BBM 6.1 Beta now available for download

Blackberry users using BBM (Blackberry Messenger) will be pleased to know that a BBM 6.1 Beta is currently being tested. The update will be bringing several new features to RIM’s BBM service, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking as it seems that these changes are minor at best, but for those who rely heavily on the instant messaging service perhaps some of these new features are a welcome addition.

For starters BBM users can expect animated avatars, 12 new emoticons, increased character count for personal messages (yes, you can now display longer “deep” personal messages) from 80 to 160, color chat bubbles with 10 colors to choose from, and the ability for you to snap a photo and immediately use it as your BBM display picture.

As we said, nothing major or groundbreaking, just a couple of new fun features and some increased convenience. If you can’t wait for the final version to be released, you can head on down to the Blackberry Beta Zone and download BBM 6.1 Beta for yourself.