BlackBerry brings free calls and BBM Channels to Android and iOS

As expected, BlackBerry has delivered its biggest update yet for BBM on iOS and Android. Version 2.0 of the once-dominant messenger app adds a host of new features, with free voice calling and BBM Channels being the highlights. BBM Voice calling works over both Wi-Fi and cellular connection, so there’s no need to make a phone call any more. Of course, this is only possible if the person you call is also your BBM contact. BBM Voice is free of charge, though data charges will obviously apply.   Another headlining feature is the support for BBM Channels on iOS and Android. The feature allows random users to get together and talk about topics of common interest. Users can join channels about a range of topics from products, hobbies and sports to entertainment, fashion, automobiles and more. Channels can also be created by brands and businesses to connect with BBM customers.   Scheduled chat hours allows BBM users to have live chats with the channel owner, which could be a great way for brands to engage directly with customers. Channel owners can choose the level of engagement for each participant and with private channels, channel owners can keep in touch with closer circles on an invite-only basis. Each channel has its own performance dashboard built right in. Channel owners can see stats on how subscribers are engaging with their channel, how many people have viewed each post and how the subscriber base is growing.   The 2.0 update also adds temporary location sharing via Glympse and Dropbox support. Users can share real-time location with one or several contacts for a specified duration, letting you intimate your party when you are running late, or allowing parents to keep an eye on the location of their children. When the preset timer runs out the location data becomes private again.   With built-in support for Dropbox, you can now send a file from your personal cloud to any of your BBM contacts. And if you receive a file through Dropbox on BBM, you can save it directly to your smartphone or save it to your cloud. Finally, you will find easier image, contact, and events sharing as well as new emoticons and expanded BBM Groups features.