BlackBerry holding company Research In Motion (RIM) has announced the availability of the latest version (BBM 6) of its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) IM application, one of the largest mobile social networks in the world.

BBM connected apps now integrate the popular functionality of the BBM service, to offer users the ability to interact with their friends from within apps. For example, with a BBM connected game app, users can invite their BBM friends, to join them in a game. They can then chat with one another in real time, whilst 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 the Canadian smartphone and tablet maker’s BlackBerry App World.

Some of the additional functionality BB 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 that they are employing.
• Have a BBM chat within apps - Users can pull up their BBM contact list directly from within the BBM connected app and start chatting. This 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.“BBM 6 marks the beginning of an even greater social experience for BlackBerry smartphone users,” said Alistair Mitchell, VP, BBM Platform & Integrated Services at RIM.

“It also represents an incredible opportunity for developers to leverage the viral nature of the BBM service and we have already begun working with various developer partners who will be bringing their BBM connected apps to BlackBerry App World this week, offering users highly engaging app experiences.”

The BBM 6 software will be available today via the company’s website, whilst a selection of BBM connected apps will also be posted on BlackBerry App World this week, with many more expected over the coming months.

Useful quick links:

BBM 6 download (almost 6.5 MB) on BlackBerry App World    
BBM connected apps videos: Wikitude, Score Mobile, FourSquare
BBM Social Platform SDK for developers

In related news RIM recently revealed a few details of Renault’s latest concept car, the Renault FRENDZY, a new electric car concept boasting an integrated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.