Free BBM Voice calling comes to older BlackBerrys in new update

Those still rocking an older BlackBerry will now be able to take advantage of free calling through BlackBerry Messenger, thanks to an update that brings in the BBM Voice feature.

BlackBerry introduced BBM voice to its latest smartphones running BlackBerry OS 7 shortly before revealing the now highest standard BlackBerry 10. The feature originally hit phones like the Bold 9900 and 9790, but now older phones are getting a chance.

The latest version of BlackBerry Messenger is now out – version 7.0.1.23 if you’re counting – and it’s compatible with BlackBerry OS 5, which means older phones like the hugely popular Curve 8520 which we know a lot of people still use.

A simple update to BBM and you’ll get the BBM Voice feature, which allows you to make free calls via Wi-Fi or your BlackBerry Internet package. It’s kind of like Skype and will save you using either your pay as you go credit or your monthly allowance of minutes when on contract.

The update also includes BlackBerry ID integration, which means that your contacts and conversations in BBM as well as other aspects of your phone are stored to your unique ID. When you get a new BlackBerry, such as the Z10, you can sign in with your ID and all of your content is transferred from your old phone – simple.

You can download the latest version of BlackBerry Messenger by visiting this page on your mobile or by visiting the BlackBerry App World.