BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) is now enabling a new social experience. Research In Motion (RIM) today announced the availability of BBM version 6 (BBM 6), which provides support for "BBM connected" apps, allowing users to interact with each other from within the BBM connected app. BBM connected apps integrate the functionality of the BBM service and offer users the ability to interact with their friends from within the app itself. For example, with a BBM connected game app, users can invite their BBM friends to join them in a game and then chat with one another in real time while the game is being played - without ever leaving the game app.

BBM 6 launches today and a selection of BBM connected apps are already available on BlackBerry App World.

Some of the additional functionality users can expect to see with BBM connected applications include the ability to:

- Share app experiences with friends - When a user discovers a new BBM connected app, they can instantly let their friends know about it. Users can simply select a BBM contact directly within the BBM connected app they are using.

- Have a BBM chat within apps - Users can simply pull up their BBM contact list directly from within the BBM connected app and start chatting. For example, the functionality can enable everything from enhanced social game play to collaboration through productivity apps.

- Discover apps through friends ? Users can also discover new apps by viewing the list of apps that are posted to a BBM friend's profile. They can also click on an app within the list, and instantly download it from BlackBerry App World.

The BBM 6 software will be available later today at www.blackberry.com/blackberrymessenger. A selection of BBM connected apps will also be posted on BlackBerry App World this week, with many more expected over the coming months.