Version 2.0 of BBM for iOS app now allows free voice calls to BBM contacts, as well as a range of other new features that include one-touch file-sharing, Dropbox integration, location-sharing, 50-person BBM groups and interest channels.

Voice calling is supported on both wifi and mobile data. Note that while voice calls don’t incur any direct charges, as with other forms of VoIP calling you’ll eat into any data allowance you have.

Full details of the new features from the BlackBerry blog below … 

BBM Voice

One of the things we’re most excited about is bringing BBM Voice to iPhone and Android users. With BBM Voice you can make free calls* to BBM contacts anywhere in the world using your Wi-Fi® or data connection. When a BBM contact is available for a BBM Voice call you’ll see a green icon in the top right hand corner of your chat. To call them, simply touch the green icon and your call will be connected.

BBM Channels

Channels lets users chat with other BBM users about topics that interest them. Customers can join channels about a range of topics from products, hobbies and sports to entertainment, fashion, cars and more. Channels can be created by brands, businesses and BBM users alike and are a great way to communicate directly and immediately with people who share common interests in the broader BBM community. By posting to their channel, channel owners immediately reach their subscribers with a message that can spark discussions.

Location Sharing powered by Glympse

We’ve all been in situations where we’re running late, meeting up with friends, or trying to find someone at a concert. Location sharing powered by Glympse is a great way to share your live location for a specific amount of time. Choose how long you want to share your location for by setting the timer – when the timer runs out your location is private again. Now you see me…now you don’t!

Pictures, Voice notes, attachments and more

With this new version of BBM there’s more to chat about because you can quickly share a pic, voice note or file with your contacts. Snap a photo or pick one from your gallery; touch and hold to send a voice note; send a calendar event or contact.

Dropbox Integration

With Dropbox built in to BBM, you can send a file from your personal cloud directly to a BBM contact. On the receiving end, save the file directly to your smartphone or add it to your Dropbox account.

New Emoticons

This new release of BBM also includes 100 great new emoticons that you can use to bring some fun to your chats. With so many new emoticons, we’ve decided to dedicate a post to helping you discover them all. Check that out here.

Larger BBM Groups

You’ve been asking for larger BBM Groups and we’ve heard you loud and clear. This new version of BBM now includes 50-person BBM Groups so you can get more of your friends, family or team in on the action.

Thanks, Ade