Summary: With BBM's free messaging
functionality no longer a unique selling point for the BlackBerry
platform, RIM has decided to bake in a Skype-like voice feature.
However, it will only work over Wi-Fi.
BlackBerry Courier, the Analysis In Movement app that used to provide its foundation a exclusive advantage, is about to obtain a key new feature: speech.
RIM declared the BBM Voice function on Wed, saying it will provide company clients "enriched collaboration" performance. However, the no cost voice-calling device will only perform over Wi-Fi.
The function is available in try out type now for gadgets operating BlackBerry 6 OS or greater, and RIM says it programs to back again up gadgets on BlackBerry 5 OS "at a later date".
According to the organization, this is only the begin of an continuous update for BBM.
"With modern declaration, we're growing the abilities of the support for further public involvement and even greater cooperation, starting with speech performance," RIM BBM primary TA McCann said in a declaration.
"The new BBM Voice function is for when you're traveling and you want to reside in without concerning about cellphone expenses."
BBM is a key function of the BlackBerry foundation and has been essential to its usage by clients, particularly youngsters. However, nowadays it is only one of many no cost texting resources available to smart cellphone clients, with competitors such as Apple's iMessage and the progressively popular WhatsApp.
The new performance requires RIM up against other competitors such as Skype, whose velocity has been the other to that of BBM: it began out as a voice-centric foundation, but is progressively being steered by proprietor Ms into im area.
BlackBerry clients who get to try out BBM Voice will be able to change back again and forth between written text conversations and speech cellphone calls — a split-screen function will assistance both actions at once. Individuals will also be able to decline cellphone calls and easily react by written text, if they are in a conference.
Those wanting to try out BBM Voice can indication up via the BlackBerry Beta Area.
RIM declared the BBM Voice function on Wed, saying it will provide company clients "enriched collaboration" performance. However, the no cost voice-calling device will only perform over Wi-Fi.
The function is available in try out type now for gadgets operating BlackBerry 6 OS or greater, and RIM says it programs to back again up gadgets on BlackBerry 5 OS "at a later date".
According to the organization, this is only the begin of an continuous update for BBM.
"With modern declaration, we're growing the abilities of the support for further public involvement and even greater cooperation, starting with speech performance," RIM BBM primary TA McCann said in a declaration.
"The new BBM Voice function is for when you're traveling and you want to reside in without concerning about cellphone expenses."
BBM is a key function of the BlackBerry foundation and has been essential to its usage by clients, particularly youngsters. However, nowadays it is only one of many no cost texting resources available to smart cellphone clients, with competitors such as Apple's iMessage and the progressively popular WhatsApp.
The new performance requires RIM up against other competitors such as Skype, whose velocity has been the other to that of BBM: it began out as a voice-centric foundation, but is progressively being steered by proprietor Ms into im area.
BlackBerry clients who get to try out BBM Voice will be able to change back again and forth between written text conversations and speech cellphone calls — a split-screen function will assistance both actions at once. Individuals will also be able to decline cellphone calls and easily react by written text, if they are in a conference.
Those wanting to try out BBM Voice can indication up via the BlackBerry Beta Area.
