BBM Channels is now available in BlackBerry World

BBM Channels is becoming available to all users with a handset running BlackBerry OS 5 and above today

27 November 2013. Today BBM Channels, a forum for active, real conversations between people, brands and communities, will be made available for BlackBerry users on BlackBerry OS 5 and above and BlackBerry 10 through BlackBerry World.

BlackBerry users can simply update to the newest version of BBM to have access to the BBM Channels beta when it becomes available later today.*

BBM Channels builds on BBM’s strengths of engagement and communications and gives BBM users a rich community-building tool that will allow them to connect with brands, influencers and people of shared interests.

BBM Channels maintains the BBM core value of giving users’ control over their content by allowing users to join or opt out of channels at their discretion and gives channel owners the ability to deliver content their communities are looking for. Channel owners can post messages, share pictures, spark discussions, post animated GIFs and chat directly with subscribers.  Integrated live chat allows channel owners to offer “scheduled chat hours” where BBM users can directly engage with their favorite channels one on one.

During the limited beta for BBM Channels that began on May of 2013 we have seen people creating channels based on their passions and building communities with each other. This broader beta will give BlackBerry users the chance to try out a growing number of channels and build their communities, either through their own channel or through new contacts made through shared interests on other channels.

This beta period is also a great time for notable brands to test content and engage with users. BBM Channels for iPhone and Android devices will launch in the coming months.

For more information on BBM Channels, please visit us.blackberry.com/bbm/bbm-channels.html.