A new version of Blackberry Messenger for Android is on its way, especially for beta tester.

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Beta test is part of tests for a computer product prior to commercial release. Beta testing, according to Webpedia is the last stage of testing, and normally can involve sending the product to beta test sites outside the company for real-world exposure or offering the product for a free trial download over the Internet. Beta testing is often preceded by a round of testing called alpha testing.

Nonetheless, the new version of the app is currently being pushed out to select individuals via the Blackberry Beta Zone. This isn’t a minor update, either. Not only does version 200.0.0.138 add BBM Voice, there’s also BBM channels, improved photo/file sharing, new emoticons and more.

With BBM Voice, Android users of the app will finally be able to call other BBM Voice members in a fashion similar to other VoIP calling services such as Skype. As for Channels, basically this allows you to create or sign up for a discussion group.

Although these channels could be useful for regular everyday Android users, Blackberry anticipates that the main purpose will be for companies to open groups as a means of communicating with their customers.

These are all welcome features, and seem to prove that Blackberry is serious about expanding the app’s feature list on Android. Too bad that BBM Video is still missing. Either way, let’s hope that the new features make their way to the stable Android app in the near future.

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