BlackBerry today announced new updates for its BBM for Android, iOS and BlackBerry 10 messaging platform. Among the new features is support for Android Wear smartwatches.
“This update gives users even more control over the BBM experience by adding new personalization and privacy options.” said Herman Li, SVP BBM Software Development. “By tailoring the update to take advantage of platform specific features such as Touch ID on iOS and Android Wear support we are able to enhance the overall experience uniquely for each platform.”
Support for Android Wear adds the following capabilities on a wide range smartwatches:
- Receive alerts on the watch when new BBM messages come in, see the sender and discreetly preview messages.
- Read BBM messages in their entirety, navigate among messages and dismiss notifications with a simple swipe.
- Respond to messages hands-free with Google Now or choose from pre-defined messages to quickly send a response.
- Accept BBM invites from the watch without the need to access their smartphone
Other features being rolled out include custom alphanumeric BBM pins (available for US$1.99 per month), password protection for BBM conversations in iOS (based on a 4 digit passcode or Touch ID), landscape mode for iOS and the ability to share photos directly in a group chat.
This latest update to BBM for BlackBerry 10, iOS and Android will be available tomorrow in BlackBerry World and Google Play. It is “coming soon” to the Apple App Store but a precise availability date is not available at this point.
Source : BlackBerry