BlackBerry updates BBM for Android and iOS with new sticker shop, refined chat screen, more

Shortly after announcing that it's splitting BBM into three separate services, BlackBerry released a new version of its messaging app. The new version of BBM Messenger is available for both Android and iOS devices starting today, so if you're still using it, then you should check for it in Google Play and App Store.

According to that BlackBerry announced today, this is a major update that brings many important improvements. For example, the chat screen in Android has been completely redesigned to look better than ever.

The chat bubbles have been redesigned as well, so you should now see them as speech bubbles. The colors of the bubbles have been changed to a lighter blue and white, and there's a new patterned background that better fits the black text.

These improvements are now available for BBM users on Android, but BlackBerry promised they will make their way to App Store next month.

Furthermore, the menu bar has been moved from top to bottom in the Android version of BBM Messenger. The latest version of the app comes with a floating icon that helps users start Groups faster, as well as share to-do lists, calendars, and topics with friends.

The sticker shop has been revamped to make it easier for users to find what they're looking for. It's a mere reorganization of the shop, not really a completely redesigned.

Lastly, several new services have been added to the Discover menu for users in various regions. Since these are based on location, it doesn't affect all BBM users.