.[17] This will mark the first steps of Blackberry Messenger reaching beyond its own platform, as it has never been available on competing hardware before.
It was rumoured that BlackBerry Messenger would launch on June 27, 2013 for Android and iOS.[18] This was later denied by BlackBerry and an actual release date was yet to be announced.[19]
On June 21, 2013, A BlackBerry Messenger application was spotted on the Play Store. However, it turned out to be a fake.[20]
A World Wide release for BBM on Android was slated for September 21, 2013, which was officially announced by Blackberry, it was also announced that it would work on Android devices running 4.x.x (Ice Cream Sandwich & above)[21]
BlackBerry confirmed that BBM for iPhone would release on September 22, a day later after the official Android release and would work on iPhones running iOS 6 & later.[22] However, during the worldwide rollout of BBM for Android and iPhone on September 21, 2013, 1.1 million Android users downloaded a leaked BlackBerry Messenger APK which caused BlackBerry to cease the launching of BlackBerry Messenger on both Android and iOS platforms.[23]
BBM was officially released on iOS and Android on 21 October 2013. 5 million downloads were recorded in the first 8 hours of its release. BBM, in late 2013, was the No. 1 free app in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.[24] In total, the app had over 10 million downloads on the first day.[25]
On 24 February 2014, BlackBerry officially confirmed BBM for Windows Phone and Nokia X would be released by Q2 2014. Nokia confirmed BBM would be preinstalled on Nokia X devices.[26]
Features that would be available on other mobile operating systems
For now BBM for Multi-Platform will offer Personal Chats, Group Chat up to 30 people, Status Updates and can send or receive messages up to 2000 Characters. BlackBerry plans to integrate BBM Channels, BBM Voice and BBM Video to its application on Android and iPhones towards the end of 2013.[27]
In early January 2014, A beta update for BBM on Android was released to testers. The update includes BBM Voice & BBM Channels.[28] In February 2014, a update (2.0.0.13) was officially released to Android and iOS users containing the awaited features along with some other features including new emotions and changes including a new look for Updates featuring choices to show All, Contacts or Channels filters.
Security
On November 4, 2014, BlackBerry Messenger scored 1 out of 7 points on the Electronic Frontier Foundation's secure messaging scorecard. It lost points because communications are not encrypted with a key the provider doesn't have access to (i.e. communications are not end-to-end encrypted), users can't verify contacts' identities, past messages are not secure if the encryption keys are stolen (i.e. the app does not provide forward secrecy), the code is not open to independent review (i.e. the code is not open source), the security design is not properly documented, and there has not been a recent independent code audit.[29][30]
The enterprise version, BBM Protected, scored 3 out of 7 points. It lost points because users can't verify contacts' identities, past messages are not secure if the encryption keys are stolen, the code is not open to independent review, and there has not been a recent independent code audit.[30] Subsequent information shown in the Electronic Frontier Foundation's changelog addresses two of the deficiencies: It notes that, according to BlackBerry Ltd. (formerly RIM), "BBM Protected uses an out-of-band passphrase exchange and EC-SPEKE to perform identity verification" and that, according to BlackBerry Ltd., "BBM Protected receives security reviews by an internal security team". As of November 14, 2014, BBM Protected continued to lose points because past messages are not secure if the encryption keys are stolen and the code is not open to independent review.[29]
References
- ↑ "CES 2015: BlackBerry Unveils IoT Platform, Device Prices on AT&T, Momentum for BBM and New Smartwatch App (Pictures)". blackberry.com.
- ↑ "Procurement Outsourcing BPO - Accenture" (PDF). procurian.com.
- ↑ "What do I need a Data Plan for?". Research In Motion Limited. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
- ↑ "How to create an animated BBM display picture". CreativityKills. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ↑ "How to create free animated display picture for Blackberry messenger". 2014-01-02.
- ↑ "File requirements for animated avatars in BlackBerry Messenger". Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ↑ "Animated BBM DP Limits". FlashDP. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
- ↑ "What's new in BBM". blackberry.com.
- ↑ "BBM". windowsphone.com. 31 July 2014.
- ↑ "Why BlackBerry: Messaging – a Collective testimonial of BlackBerry users". BBerryDog Forum.
- ↑ "new iMessage service a rival for BlackBerry Messenger". technoreview.net.
- ↑ "BlackBerry service crash affects BBM messaging for millions". The Guardian. October 10, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
- ↑ "Research In Motion on Twitter: post on 10 Oct 2011 at 15:15 BST". Research In Motion.
- ↑ Marlow, Ian (December 23, 2011). "RIM asks court to dismiss BBM trademark lawsuit". The Globe and Mail (Canada). Retrieved December 23, 2011.
- ↑ "RIM BBM Lawsuit".
- ↑ "BBM for Android & iPhone iOS - Download Free Instant Messaging - Canada". blackberry.com.
- ↑ "BlackBerry to launch BBM on iOS and Android this summer". ZDNet.
- ↑ Roland Hutchinson. "BBM For Android And iPhone To Launch June 27th". geeky-gadgets.com.
- ↑ "BlackBerry denies 27 June release date for BBM on iOS, Android". Wired UK.
- ↑ "PSA: This "Blackberry Messenger BBM" Published By Developer RIM Has 100k+ Installs But Is As Fake As It Gets". Android Police.
- ↑ "BBM for Android and iPhone Available from September 21 - Inside BlackBerry". blackberry.com.
- ↑ "Twitter". twitter.com.
- ↑ "BBM for Android and iPhone Update". blackberry.com.
- ↑ Esposito, Dom. October 22, 2013. Mashable "5 Million People Downloaded BBM for iOS, Android in Just 8 Hours"
- ↑ "BBM downloads reach over 10 million on first day". CBC. 2013-10-22.
- ↑ BBM coming to Windows Phone and Nokia X platforms. 24 February 2014
- ↑ "Blackberry launches its Chat App BBM for Android and iPhones". Retrieved 21 September 2013.
- ↑ BBM beta update includes voice & channels. "BBM beta update"
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Secure Messaging Scorecard. Which apps and tools actually keep your messages safe?". Electronic Frontier Foundation. 2014-11-04. Retrieved 2015-01-21.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Only 6 Messaging Apps Are Truly Secure". PC Magazine. 5 November 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
Further reading
- Dannenfeldt, Diane (February 21, 2008). "How BlackBerry Messenger Works". HowStuffWorks.
External links
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