Blackberry Messenger (BBM)

Definition - What does Blackberry Messenger (BBM) mean?

Blackberry Messenger (BBM) is an instant messaging (IM) application that can be downloaded from the Internet for Blackberry smartphones. Upgrades allow message transmission between Blackberry owners engaging in multiple and simultaneous smartphone applications, such as games. Research In Motion (RIM), the creator of the BlackBerry device, is the developer of BBM. Blackberry Messenger messages are delivered using the internet and employ the PIN system from BlackBerry; therefore, BBM can only be used between two BlackBerry devices.

BBM provides easy multitasking with many built-in application features, allowing users to chat or share content while using the application.

Techopedia explains Blackberry Messenger (BBM)

BBM provides dual and simultaneous application use. For example, users may view sports scores while messaging friends, or even compete in digital games while chatting. A BBM profile feed displays links and even game scores on demand.

BBM allows users to:

  • Get live confirmation when the messages are sent, received and read
  • Select a private BBM display image and status
  • Include contacts by sharing PINs or scanning bar codes
  • Indulge in group chats
  • Share videos, images, and much more between various contacts simultaneously
  • Deliver and receive messages of unrestricted length
  • Share music files with friends
  • Access device support

Some of the disadvantages of BBM include:

  • BBM may only be used with other Blackberry users.
  • To add a contact, a user must obtain the contact's Blackberry PIN code.
  • BBM messages also produce some security threats, mainly because of the comfort of delivering one-to-many messages instantly, and the difficulty in tracing the messages when compared with various other social media.

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