Tech Talk: BlackBerry Launches Its Own Social Network

BBM Channels is trying to succeed where other smartphones have not.

As Apple and Samsung have increased in popularity in the last few years, BlackBerry has been struggling to keep up. 

It has tried to revamp itself by creating a new look for its phone and adding features, but nothing has really caught audiences’ attention since tablets and touch screen cellphones hit the market. 

On Tuesday, BlackBerry unveiled its newest feature in an effort to capture back audiences: Its own social network, BBM Channels. 

BBM Channels is built on top of BlackBerry’s popular BBM messaging. It allows users to set up channels that other BBM users can subscribe to. 

Celebrities such as Alicia Keys and the Goo Goo Dolls as well as Mercedes Benz have already partnered with BlackBerry.   

The social network is only available for beta right now, but in the keynote presentation, CEO Thorsten Heins said it will become publicly this summer. 

Heins also said BBM channels will be updated evert two to four weeks and that it will coincide with the company’s plan to launch it as a free app for iOS and Android.

While BlackBerry is not considering BBM Channels a social network, experts say it has similar features as that of other social networks such as instant messaging and subscription to brands. 

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Get Smart: BlackBerry Receives Biggest Smartphone Order Ever

Company has not disclosed who placed the one-million-unit order

Look out iPhone users! You might begin seeing a whole lot more BlackBerry devices out on the street. BlackBerry, formerly known as Research In Motion Ltd., says it was received an order for one million of its new smartphones, the Z10, marking the largest ever single purchase in the company’s history. The redesigned BlackBerry model was announced in late January, with hopes that it will fuel a comeback for the deserted brand. Apple’s release of the iPhone in 2007 reset consumers’ expectations for what a smartphone should do. BlackBerry did not disclose who placed the one-million-unit order, but said it came from one of its established partners. The phone will be available for consumer order later this month. (Associated Press)

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10 Things You Need To Know For Tuesday

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was on the football field for the last time during Sunday’s Super Bowl. The 37-year-old has overcome a lot—from being accused of a double homicide to recovering from torn triceps.

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News in Photos: The 10 topics you should be ready to talk about today.

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