14 DAY TRIAL // BlackBerry continues to push updates to its beta BBM apps on all four major platforms: Android, BlackBerry, iOS and Windows Phone.
Today, it's iOS users that get to test a new version of BBM beta, since BlackBerry has just released version 290.100.0.14, which is now available for download through TestFlight.
The most important change included in the update is the addition of the “Private Chat” feature, which is now available along with the Timed Message and Retraction subscription.
All three features are now bundled together in a package named Privacy and Control, which requires a valid subscription in order to use them in BBM.
But first things first, so let's see what is Private Chat and why it costs money to use it. Well, according to BlackBerry, with Private Chat you will be sure that your sensitive messages are kept confidential.
For example, while in a private chat, all contact information is hidden and new message notifications are discreet. In addition, your chat is automatically deleted on both ends when the chat is inactive or closed.
In order to start a private chat, you must tap the private chat icon at the top right corner of a 1:1 chat. As mentioned earlier, Private Chat is now included in the new Privacy and Control Subscription, which bundles several powerful features into one convenient subscription.
All existing subscriptions will be upgraded to the new Privacy and Control for free
So, the new subscription bundle includes the following components: Private Chat, Edit Message, Timed Messages and Pictures, and Retract.
BlackBerry also confirmed that all existing Timed and Retracted Messages subscribers will be upgraded to the new Privacy and Control Subscription at no additional cost.
Another improvement included in this update is the ability to quote a message. In order to do that, simply tap and hold on the message and then select “Quote Message.”
Last but not least, the update contains some bug fixes as well. First and foremost, BlackBerry seems to have addressed the BBM performance issues that made the application slow (App startup, scrolling). Also, all Apple keyboard rendering issues have been fixed as well.