BlackBerry launches BBM channels, a Social Media Feature

Reports reaching us indicate that BlackBerry mobile has launched a social network known as  BBM Channels few days ago which looks similar to twitter. The BBM Channels will allow companies and celebrities to engage with their fans and customers.

BlackBerry's BBM Channel is an extended arm of the BBM messenger which allows users to upload content and subscribe to public and private channels of other users which might be free in most cases.These may include individuals or  companies. BBM Channel owners can share pictures, post messages, start discussions and chat directly with subscribers. Earlier this year Its beta version was launched only to selected users.

BBM Channels will be available for download only to users of the new BlackBerry OS 5 upwards and BlackBerry 10 which can be accessed through BlackBerry World.


"BBM Channels builds on BBM's strengths of engagement and communications and gives BBM users a rich community-building tool that will allow them to connect with brands, influence's and people of shared interests," the company said.

Existing BlackBerry users can also get the BBM Channels by updating their device to the latest version of BBM. Users of BBM on Google Android and iPhone can expect the BBM  Channels in the next coming months.

The company also said that BBM soon will come preloaded on a number of phones from handset manufacturers in emerging markets like Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East,which include companies like India's Micromax Informatics Ltd. and TECNO Group from Hong Kong's

Blackberry mobile was struggling to keep brand and sales alive, in which the last attempt came when BlackBerry made BBM available to Android and iPhone users in October, after considering the idea internally for few years.