How BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) going Android could connect you to a billion devices
BlackBerry confirmed that its iconic messaging service, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), beloved by the BlackBerry faithful, will come to Android and iOS on Saturday, September 21. [10/23 update: BBM launch has been delayed. Sign up to be notified when it is available]. This makes BBM one of the few messaging services to span these three major smartphone platforms.
This is big news for smartphone users on any of these platforms because now we can connect and chat with each other (there’s about 1 billion devices total) using one major messaging service that gives us all the same capabilities and experience. Or as Andrew Bocking, Vice-President for BBM put it, "With more than a billion Android, iOS and Blackberry smartphones in the market, and no dominant mobile messaging platform this is absolutely the right time to bring BBM to Android and iPhone customers."
Top 3 Reasons to Get BBM:
- It’s immediate. BBM is always on so you are always connected. And because messages on BBM are typically delivered and read within seconds, it’s the closest thing to a live conversation.
- You can trust it. BBM always tells you that messages are delivered and read. BBM conversations come alive on a private network you can count on.
- You can control it. BBM allows you to choose your contacts and how you share your information. BBM uses a PIN so you don’t have to give anyone your phone number or email address.
What does BBM do?
- BBM Chat: delivered, read, typing – Real, immediate conversations with users on Android, iPhone and BlackBerry smartphones that lets you know that your message has been delivered and read and that your friend is responding to the message.
- Share more – With BBM you can share files on your phone such as photos and voice notes, all in an instant.
- Multi-person chats – Invite up to 30 friends to chat together, and go a step further by sharing photos and schedules. And, with Broadcast Message, you can send a message out to all your BBM contacts at once.
- Post updates and stay in the know – BBM lets you post a personal message, profile picture and your current status, and lets your contacts know instantly in updates.
- A unique PIN – Every BBM user has a unique PIN that maintains your privacy, so you don’t have to give out your phone number or email address to a new or casual contact.
BBM will be available for Android devices running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean.
What do you think? Are you ready to get BBM and start chatting with your Android and Blackberry friends alike?
