BlackBerry has today updated BBM to add support for devices running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Until now, only those running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or above could enjoy the cross-platform messaging service, but with over 20% of Android users still running the 3-year-old software, BlackBerry knew that had to change.

“Supporting Gingerbread will allow millions more Android users to download the popular BBM instant messaging app,” the company said back in January.

BlackBerry initially announced that Gingerbread would be supported by a “special release” of BBM for Android, but instead, the Canadian company has simply optimized its existing app instead. So, those who feared Gingerbread users might get a watered-down version — without all the headline features — won’t be disappointed.

Channels, BBM Voice, location and file sharing, and the new Find Friends feature are all there — and as always, the app’s completely free to use. You can download it from Google Play now by following the source link below.

• SourceGoogle Play