Research In Motion (RIM) has launched BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) 6. The latest version of the messaging service offers support for ‘BBM connected’ apps, allowing users to easily 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. Users can also tell their friends about BBM Connected apps they have discovered from within the app. A selection of BBM Connected apps are already available on BlackBerry App World, with more due in the coming weeks and months.

“BBM 6 marks the beginning of an even greater social experience for BlackBerry smartphone users,” says 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 is available for download here. A selection of BBM connected apps will also be posted on BlackBerry App World this week, with many more expected over the coming months.