BlackBerry has pushed out an update to the Android, BlackBerry, and iOS versions of its BBM app and added several new features.
The main new addition is a private chatting mode that strips conversations of names and profile pictures. Private conversations are also ephemeral and will disappear after a short while.
The Private Chat tool is in the new Privacy and Control Subscription, which costs $0.99 per month. It also includes timed messages and timed pictures, and the ability to retract and edit messages and pictures. The Privacy and Control Subscription replaces the Timed and Retracted Messages Subscription.
BlackBerry says existing subscribers will be transitioned over to the new service automatically. Other new functions include a new way to organize sticker collections and a “quote messages” tool for referencing previous messages.
Last, the iOS version of BBM has updated font rendering. BBM is free to download from the Play Store, BlackBerry World Store, and iTunes App Store.
