BBM for Android Beta has been updated today bringing in a list of changes including video ads as part of the sponsored content. This update also brings the changes that were previously seen on the BB10 and iOS counterparts such as Private Chat, Quote Message and the ability to re-organize Sticker Packs.
What’s more interesting in this update is the fact that BlackBerry have now introduced video ads as part of their monetization plans for BBM. The full list of changes are included below:
This beta version of BBM introduces:
Private Chat: make sure your sensitive messages are kept confidential. In a private chat, all contact information is hidden, and new message notifications are discreet.
Your chat is automatically deleted on both ends when the chat is inactive or closed. To start a private chat, open the menu from within a 1:1 chat and select “Start Private Chat”
Private chat is included in the new Privacy and Control Subscription, which bundles several powerful features into one convenient subscription.
This new subscription includes the following components:
- Private Chat
- Edit Message
- Timed Messages and Pictures
- Retract
All existing Timed and Retracted Messages Subscribers will be upgraded to the new Privacy and Control Subscription at no additional cost.
Ability to Order Sticker Packs: now you have the ability to customize which Sticker Packs you see in your main Sticker Picker view using the Stickers Settings Menu.
Quote Message: reference and reply to a previous message in your chat. To quote a message, tap and hold on it and select “Quote Message”.
Whilst Video Ads wasn’t formally listed in the change log, the screenshots below show the changes including Material Design which was introduced in the last Beta update.
What do you guys make of video ads? Is it something you don’t mind or do you think it might be too intrusive?
Thanks to AgentJucey for the screenshots!