BlackBerry Messenger 5.0 Offically Released. Read how to update, and download it now..

If you are new to BlackBerry Messenger (or BBM as it’s known by its users), is an Instant Messenger application that is exclusive to BlackBerry. BlackBerry Messenger allows you to have a real time messaging chat with anyone who owns a BlackBerry worldwide. What make this impressive is instead of sending a text (which you have to pay additional for without a text messaging plan) you can communicate instantly with that person via BlackBerry Messenger for FREE; and send an entire thought without the 120 character restriction like in a text message.  All you need is a BlackBerry, a data plan, and each other’s BlackBerry PIN.

With BlackBerry exploding in the U.S., Caribbean, South America, Europe, and hundreds of other countries across the globe, BBM has become the primary way to communicate for so many people. So what’s in the new version BBM 5.0?  Well according to BGR the following:

The New BlackBerry Messenger offers an enhanced style SMS conversational chat-like user experience with a single contact list for the most personal mobile-to-mobile communications

• Note: BlackBerry® Device Software 5.0 and later is required for the SMS functionality. ( BlackBerry OS 5.0 has been released for the BlackBerry Storm only.)

• Note: BlackBerry Device Software 5.0 is required to receive large media files. ( BlackBerry OS 5.0 has been released for the BlackBerry Storm only.)

Here are a few steps I recommend before installing the new update:

1. If you are using an 8100, 8300, 0r an 8800 series BlackBerry, you have to be running BlackBerry OS verison 4.5 .  If not you will need to update your BlackBerry OS.

2. Back up your BlackBerry, because you just never know.

How to Backup and Restore my BlackBerry.

3. If you are using the leaked version of BBM 5.0 do the following.

Open BBM : Choose options: Scroll down to Back Up Contact List and save to SD card if you have one. If something goes wrong, you can restore all your contacts from there.

4. If you can’t backup either way, if you have a contact in messenger and you don’t have their PIN saved in your address book; then make sure you do.  This is so you can request to add them again in case something goes wrong.

5. Download BlackBerry App World on your BlackBerry in case the OTA doesn’t work.

Download BlackBerry App World here from your BlackBerry

OK, you’re all set.  Click the link below to download the new BlackBerry Messenger for your current device.  Be sure to comment and let us know what you think of the upgrade.

Click here to download OTA using your BlackBerry Browsers