BlackBerry Messenger 6.1 hits the Beta Zone

Great news BlackBerry users: RIM has just pushed out a new version of BlackBerry Messenger (more commonly known as BBM) to its more adventurous users who get apps from the Beta Zone. The new version of BBM brings the app up to version 6.1 and includes a host of new features that spices up your conversations. It includes animated avatars, new emoticons, customized colored chat bubbles, increased character count for personal messages, and display picture integration.

These new features turn BBM more into a fully-fledged instant messaging client as opposed to an alternative text messaging service. One of the most useful features included is the Camera/Display picture integration: now you’ll be able to snap a picture and display it right away. Fewer steps to change your BBM Display Picture means you’ll be able to change it more often and with ease.

BBM v6.1 is available now from the BlackBerry Beta Zone, head there to download it for your BlackBerry phone today.