Introduction to development
While details are scant at the moment, Blackberry just dropped a bomb at BBLive: Blackberry Messenger is coming to iOS and Android "this summer" as a standalone application. After years of rumors, the company is finally taking the plunge and making its most popular app multi-platform. Brilliant.
The app will start initially be released with support for "messaging and groups," though additional support for for "voice, screen share, and channels" will come later. It be compatible with Android 4.0+ devices and be available for free.
While this may be a big deal in itself, it may already be too late for Blackberry to resurrect its former BBM userbase – this is a move that could've helped save the company had it made the decision a year or two ago.
Words by CEO of blackberry
Today at BlackBerry Live, CEO Thorsten Heins announced BBM will soon be available on Android and iOS. The messaging app will launch globally this summer. This is a huge move for BlackBerry as it brings BB10′s strongest feature to literally hundreds of millions of potential users.
“BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We’re excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community.”
“It is a state of confidence,” Heins explained. “The BB10 platform is so strong and the response has been so good that the time is right for BBM to become an independent mobile messaging platform.”
The app will be free on both Android and iOS. Much like other messaging apps, it will be a standalone application. iOS 6 or Ice Cream Sandwich will be required.
Initially, only messaging and group features will be available. But Heins promised that the rest of BBM will eventually make its way to the Android and iOS versions including screen sharing, BBM voice and the just-announced BBM channels.
We are making the BBM platform more powerful than ever”, Heins proudly stated. And with this very uncharacteristic move from BlackBerry, it’s hard to argue against his statement.
It’s clear BlackBerry is finally waking up. They are no longer the big dog in the mobile war. If they are to survive, the company needs to forge new relationships and learn to work well with the two reigning platforms. This move to put BBM on Android and iOS is a big step forward. BlackBerry might actually have a chance.
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