BlackBerry has announced via their blog that BBM for Android (along with iOS and BlackBerry users) will be getting an update which will bring further privacy enhancements and changes.
The update, which is beginning to roll out to BMM users, will now have access to the Retract and Timer services which where previously for paid users who subscribed the BBM premium services.
BlackBerry is saying with these enhanced privacy and control features give users full ownership over what they share through BBM – even after it leaves their phone. For example, with “Retract”, users can retract messages and pictures from recipients they sent mistakenly or no longer wish to make accessible. With “Timer” users have the ability to control over how long their contacts can view shared messages, pictures, or location information.
Matthew Talbot, Senior Vice President at BBM for BlackBerry has said that the update is “Building on the renowned immediacy, reliability and security inherent to BBM, the new release provides unmatched level of privacy and control to BBM users without any subscription fees,” whilst also saying that “Keeping control over the messages and content that they share, BBM users can be ensured that what they share is always theirs to control.”
So what exactly will the update bring to BBM for Android, well here is the full list for you below:
- Cross-Platform (Android, iOS and BlackBerry 10)
In addition to Retract and Timer, users also have access to the Private Chat and Edit features. The former removes names and avatars from the chat window, while the latter allows you to edit messages you’ve sent to a contact - Forward messages from one chat to another
- General performance improvements and bug fixes
Android
- Mute notifications for multi-person chats
- Scroll through all pictures shared within a 1:1 or multi-person chat
- Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) support
- Improved BBM Voice call quality
- Option for users to save pictures taken during BBM chat to device
There are additional options for iOS and BlackBerry 10 users which you can view right here.
As stated beforehand, the update is now slowly rolling out to users, so you can check Google Play either via the link below or head into your apps in Google Play and see if the update is ready for you.
It is also important to note that, BlackBerry has said that if you’re a current paid BBM for Android users (or iOS or BlackBerry 10 user), that your subscription may not end automatically when you update. If it was purchased on a different platform from the one you are currently using, cancel it through the following process:
- On iOS: Simply don’t renew your subscription, and it will cancel automatically.
- On Android: Access the Google Play Store, tap on the menu button in the top left, access My Account, go to Subscriptions, and cancel.
- BlackBerry 10: Access BlackBerry World, go to my world, access Subscriptions, and cancel.
