BBM-Connected apps getting more features and social media integration

One of the biggest thing that can help a smartphone operating system is the availability of a wide range of apps and the accessibility of them. At this point, Blackberry knows that one of the only things that keeps users onto their phones is Blackberry Messenger. So it only makes sense that RIM has now announced tighter integration of apps with BBM, especially the Facebook and Twitter apps.

A series of updates of popular BlackBerry® apps will be released over the coming days to make it even easier for users to stay connected with their BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger) community. Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM)  today announced that Facebook® for BlackBerry smartphones, Twitter® for BlackBerry smartphones and BlackBerry App World™ will now include BBM connectivity, making it even easier for users to stay in touch with their contacts, share experiences and content, and discover new things from their BBM community.

“Since we provided developers the means to build BBM connectivity into their apps, we have seen more than 800 hundred new BBM-connected apps come to market, which has been followed by a huge uptake by users – about one of every five apps being downloaded on BlackBerry App World is a BBM-connected app,” said Alec Saunders, VP of Developer Relations at RIM.  “Today we’re excited to announce that RIM has also integrated BBM connectivity into a number of our own popular apps and the BBM-connected revolution continues to grow.”

Facebook and Twitter Apps Integrated with BBM

Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones (version 3.0) and Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones (version 3.0) now allow users to automatically share their Facebook status or latest Tweet with their BBM friends right from within the app.

App Sharing Made Simpler

With BBM (version 6.2) and BlackBerry App World (version 3.1.2), users can easily update their BBM profile to let their friends know about the great new app they’ve just downloaded on BlackBerry App World. With this updated version of BlackBerry App World, users can also instantly share info about their favorite app or a list of their installed apps with friends using BlackBerry® Tag*.

BBM Made Better

In addition to integration with BlackBerry App World, BBM (version 6.2) offers a polished, enhanced and more personal experience. It includes a new selection of animated avatars, a simpler way of updating one’s personal message in their profile, and now allows users to quickly send voice notes.

Availability

Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones version 3.0 is available now and Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones version 3.0, BlackBerry App World version 3.1.2 and BBM version 6.2 are scheduled to be available for download over the next ten days on BlackBerry App World (www.blackberry.com/appworld)**.  Stay tuned to BlackBerry social channels to confirm when each app becomes available.