BlackBerry unveils BBM Channels

NEW DELHI, INDIA: BlackBerry launched its BBM Channels that allows brands to engage with consumer and communities creating direct marketing channels.

BBM Channels is an extended version of the messenger using which users can upload content and subscribe to public (free) and private (paid) channels of other users that may include companies or individuals. Channel owners can post messages, share pictures, start discussions, post animated images and chat directly with subscribers.

BBM Channels will be available for users of BlackBerry OS 5 upwards operating systems including BlackBerry 10 through BlackBerry World, as per the market reports.

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

Existing BlackBerry users can update to the latest version of BBM to have access to BBM Channels. BlackBerry is planning to partner with local handset players from emerging markets like Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East to pre-install BBM, where users would not have to download the app or incur download charges. Indian handset makers primarily make low-cost devices and have cornered a large share in the Indian mobile phone market.