Voice and video calling coming to BBM for iOS and BBM for Android within months

Even though over 10 million people have downloaded BBM for iOS and BBM for Android, we told you that a further update would be necessary for the voice and video calling features of the service to work. On Sunday, Andrew Bocking said that those with BBM for iOS and BBM for Android will be able to make voice and video calls within months. And Bocking should know, considering that he is Executive VP of BBM for BlackBerry.

While Bocking says that BBM will always be free, the Canadian OEM wants to monetize the app. One way will be with BBM Channels. Appearing Sunday on CBC’s The Morning Edition, Bocking said that this will be the way for BlackBerry to make money off of BBM. Calling Channels a "social engagement platform within BBM," the executive says that it spreads the "BBM experience to brands, artists, businesses and communities, you will now be able to connect with individuals and groups in real time."

CBC says that BBM Channels will launch soon, although the service might remain in beta for some time. Speaking of BBM, Bocking says that "We continue to plan to evolve the service and keep making it more engaging and have more reasons why people will come back to use the service." With BlackBerry looking to monetize Channels as a way to profit from BBM, we could be looking at a new BlackBerry, more software oriented with a focus away from handsets.



source: BlackBerry, @andreabellmare via MobileSyrup