BlackBerry Messenger: it's the holy grail of the BlackBerry platform, and, for many, the only real reason why they don't make the jump to another smartphone. Well, RIM has finally gone ahead and released the latest and greatest version upon the world (in an official capacity at least), and we're definitely pleased with the added functionality and other updates that they've cooked in to the app to make it even more useful and better. Read on after the break for a full breakdown of what's hot, what's new, and what we think of it all.
While most of the new functionality in the "new BBM" was seen in the version that leaked a few months back, the final shipping update has a slew of tweaks and changes that we really like. Just to start off with the interface, you can see that the whole contact list screen has gotten an overhaul, with a tighter layout, spaces for avatars, and a highly useful "Recent Updates" bar at the top. Inside individual conversations, the standard "Name: Message" design has been updated to a "chat bubbles" one that groups consistent messages from the same sender and saves space on screen. Of course, for those reluctant to change, you can tweak this display in the options panel, and make it look however you'd prefer to.
Adding contacts has also improved with the latest release. For starters, you don't have to do it by PIN or e-mail address. RIM has added a QR code generated by the PIN that allows you to scan someone else's and automatically have it added to your list. You can also show your code to a friend and they can scan yours -- provided he or she has a BlackBerry with a camera. Another minor yet convenient tweak is the new "Invite to Messenger" menu option that appears when a PIN is detected. For example, when a person sends you his or her PIN in a text message, instead of copying and pasting it, you can simply scroll over it, and choose the menu option "Invite to Messenger." Long time users who have always had to select, copy, and paste will really appreciate this new addition.
The other headline new feature in BBM 5 is the option to create a "BlackBerry Group." This allows you to create a group of friends or colleagues, assign a group icon, and even pin it to your home screen. Once the admin creates the group, he or she can add members and proceed to have a group chat. However, you can also share pictures, create and comment on lists, and even share and create shared calendar entries. Of course, to keep things organized, there's another "Group Updates" status bar at the bottom so you can know what you've missed.
Unfortunately, most of the functionality mentioned here requires that your contacts also be using the latest version of BBM -- 5.0.33. Smartly, RIM has made the update available OTA, both through BlackBerry App World as well as
blackberry.com/messenger. We should note that while updating our phone, we unfortunately had our software corrupted, resulting in the need to reinstall the whole OS. However, it's a fairly easy -- if not time consuming -- task, so be sure to make a backup. We're definitely in the very small minority though, as we've mostly heard of nothing except smooth updates across the board. Overall, we're incredibly impressed with the update and all of its new functionality, and really glad that RIM
finally made it official. So, if you've been holding out for the official release, make sure to hit the read link and get your downloading on -- after you've made a full backup, of course.
posted Oct 8th 2009 4:20PM
So engadget - what about reviewing BBM 5.0 threaded messaging? OS 5.0 is required....which is I need a review and can just test it out myself!
BBM 5.0 on my vzw curve is splendidly faster than the beta and much squeakier. Huge improvement - just can't wait to get a device with OS 5.0 so I can thread my SMS's
I am running OS 5.0.0.230 on my 8330 and I can say it is well done. SMS is essentially handled by the BBM 5 interface, though it has its own dedicated version of the program.
I've been enjoying this lovely piece of tech for a few months and I'm happy RIM has officially released it because it rocks!
frickin awesome
wow its about freakin time! ive been waiting for an official release for sooo long! is this possibly a sign that the whole 5.0 OS could be released soon?!?!?!
So if you upgrade do your current BBM contacts carry over or do you have to start fresh and reinvite/rebuild your BBM contacts?
Thanks!
@RM: We're pretty sure that your contacts should carry over, but there's always a chance that something can go wrong. That's why we STRONGLY recommend making a full backup before starting, that way if anything gets messed up, you'll be able to revert and recover your contacts.
the only thing I don't like about BBM5 is the layout of the contact list. Where you used to be able to see 7 or 8 contacts at a time, you can now only see 4 or 5. The font is huge, and there's a lot of wasted space between contact names.
I completely agree. I hate looking at these stupid avatars. It's pointless. I don't wanna see unnecessary pictures in my BBM contact list.
I just start typing the persons name I want to message, it automatically searches and narrows the list, I find that much faster than scrolling through the list trying to find the person anyway.
It would be nice if there was an option for showing avatars or not. I am sure many people would turn them off, myself included.
If I buy a new blackberry (the tour, for example) can I still use the previous version of BBM?
It BRICKED my Verizon Tour 9630 with a 552 error
Had to use the Application Loader to ERASE everything & ReInstall
Early Adopters LOSE again..
I installed about an hour ago. The first time it had an error so I had to delete/restart a couple times, but it works fine now. Now that I know I could have had had to reinstall the OS because of it I deep like I dodged a HUGE bullet.
I feel like*
Damn blackberry storm keyboard
Been there,, done that.. lol
I hate the avatars too. This new version has some great features, but the general appearance is so messy! I tried downgrading but wasn't succesful. :(
@AMM03 it seems I also don't see the avatars of my contacts... ?
My company at working is starting to use instant messaging on our computers. We all have blackberry's?
Is there client app for the PC that would work with our internal blackberry enterprise server so that you can instant message on the PC and get up from your desk and then continue the conversation on your blackberry?
This would be really useful as , now we are using an open source client / server setup and the BBM, having BBM on both platforms would be very useful.
What IM environment do you use? ex. Microsoft Live Communications Server? That has a Blackberry app, I use it.
@Jacob Schulman Thank you for the reply. My contacts transferred over seamlessly.
The new BBM 5 works really great. Question about the backups and invites if anyone out there knows;
1) If i switch BlackBerry devices (new PIN) how does it work with my existing BBM contacts? Do i have to rerequest and thus do the dance back and forth with saving PINS, accepting etc etc or does BBM just update my contacts BlackBerrys automatically and in the back ground
2) on a similar note - what is the deal with trying to add via email? never seems to work well for me. I end up having to SMS exchange PINS, save the PIN to the proper addresss card then do another invite by PIN. The new BBM seems to have the same issue (invite by email just hangs in "pending).
Thanks again,
BBM 5 is a piece of junk and I want my old BBM back .. however these people did not think this possible and so they didn't off that option ... I have 3 yes 3 BBM contacts .. one of witch is my daughter in a far off city ... I don't need groups or I don't send group messages .. I dont need bar codes ... but when I tried to enter her pin it has hung in pending for a week ... so I tried the e-mail address .. also hung .. she's part of my 5 so I call her free often enough .. but the BBM was nice for random thoughts ...
BBM5 is a piece of high tech over done junk and I want my old BBM back