14 DAY TRIAL // BlackBerry confirmed less than two weeks ago plans to bring new security service to BBM application three platforms: Android, BlackBerry and iOS.
Sorry, Windows Phone users, but the Message Retraction and Timed Messages features will not be available on your devices anytime soon. Even though BlackBerry recently updated BBM for Windows Phone with a few new features and improvements, these privacy features haven’t been confirmed for Microsoft platform.
Anyway, beginning today, BlackBerry announced that a new update would slowly be rolled out in Google Play Store, BlackBerry World and App Store.
According to the company, the new privacy and control features announced today will be rolled out to all users over the next couple of days, so depending on region, you will get these new functions sooner or later.
For those who did not read our previous report on this version of BBM, here are some details that you get you back in the loop with what’s new for BlackBerry’s instant messenger.
Timed Messages is a new feature that will soon be added to BBM. It allows users to set a timer that can control how long messages and pictures shared with your friends can be viewed within BBM.
This sounds like a Snapchat feature, though BlackBerry warns BBM users that this feature does not prevent recipients from capturing an image of the content by taking a screenshot or using an image capture device.
Basically, the message stays hidden until the recipient taps and holds on the chat, then, as soon as the timer expires, it will no longer be visible.
Message Retraction is another privacy feature that allows users to retract their message to remove it from the BBM chat before being read by the recipient or after.
Both privacy features will be free for three months, but they will require subscription after that
But these are not the only new features that have been included in this major update for BBM. BlackBerry also confirmed they had implemented High Quality Image Transfer, which provides BBM users with the option to request an HD version of a picture they have just received in the chat.
Furthermore, the update also brings Faster Sticker Selection, which makes it easier for users to browse BBM Stickers and add them to their chats more conveniently and faster.
Last but not least, with the latest version users will be able to see what music BBM contacts are listening to and show others what songs they’re playing. Additionally, iOS users can tap the song to be redirected to iTunes for a quick purchase.
While Timed Messages and Message Retraction have been tagged as “premium features,” BlackBerry announced that they woukd be available for free and without restriction to all BBM users over the next three months.
