14 DAY TRIAL // Yesterday, Canadian mobile phone maker BlackBerry announced a new feature for the popular BlackBerry Messenger service, namely BBM Channels, which is already available for download through the BlackBerry Beta Zone portal, it seems.
For those out of the loop, we should note that BBM Channels was designed to provide users with the possibility to come up with channels for themselves, for a specific brand, a business or community.
Furthermore, the feature allows people to follow these channels so as to receive direct updates from them, while those who created them can communicate with others and with their followers.
BBM Channels comes with a Channel Profile, where users can personalize the content delivered to followers, and can also set welcome messages, images, maps and more.
At the same time, it will deliver updates from channels a person has subscribed to, with notifications being sent as soon as a new post is available.
Other features of BBM Channels for BlackBerry devices include:
- Engagement options - Get involved in conversations with your favorite communities by commenting on and liking posts from the Channels to which you have subscribed. Or share interesting posts with your BBM contacts.
- Chat (Coming Soon) - Get more personal with one to one conversations. Many BBM Channels allow subscribers to enjoy private conversations via BBM.
- Discovery - Easily find and share your favorite communities on BBM Channels. Check out which Channels are currently featured on the carousel. Channel invites can be shared between BBM contacts or add a Channel via PIN or QR code.
- User Controls - Be in control of your notifications with the BBM Channel mute button. It allows you to select exactly which subscribed channels you would like to receive notifications from.
According to a recent post on CrackBerry, all users who have an account on the BlackBerry Beta Zone portal can now sign in and download the new BBM Channels.
Furthermore, it can be grabbed over the air on BlackBerry OS 5 or newer legacy devices. Those who own a BlackBerry 10 smartphone, however, will need a PC to download it. Unfortunately, there’s no support available for Mac users at the moment.