BlackBerry Messenger v6.0.0.73 now available in the BlackBerry Beta Zone

on 26 Apr 2011 06:26 PM

If you're already a member of the BlackBerry Beta Zone then you'll likely want to sign in to see if you have BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 as an available download option. You will of course need to sign up and agree to the terms of use but in return you get a fresh, new release of BlackBerry Messenger. v6.0.0.73 if you need the exact details. This time around, RIM has also included a change log for us all to make use of so, check it out below:

You may not notice very many visible changes between BBM 5.0 and BBM 6.0 at this time, but stay tuned! For now, here are a few new things you might notice in this version:

Updated BBM branding
More "snappy" and responsive feel
Visual distinction of message drafts vs. sent messages
Any alerts set for SMS contacts are now preserved in BBM once an SMS contact is integrated with BBM
Invite a Text Messaging Contact -- it's now easier to search contacts
Location Search -- you can now search for a location before sending, similar to the Location Search experience via SMS
Location Sending -- you can now detect your location with cell tower triangulation or GPS
Appointment Sending -- sending appointment or calendar events is now a similar experience to that of sending an appointment via SMS

Again, no visual changes really but we'll take it. Also, although it's not noted in the change log -- we'd be surprised if there wasn't some stuff built in there for the PlayBook as well but that of course is just speculation.

More information / Join the BlackBerry Beta Zone

Filed Under: News & Rumors; Tags: BBM, BlackBerry Beta Zone, BlackBerry Messenger

76 Comments

Posted by jSkiLLzZz Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

sick

Posted by naila_nc Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

I was thinking about this on my drive home, that BBM 6 was supposed to launch in May and that is more than likely when we would get BBM through the bridge and now this gets posted. I got beat to it.

But I think there is a separate piece that would need to come down in the software for the playbook. Hope it comes soon.

Posted by Maiev Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

I was really hoping it supports BB PlayBook Bridge :<

/keep waiting! I know RIM makes awesome app, just gotta give em time to bake it.

Posted by Jenks5150 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Nice, downloading it now - hope it irons out a few things

Posted by billybobjones Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

no support in my country for beta zone :(

Posted by mckillio Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Change your country then.

Posted by Monsieur Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 392 days ago

ha ha :-D

Posted by Oncastillo Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Awesome downloading now!!!!!!!

Posted by aris20 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Hoping that this one is better than the Old 6.0.0.56 (It had way too many bugs) Downloading now !!!

Posted by Dadymon Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Cool! Gonna give it a shot. Busy at beta zone!

Posted by feldmen01 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Downloaded it a while ago. Seems stable. No big differences as they said. Good overall

Posted by luqman24 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

havent noticed anything different except for the abbreviation BBM.

Posted by Jimcmf Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

This new format is awesome! Im lovin it !

Posted by ridesno159 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

WTF! My Beta Zone still shows 5.0..3.13?!?!?!?

Posted by 17.michal Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

its a separate new program...the 5.0.3.13 program ended...

Posted by linuxdaemon Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

You have to go to "My Programs" and opt-in to Blackberry Messenger 6. It isn't just an upgrade to the BBM5 beta.

Posted by TechNerd.McLeod Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

You have to join the BlackBerry Messenger 6.0 beta program. You are still in the BBM 5.0 beta program. It is a new one, not just under the same one. Hope I helped you get it! :)

Posted by ridesno159 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Perfect! Guess I just didn't scroll down far enough, stupid me... Thank You to all of the above :)

Posted by SpiritsFade Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Tour 9630 5.0.0.975

When I open BBM messages, there's a brief lag when bringing up the window. That was not there when I had 5.0.3.13

Not too happy but I'll keep it to stay current

Posted by theonecid Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

I don't think it's a bug but rather looks like a feature lol. Looks like a smooth transition or something kinda like OS 6.0

Posted by seven87 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

When you check for updates for the bridge app on your BB it no longer tells you that you need to update your bbm in order for bridge to work properly.
All we need is for it to be pushed to the PlayBook and were ready to go!

Posted by pdelong Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

I notice absolutely no difference other than it now says "Invite to BBM"

Posted by Revyrah Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

There are definitely some visual improvements made. You can see some on the icons in a few areas. Groups, Recent updates (you'll see colored icons for changed pics, etc..), and the responsiveness to this version is incredible..Dare I say, it's perfect response. No lag at all. I believe it will also allow me to send files twice the prior 5 mb limit.

This is indeed improved.

Posted by adammcewen Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

careful if you had the leaked .56. i had that and got a null pointer exception error after installing this. reload here i come lol.

Posted by thpsrulr Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Sweet! I am downloading now too!

Posted by TechNerd.McLeod Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Joined 6.0 Beta.
Deleted my current 6.0 version and currently rebooting.
Downloading/installing after reboot.

There's probably not going to much of a difference from .56, but oh well.. It's still newer.

Posted by theage Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

no bridge yet. hopefully in a future update!!

Posted by MousePad Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

I think the Bridge update will come from the Playbook side... Not much use waiting for it on the phone devices..

Posted by Noobie101 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

chat bar and smiley icon is HUGE!!!! i hate it!!.

Posted by RD9700 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

So far it's been working quite well. It is a bit 'snappier'! I'm running a 9700 with official OS6 from Rogers. Hopefully this update will help integrate BBM into the Playbook!

Posted by cbrunton1 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

inside the chat window itself there is changes. Smiley button is bigger, for me the conversations for the style bubbles is improved, ie they actually look like chat bubbles now. If you start typing a message and exit without finishing what your typing that bbm chat has a green box beside it, the same one that would appear if you created a draft text/email.

Posted by theKHMERboy Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 392 days ago

yeah i just notice that to thanks for the tip lol and yeah the i notice the smiley button and where u type your message and invite contact its a bit of change but nothing to much

Posted by Cula Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Wow, just last night i was up till 4am, wiping my device because the leaked .56 crashed it :D

This one works nice, a little snappier, as reported, but the actual highlight is, it fixed the battery cover for me!!! :o

Posted by murd395 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

The .56 leak has more new features than this one. In .56 there is no limit on file size for sending files. You can also customize contacts bubble color. Overall .73 seems closer to bbm5 than .56

Posted by joeberrymomma Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Yeah, I recall seeing screen shots of BBM 6. The UI looked nicer and where is that girl in the contact list? LOL!
Sounds like this release, while not as flashy as .56 is more stable...that is what I am reading. I did not install the leak though.

Posted by murd395 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

The only downside I've seen in .56 is you can't send a file from its respective application folder, u have to go thru the chat to send anything. Other than that I don't see why everyone says its unstable.

Posted by jdragione Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

no more D/R for delivered and read in the message list ... you have to actually click into the chat to see it.

Posted by mss-ca Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Then I will wait... I have the link on my Beta Zone, but if it has D/R issue then, I will wait.. Other users have the same problem????

Posted by stumpypooh Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

I have the D/R in my message list. Don't have that issue...

Posted by acrogenesis Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

no it works perfectly for me i can see de d/r in my messages and bbm without cliking it

Posted by thpsrulr Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

I have the D/R on mine.

Posted by mss-ca Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Just loaded up and sent some BBMs and yep... I have D/R on mine as well.

Posted by raven6870 Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

Do u have ur Contact List Style set to 1 or 2 lines? With 1 line it doesn't show, with 2 lines it does

Posted by mss-ca Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

We need a new discussion item in the forms... someone please add it quick!!!

Posted by stitch69 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

FINALLY!!! xD

Posted by InnerChild Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

What is the file size of the beta BBM?

Posted by Dealz417 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

3.9MB

Posted by jbezeau Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

more like 5.5 not a 6.0, pretty lackluster

Posted by con4n007 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

The location feature is cool :)

Posted by joeberrymomma Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

See the ability to send location (like in SMS), and BB Contact, but not an appointment. Not in the send menu?
Everything else is pretty much the same as version 5.

Posted by adam5150 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

No option to change message like leaked 56

Posted by adam5150 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Sorry bout that meant to say you can distinct contacts by color like leaked 56

Posted by mss-ca Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

So, I can't change the colour on this version of the beta?

Posted by Jimcmf Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

When QNX is installed on the NEW BlackBerrys at the end of this year, EVERYONE scrap their current phone and rush out to get one.

I hear that it is out of this world, and will dominate the super smart phone market.

You will be able to unlock your car door and start the engine....., a button linked to your garage door to close and open it. You can even enter through the lobby security doors in the newer condo units with a push of a button.

And not to forget .... pay for all of your purchases with a wave of your phone. If you saw the road map,for RIM it will blow your mind!

Posted by gbsn Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Right... except that QNX is not coming on phones until late 2012~early 2013.

Late 2011 was an ETA for OS 6.1, not QNX.

Posted by sieuboon Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Can't post the stupid keycode....help? tried clicking middle button but it doesnt work either

Posted by mss-ca Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

Wired... mine work even without hitting the touch pad... by middle button, you mean the touch pad right?

Did you try using the BB key and simply clicking paste?

Posted by Jehu Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

I had the same problem so I copied just the keycode from my web email on my computer not the BB(email RIM send)then paste it into a new email and email to an email account on your BB.
I then copied the keycode from that email and pasted it into the keycode section and it worked.

Good luck

Posted by Irish_711 Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

FancyChar is missing it's BBM icons.

Posted by Darlaten Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 392 days ago

How long does it typically take for something to move from the beta into the normal realm? Or can this significantly vary too much to even hazard a guess?

Posted by Wessel88 Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 392 days ago

I can't download it.

- I am a beta tester
- Running os 6.0.0.534 official from Bell
- I can subscribe for this beta program on my phone.
- I use bb's webkit browser.

But when I want to actually download bbm 6 on my phone, it says:

"Please download OTA (over-the-air) only by navigating to the download page from your BlackBerry device."

It says I'm not OTA.. but I am actually..
I can download facebook 2.0..

Anyone Ideas?

Posted by ksean007 Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 392 days ago

when i tried downloading the new messenger 6.0.0.73 it gets all the way to the end and then stops and says error 907 COD error message has anyone else received the same error code? thanks.

Posted by Monsieur Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

I have that very same problem also. i don't know what to do. i have even tried deleting the old bbm off before doing this install but when it gets to the very end i get that silly error.

Posted by Monsieur Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

oh i got it to work. i didn't delete everything. after doing so i tried again and it finished installing all the way

Posted by Solja Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 392 days ago

The icons are, well a little pixelated?

Posted by scaramanga89 Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 392 days ago

This is a nice improvement visually. Add in the names of contacts and the bubbles are much nicer. a definite improvement.

Posted by abdul Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

Unfortuntly this update is only for OS 5.0 and higher.

Posted by kishanth Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

The following are what I found appealing...
1) UI is nice
2) Vibrant colors for BBM groups
3) send location is nice
4) "BBM" abbreviation used
5) added regular contacts in BBM

Only 1 question for that, does that make texts free?????

Overall, a big improvement. 2 thumbs up

Posted by sreidenb Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

In this new version, it says that for a text message contact it will now only notify you through BBM and not through the messages folder, if linked with BBM, is this true? I tried for my contacts that don't have blackberry, and it still notifies me through both, quite annoying.

Posted by raven6870 Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

Option under Miscellaneous heading, "Show texts from contacts linked with blackberry contacts" try n see if that is checked if u don't want it in both

Posted by BBFTW88 Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

A lot snappier than 5. Slight UI changes which make using BBM more pleasing

Posted by raven6870 Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

The escape button before sending the msg in contact list the chat bubble on left is green with what looks like a pen beside it lol

Posted by RedDotNick Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 391 days ago

The smiley icon on the lower right corner is bigger than previous versions.

Posted by Gamesdmc3 Friday, Apr 29, 2011 389 days ago

Time to go get that Beta!

Posted by pramanayudha Saturday, Apr 30, 2011 389 days ago

Conversation from picture message doesn't show in message list,anyone having same issue?

Posted by jay.gadagni Monday, May 02, 2011 386 days ago

i keep getting error messages, the download gets around halfway through but then i get a error message. anyone else had the same problem?