BBM Video Calling beta lands in Canada and the US

BlackBerry Messenger users are finally set to receive video calling this week, as the much sought after feature is now rolling out to the app. However, BlackBerry is initially limiting the availability of BBM Video Calling to Android users in Canada and the US, as it collects performance data and monitors feedback ahead of a wider roll out.

To make use of the app, you'll still need to be running Android 4.4 KitKat or newer. Calls work in the usual way, there's no special opt-in or sign up required. Users simply initiate a call with another BBM contact and the app will ask whether or not you want to try out the video call beta feature, providing that your contact at the other end is also located in a participating country. With that in mind, it might take a while for enough people to have updated the app before the feature starts becoming usable.

BlackBerry seems to think that the timing of its new feature is just right, citing that the number of US adults making video calls from their smartphones rose from 33 to 47 percent between 2013 and 2015.

BBM Video Calling will be available once you've updated the app to its latest version, providing that you live in North America. BlackBerry says that Android users will be able to video call with their iPhone and iPad owning buddies in the near future as well. The option is scheduled to give live around the world some time in July.

If you haven't downloaded BBM for Android yet, click the button below to grab it from the Play Store for free.

Download BBM from Google Play

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