NHN Japan announced on August 17 the long awaited release of the BlackBerry version of its popular free-calling and free-messaging app 'LINE', saying that the company is catering the release of this version to users in Southeast Asia, where BlackBerry user numbers remain prominent.

http://naverland.naver.jp/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/LINE_bb_en.jpg

LINE is a smartphone app which allows users to enjoy free calls and messages to one another, both nationally and internationally, regardless of which mobile network provider they are using. It is currently used in over 230 countries with the total number of active users exceeding 54 million worldwide.

This version targets areas such as Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, where BlackBerry remains a popular choice of handset. NHN Japan believes that it is important to allow their LINE app to be used for various devices and network environments in order to make the app accessible to as many users as possible, thereby raising user numbers. This BlackBerry version will be released at first with LINE's main messaging feature alone, where users can send one another text and photos as well as those well renowned stickers designed to increase the one-to-one chatting experience.

In addition to BlackBerry devices, LINE is already available on iPhone, Android, feature-phones, PC, tablets and Windows Phones. NHN Japan has stated that it aims to further develop LINE to cater to multiple devices and platforms in the future.

Further details regarding LINE for BlackBerry

App Name: LINE

OS Support: BlackBerry OS 5 or higher

Languages: English, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Korean

Price: Free

Service Webpage: http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/129864/

Availability of functions:

- Messaging: Emoji, Kaomoji, location information, video and voice messages cannot be sent.

- Stickers: Include the original 4 sticker sets. Although there is no Sticker Shop, BlackBerry users can still receive stickers.

- Timeline/Home and voice-calling functions are not available.  

About NHN Japan Corporation

NHN Japan is the local affiliate of Korea's premier Internet company, NHN Corporation. NHN Japan is headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, with Akira Morikawa as CEO.

About LINE (http://line.naver.jp/en)

LINE is a free-calling and free-messaging app, operated and owned by NHN Japan Corporation.