Research In Motion Limited (NASDAQ:RIMM) (TSE:RIM) is adding a free voice calling feature for BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) on Wi-Fi networks. The phone maker recently released a new beta for the service, which enables users to call their BBM contacts anywhere in the world at no charge if they are on a Wi-Fi network. The new feature is called BBM Voice, and it allows users to both text and talk at the same time.
BBM shows an icon when a contact is available for calls. BBM users can either start the call right away, or switch between talking and texting. BBM Voice works with both wired and Bluetooth headsets and many other accessories made for use on voice calls.
BBM Voice is one of the new features included in BBM version 7.0, which is a free update that’s currently in beta. BlackBerry phones running OS version 6 or higher can opt to download and try the beta, which is available in the BlackBerry Beta Zone. A representative from the company told PC Mag that they intend to add support for BlackBerry OS phones sometime in the future.
Will Connors with the “The Wall Street Journal” points out that Research In Motion Limited (NASDAQ:RIMM) (TSE:RIM) has been trying to get back some momentum since Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) started taking some of the company’s market share. RIM officials say they will be focusing their efforts more on developing markets like Indonesia and South Africa where the BlackBerry smartphones are still doing well in the market.
BlackBerry users who are anxiously waiting for BlackBerry OS 10 will have to keep waiting until the end of January. A Research In Motion Limited (NASDAQ:RIMM) (TSE:RIM) spokesperson said the company will also introduce two new BlackBerry phones on the same day.
