Blackberry has added the ability to make free voice calls to its BBM messaging app for Android and iPhone.
The free app was released last year, taking the service beyond the Blackberry’s own handsets for the first time.
The firm has struck deals to have the app pre-installed on a variety of Android smartphones in Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East.
The updated app also gives users access to BBM Channels, themed chat areas in which they can discuss a range of topics and hobbies and also engage with favourite brands.
Users on all platforms, including Blackberry’s own smartphones, also gain fast one-click sharing of photos, documents and voice notes.
“Today’s announcement gives Android and iPhone customers the rich experience of BBM Voice and BBM Channels – two great ways to connect with friends, family and colleagues, to build out communities around shared interests, and to follow your favorite people and brands,” said John Sims, President, Global Enterprise Solutions at BlackBerry.
“BBM continues to quickly evolve as a social mobile platform for consumers as well as for business customers through innovative features that give you great new ways to connect and share with each other.”