RIM launches BlackBerry video chat and Balance apps

Research In Motion, manufacturer of BlackBerry mobile devices, has launched a new app for the BlackBerry PlayBook that allows face-to-face video calling, similar to Apple FaceTime. It also announced the release of the BlackBerry Balance app.

The PlayBook video chat application provides audio and video calling between BlackBerry PlayBook devices when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

"With the BlackBerry PlayBook video chat application we are excited to be enabling our customers to share important moments and events with family and friends via video calls. With the BlackBerry PlayBook’s high-resolution video cameras and stunning display, a video chat call is the next best thing to being there," the company said on Monday.

RIM said the app allows for one-click calling, incoming call notifications and in-call functions such as picture-in-picture or switching between forward-facing and rear-facing cameras.

The video calling app will be delivered as an over-the-air update for existing PlayBook owners and is also available from BlackBerry App World.

Also on Monday, BlackBerry announced the launch of its Balance app which allows users to seperate personal and work profiles and data on one device.

The company says that the division between work and personal profiles is invisible to the end user unless they try to perform a function prohibited by company policy. Administrators can manage policies via BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) or BES Express.

BlackBerry Balance requires the latest version of the BlackBerry 6 operating system, the company said.

RIM also launched a new Facebook app for its PlayBook tablet which brings the ability to view and add friends, photos and videos, and status updates to the tablet. It also supports other functionality such as Facebook Chat, 'commenting' and 'liking' and will be available from BlackBerry App World before the end of May.