BBM Now Lets You Have Voice Chats for Free Over Wi-Fi
WATERLOO, ONTARIO, Nov 14, 2012 (Menafn - MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --For the times when you want to hear a friend's laughter instead ofreading LOL, BlackBerry(R) Messenger (BBM(TM)) is taking the socialnetworking experience to a whole new level with an exciting newfeature called BBM Voice. Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX: RIM) today announced BBM version 7, a free update for theglobally popular mobile social network, which will allow customers tomake free voice calls to other BBM customers around the world over aWi-Fi(R) connection(i).
BBM is a fast, convenient and inexpensive service for BlackBerry(R)customers that gives them the ability to instantly chat with afriend, family member or colleague, and know when their message hasbeen delivered, and read. With the new version of BBM, customers havea new option - they can talk with their BBM contact across the globefor free over a Wi-Fi connection. In an instant, customers can switchbetween texting and talking, or talk and text at the same time. Forconsumers, especially in developing markets, the BBM Voice featureoffers an attractive way to talk with friends and family near andfar, and staying in contact will be easier than ever as the holidayseason approaches. For business customers, BBM Voice allows forenriched collaboration.
"BBM is the quick, easy way to stay connected to the people thatmatter to you, and with today's announcement we're expanding thecapabilities of the service for deeper social engagement and evengreater collaboration, beginning with voice functionality," said T.A.McCann, Vice President of BBM and Social Communities at RIM. "The newBBM Voice feature is for when you're travelling and you want to callhome without worrying about phone charges. It's for when you havenews you can't wait to share, for quickly explaining complicateddetails, and collaborating with colleagues. Whenever your ideas aretoo big for text, there's BBM Voice."
BBM Voice includes a number of convenient features.
--Customers can initiate a BBM Voice call directly, or instantly switch
from a BBM text chat to talk, and back again.
--The split-screen feature allows customers to talk and text at the same
time, so for example, they can send a picture to their contact while
talking with them. They can also check other BBM text chats, check
email, or navigate to other apps while engaged on a BBM Voice call.
--BBM provides a visual indicator that shows when contacts are available
for a voice call.
--BBM Voice is compatible with any accessories a customer has now for
making voice calls on their BlackBerry smartphone, such as a
Bluetooth(R) or wired headset. Customers can also use BBM Voice over
their BlackBerry smartphone's speakerphone.
--If it's not an ideal time to talk, customers can simply choose to
respond by texting back.
Another important feature of BBM version 7 is its integration with acustomer's BlackBerry ID, which is designed to back up their BBMprofile, groups and contacts so they can automatically be restored inthe event they switch to a new BlackBerry smartphone, including to aBlackBerry(R) 10 device.
BBM version 7 with the new BBM Voice feature is currently availablein Beta for BlackBerry smartphones running the BlackBerry(R) 6 OS orhigher with support planned for smartphones running the BlackBerry 5OS at a future date. The Beta can be downloaded for free fromBlackBerry Beta Zone(ii). Customers can sign up to BlackBerry BetaZone for free at www.BlackBerry.com/betazone.
For more information about BBM, please visit www.blackberry.com/bbm.
(i) BBM requires a BlackBerry service plan. The BBM Voice featurerequires a Wi-Fi connection with access to the Internet and may notbe available in all markets.
(ii) BlackBerry Beta Zone is not available in all markets.
About Research In Motion
Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation,revolutionized the mobile industry with the introduction of theBlackBerry(R) solution in 1999. Today, BlackBerry products andservices are used by millions of customers around the world to stayconnected to the people and content that matter most throughout theirday. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operatesoffices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. RIMis listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market RIMM and the TorontoStock Exchange . For more information, visit www.rim.com orwww.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant tothe "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private SecuritiesLitigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securitieslaws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate","estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend," "believe", and similarexpressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptionsmade by RIM in light of its experience and its perception ofhistorical trends, current conditions and expected futuredevelopments, as well as other factors that RIM believes areappropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause RIM'sactual results, performance or achievements to differ materially fromthose expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements,including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM'sAnnual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report onForm 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained atwww.sedar.com orwww.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, andreaders should not place undue reliance on RIM's forward-lookingstatements. RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation toupdate or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a resultof new information, future events or otherwise, except as required bylaw.
BlackBerry, RIM, Research In Motion and related trademarks, names andlogos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and areregistered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world.All other brands, names and marks are the property of theirrespective owners. RIM is not responsible for any third partyproducts or services.
Contacts:
Media Contact:
RIM
Sarah Burt
(519) 597-5606
sburt@rim.com
Investor Contact:
RIM Investor Relations
(519) 888-7465
investor_relations@rim.com
SOURCE: Research In Motion
mailto:sburt@rim.com
mailto:investor_relations@rim.com
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