BlackBerry Monday announced the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) update (version 7.0.1) for BlackBerry OS 5 running devices.

With this update, BBM users of BlackBerry OS 5 devices will now be able to make free voice calls to other BBM users over the Wi-Fi connection. BBM Voice was first introduced as a beta version last year for devices running BlackBerry OS 6 or higher.

The update 7.0.1 also comes with many changes including, in-app for BBM updates and better synchronization with BlackBerry IDs. The update will support many BlackBerry OS 5 devices globally including the Tour 9630, Bold 9000, Bold 9700 and Bold 9650 as well as the Curve 8520 and 8530.

The update also brings changes such as; split-screen features, which allows users to toggle between messaging and voice options and also lets users talk and text at the same time.

"Our customers around the world have embraced BBM version 7, which has brought BBM to a whole new level, further strengthening the experience of reliable, fast, real-time engagement," said T.A. McCann, BlackBerry's vice-president of BBM and social communities, the Pocket-Lint has reported.

"By bringing BBM version 7 with BBM Voice to customers running BlackBerry 5 OS smartphones, we really broaden the base of people who can connect with each other, especially in many of our emerging markets where BBM is the leading player," he added.

The Waterloo-based company claims that the BBM is one of the largest mobile-centric communities in the mobile industry. BlackBerry also says that it has more than 60 million active users on BBM and over 150 million BBM messages sent every month.

The updated BBM 7.0.1 app is available for download in BlackBerry App World. BlackBerry also posted a video tutorial (see below) for beginners to use the BBM Voice on their devices.

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