Major BBM update brings enhanced privacy and control for iOS, Android and BlackBerry 10 users

BlackBerry has just announced the rollout of a new update for its Messenger service across all platforms such as iOS, Android and BlackBerry smartphones. With the new release, users can take advantage of enhanced privacy and control features, which allow them to take control over the messages.

With the update, users can retract their messages and photos from the recipient if they were sent accidentally or for any other reason. You can now get details about how long contacts can view messages and photos that are shared. All you need to do is set a timer. Following is the detailed changelog for new BBM updates;

Cross-platform changes (Android, iOS and BlackBerry 10)

• In addition to Retract and Timer, users also have access to the Private Chat and Edit features. The former removes names and avatars from the chat window, while the latter allows you to edit messages you've sent to a contact
• Forward messages from one chat to another
• General performance improvements and bug fixes

Android

• Mute notifications for multi-person chats
• Scroll through all pictures shared within a 1:1 or multi-person chat
• Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) support
• Improved BBM Voice call quality
• Option for users to save pictures taken during BBM chat to device

iOS

• Enhanced look and feel for the chat screen
• Capture and share larger videos with enhanced video sharing
• Multi-select mode: delete, retract, or forward multiple messages at once
• Improved BBM Voice call quality
• Option for users to save pictures taken during BBM chat to device

BlackBerry 10

• Delete messages from just your view of the chat
• Retract and edit messages in group chats
• Option to retract all messages in a chat when it ends

"Building on the renowned immediacy, reliability and security inherent to BBM, the new release provides unmatched level of privacy and control to BBM users without any subscription fees. Keeping control over the messages and content that they share, BBM users can be ensured that what they share is always theirs to control," said Matthew Talbot, senior vice president, BBM at BlackBerry.

It is important to note the update might take 24 hours or more to appear in the app store, based on your mobile OS platform and region. iOS users do not need to renew subscription, as it will be cancelled automatically. For those on Android, head over to Google Play Store, tap on the menu button in the top left to access My Account, then go to Subscription and cancel it. If you have a BlackBerry 10 smartphone, navigate to BlackBerry World, then My World and access Subscription to cancel.