BlackBerry Messenger

BlackBerry Messenger, BBm, is an application designed for BlackBerry smartphones.

The application can be downloaded from BlackBerry App world but most modern BlackBerries should come with it pre-installed. To set up, all you have to do it enter a username and agree to the terms and conditions. On first use you have to add contacts, you can do this by asking for their BBm 'pin' which is an 8 digit pin containing numbers and letters. Every BlackBerry has it's own pin number, no two are the same. Once you've created a contact list you can start chatting!

I personally like this because it doesn't matter where in the world my BBm contacts are, I can instant message them for free* BBm also allows conference chats, meaning you can have one conversation window for multiple contacts. File sharing and social media sharing can be done easily through BBm connect, meaning you can connect BBm to your social media sites, or games you play on your Blackberry and your personal status on the BBm interface updates with whatever you're doing away from BBm.

There's an option to create a group on BBm where you can connect with others and share messages/photo's on a topic of interest

Features of the application are:

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.
Create and join groups where you can share and discuss lists, photos etc.

Like many other smartphones the only downside is sometimes the application takes a short while to install/upgrade, and rebooting is necessary after any upgrade.

*Please note that you will need a BlackBerry tariff to use BBm, this can be added on by your network provider.