BBM

BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ: BBRY; TSX: BB) today announced BBM version 2.1 will be rolling out to Android, BlackBerry and iOS devices. As promised, the new update will bring "stickers," the ability to share images in multi-person chats, and the ability to send higher quality photos, videos and presentations.

"Stickers" are just larger emoticons that users can purchase from the BBM Shop to enhance their chats. BlackBerry has also teamed up with the WWE to give away a free WrestleMania 30 sticker pack.

“Stickers are another great example of how we’re making the BBM experience more engaging and fun for our customers,” said David Proulx, Senior Director, BBM at BlackBerry. “Stickers let you personalize your chats and strike the right chord with people around the world who rely on stickers in chats when they connect with colleagues, family, friends, peers and partners.”

BlackBerry has begun rolling out BBM Voice and Channels, plus other new features, to iOS and Android devices today. BBM Voice simply allows users to make free voice calls to their contacts over a Wi-Fi or data connection.

Channels is a way for users to discuss a variety of topics, like sports and fashion, with other BBM customers without the need to share personal info or add them to their contacts. Users can easily set up their own personal Channels, moderate them and schedule chat times.

UPDATE: BlackBerry has announced that both the iOS and Android version of BBM have been delayed. From the BlackBerry Blog:

Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it’s ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM. We are pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone.

After a few false starts, leaks and getting stuck in the Apple review process for over two weeks, BlackBerry's messaging service has finally started rolling out to iOS devices. BBM has popped up in the New Zealand App Store with more countries to follow. The Android version was supposed to land in the Google Play Store first, but has yet to make an appearance.

BlackBerry highlighted some of the messenger's features on its blog earlier this week. Some of the iOS and Android highlights include BBM Chat, the ability to share files on your phone and multi-person chats. BBM users can also post personal messages, add a profile picture and keep all their contacts updated on what they're doing through the Updates feature.