Blackberry Messenger
Encyclopedia
BlackBerry Messenger is a proprietary Internet-based instant messenger application included on BlackBerry
devices which allows messaging between BlackBerry users.
It was developed by Research In Motion
(RIM), maker of the BlackBerry device. Messages sent via Blackberry Messenger are sent over the Internet and use the BlackBerry PIN system, so communication is only possible between two BlackBerry devices.
The service requires the BlackBerry Internet Service
to be able to function, and communicates over the phone's Internet connection using either the mobile phone network or a wireless LAN
("Wi-Fi
") connected to the Internet. Thus a user can exchange messages even where there is no mobile phone network coverage provided that there is a wireless LAN accessible that allows the phone access to the Internet.
Exchanging messages is also possible via dedicated discussion or chat groups, which allow multiple BlackBerry devices to communicate in a single session. In addition to offering text-based instant messages, BlackBerry Messenger also allows users to send pictures, voicenotes (audio recordings), files, location on a map, and a wide selection of emoticons (also known as "smileys") over the Blackberry network.
With the release of BlackBerry Messenger 5.0, BlackBerry allows users to use a QR Code
to add each other to their respective friends lists rather than using only numeric PIN identification or an email address associated with the user's BlackBerry.
BBM was introduced globally in February 15, 2008, but introduction of the new interface in April 2009 increased sales hugely.
to BBM messages. The Indian government
threatened to block use of the 800,000 users in the country because of the fear that BBM could be used to plan terrorist
attacks. The United Arab Emirates
was also particularly concerned about the use of the devices to spread anti-establishment
messages.
In 2011, BBM was suspected of being a major medium used by participants in the English riots
, due to the ease of sending one-to-many messages, and the lack of traceability compared to other social media. RIM said that they would co-operate with official requests made under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and was subsequently targeted by the hacker group known as Team Poison.
, Europe
, the Middle-East
and Africa
were widely affected by an outage at provider RIM
's UK headquarters in Slough
, Berkshire
. Blackberry Messenger was reported to be unavailable, seriously affecting the company's reputation. The issue generally affected users from between one to three days.
BlackBerry
BlackBerry is a line of mobile email and smartphone devices developed and designed by Canadian company Research In Motion since 1999.BlackBerry devices are smartphones, designed to function as personal digital assistants, portable media players, internet browsers, gaming devices, and much more...
devices which allows messaging between BlackBerry users.
It was developed by Research In Motion
Research In Motion
Research In Motion Limited or RIM is a Canadian multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada that designs, manufactures and markets wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market...
(RIM), maker of the BlackBerry device. Messages sent via Blackberry Messenger are sent over the Internet and use the BlackBerry PIN system, so communication is only possible between two BlackBerry devices.
The service requires the BlackBerry Internet Service
BlackBerry Internet Service
The BlackBerry Internet Service is a service that provides BlackBerry smartphone users with access to Internet browsing, allows email messaging, instant messaging using the BlackBerry Messenger service, and more.The service also allows...
to be able to function, and communicates over the phone's Internet connection using either the mobile phone network or a wireless LAN
Wireless LAN
A wireless local area network links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method , and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network...
("Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi or Wifi, is a mechanism for wirelessly connecting electronic devices. A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, or digital audio player, can connect to the Internet via a wireless network access point. An access point has a range of about 20...
") connected to the Internet. Thus a user can exchange messages even where there is no mobile phone network coverage provided that there is a wireless LAN accessible that allows the phone access to the Internet.
Exchanging messages is also possible via dedicated discussion or chat groups, which allow multiple BlackBerry devices to communicate in a single session. In addition to offering text-based instant messages, BlackBerry Messenger also allows users to send pictures, voicenotes (audio recordings), files, location on a map, and a wide selection of emoticons (also known as "smileys") over the Blackberry network.
With the release of BlackBerry Messenger 5.0, BlackBerry allows users to use a QR Code
QR Code
A QR code is a type of matrix barcode first designed for the automotive industry. More recently, the system has become popular outside of the industry due to its fast readability and comparatively large storage capacity. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white...
to add each other to their respective friends lists rather than using only numeric PIN identification or an email address associated with the user's BlackBerry.
BBM was introduced globally in February 15, 2008, but introduction of the new interface in April 2009 increased sales hugely.
Privacy and security
Some Asian governments put pressure on RIM in 2010 to allow official accessSurveillance
Surveillance is the monitoring of the behavior, activities, or other changing information, usually of people. It is sometimes done in a surreptitious manner...
to BBM messages. The Indian government
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
threatened to block use of the 800,000 users in the country because of the fear that BBM could be used to plan terrorist
Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
attacks. The United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
was also particularly concerned about the use of the devices to spread anti-establishment
Anti-establishment
An anti-establishment view or belief is one which stands in opposition to the conventional social, political, and economic principles of a society. The term was first used in the modern sense in 1958, by the British magazine New Statesman to refer to its political and social agenda...
messages.
In 2011, BBM was suspected of being a major medium used by participants in the English riots
2011 England riots
Between 6 and 10 August 2011, several London boroughs and districts of cities and towns across England suffered widespread rioting, looting and arson....
, due to the ease of sending one-to-many messages, and the lack of traceability compared to other social media. RIM said that they would co-operate with official requests made under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and was subsequently targeted by the hacker group known as Team Poison.
Reliability
BlackBerry Messenger is widely reputed for its uptime and reliability. However, from 10 – 12 October 2011, those using the service within North AmericaNorth America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, the Middle-East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
and Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
were widely affected by an outage at provider RIM
Research In Motion
Research In Motion Limited or RIM is a Canadian multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada that designs, manufactures and markets wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market...
's UK headquarters in Slough
Slough
Slough is a borough and unitary authority within the ceremonial county of Royal Berkshire, England. The town straddles the A4 Bath Road and the Great Western Main Line, west of central London...
, Berkshire
Berkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
. Blackberry Messenger was reported to be unavailable, seriously affecting the company's reputation. The issue generally affected users from between one to three days.
Features
- Send and receive messages with unlimited length.
- Choose a personal BBM display picture and status.
- Real-time confirmations when messages are delivered and read.
- Share photos, videos and more with multiple contacts at once.
- Add contacts by scanning QR Codes or sharing PINs.
- Send music files.