October is here and so is the start of our next BBM beta. Before we dive in, let’s first recap the last few months.
We launched BBM Enterprise (formerly known as BBM Protected) ahead of schedule for BBOS devices and BlackBerry 10 smartphones running in regulated work space mode. The response has been positive with a number of customers adopting BBM Enterprise in regulated and security conscious industries like defense, national security and finance.
Over the last couple months we released a number of updates to BBM for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry smartphones improving the experience. From a simplified flow for attaching pictures, files and other content to BBM chats to improvements in how you add and invite new contacts and more, we’ve really put a focus on quality. We’ve also grown the BBM Shop to include over 55 sticker packs and continue to add 2 new packs every week.
We also marked the release of the first version of BBM for Windows Phone!
In September, we announced two new BBM payment initiatives – an enhanced BBM Money service in Indonesia and integration with TransferTo allowing BBM users to gift mobile airtime minutes to their BBM Contacts globally. We also launched a new integration between Hootsuite and BBM Channels to allow Channel owners to engage with fans and followers alongside other social networks through the Hootsuite social media management platform.
It has been a busy last few months! The BBM community now includes over 91 million monthly active users around the globe.
But we’re not done yet – not by a long shot. We have a lot more in store for BBM this year and it starts today with the next BBM beta, which you can download here.
With this beta release we’re showing that we’re listening to you, our users, and are focused on adding some of the features you’re asking for. This beta introduces:
- A new sticker picker to make it faster and easier to browse, select, and use the sticker packs you love.
- High Quality image transfers by default – no more need to request an HQ image
- Plus, Android users will be able to share what they’re listening to with their BBM contacts through BBM status updates
This is just the start of some great new BBM experiences that we have on the way this fall. We think you’re going to love what we’ve got coming next!