What is The Different Between iMessage, IM, or BBM?

Since IOS 5, Apple presents a new feature called iMessage that lets you send messages to each other IOS device even to a Mac. How do I use it?

Distinguish iMessage with IM or BBM!
Even if a message is sent only to inter IOS device and Mac, iMessage little different Instant Messaging services like Yahoo! Messenger, or the Blackberry Messenger. Use the same principle as iMessage send SMS / MMS. No need to login first, not necessarily mutually status, do not have to put up a profile picture, do not have to! Not only text messages, iMessage can also send contacts, location map and pictures of Maps.app.

Feature Activation iMessage
To be able to send messages via iMessage, you must first activate the iMessage
Settings> Messages> Turn features iMessage

By default, your IOS device will send a message to the Apple server to register the phone number and e-mail address you as the recipient of the message iCloud iMessage. So, when another IOS device (with iMessages feature is enabled) to send a message to a phone number or e-mail your iCloud, the message will be automatically turned into a lane not iMessage SMS / MMS. You can also add other e-mail to be used as a recipient of the message iMessage

Settings> Messages> Receive At> Add Another Email

iMessage or SMS?
iMessage not have a dedicated application for him. iMessage Messages.app immersed in a pre-existing. However, Messages.app will identify whether the number / email message is a user iMessage purpose or not. If so, a balloon message will change to blue. If not, the balloon message will remain green. If your messages are sent via iMessage and failed to send because the data connection is interrupted, simply press and hold the message and select "Send As Text Messages"

Sent or Not?
When you send and receive messages via iMessage, IOS device will send a status notification message. Notification include:

Delivered, sign the message was sent successfully
Read, sign the message as read
Balloons with 3 points, a sign of the recipient are replying to your message
If you have difficulty in using iMessage on IOS devices, please write your question in the comments field below.