BlackBerry Messenger Groups

BlackBerry Messenger has always been one of the things that sets BlackBerry devices apart. RIM having a native messaging client specific to their devices definitely gives them an upper hand. Until recently RIM never did much with Messenger; they never utilized one of the unique benefits of their device. Since BlackBerry was always directed towards the business user until about a year ago, updating Messenger was never something that was on the top of RIM’s to-do list. Now, more focused on a more consumer based market and still holding true to their business customers, RIM has overhauled Messenger and gave it the feel of a true instant messenger. They stepped up the game with the release of 5.0 and made it more useful and appealing to users.

With ease of use of status messages, availability, and changing of user information, it encouraged more people to update their phones and get in on the BlackBerry goodness.

Adding cool features like device specific barcodes and barcode scanners to add new contacts, they made their client quite a bit more attractive to the average user.

The one new feature of the new BlackBerry Messenger that definitely has not gotten the recognition or publicity it deserves is Groups. Groups can be a very useful tool that can be used in many different ways. Whether its for a group of friends or a group of co-workers, everyone in that group can hold chats and collaborate on different ideas. Separate chats can be set up for different topics to keep certain topics sanctioned.

Photos can be shared with everyone in the group simultaneously as well. Rather than sending a picture to everyone separately, simply upload a picture to the group, and everyone is notified. Any uploaded picture will automatically be saved to the group members’ MicroSD cards.

Along with pictures, lists can be created. In each list, new items are created. Each item can be categorized and assigned to any member of the group and a due date can be created. When the item is made, everyone is notified and members can make comments on the list. This could make for a very productive tasking process for business purposes.

One of the best features of BlackBerry Messenger Groups is the ability to add calendar appointments to the group’s calendar. When a new appointment is made, it is automatically added to each group member’s calendar. Reminders can be set, and essentially every option you have for creating a new appointment for your own calendar.

All of these functions make BlackBerry Messenger a much more pleasing feature than it was in the past. So, if you’re one of the few that hasn’t updated, you can grab your copy in BlackBerry App World.

If anyone wants my barcode direct your cameras in this direction.