BlackBerry’s BBM for Android and IOS To Come Out This Summer

“Are you a big fan of BlackBerry Messenger?”

If yes then this is the most exciting news for you- BBM going multi-platform.

Yes you heard it correctly. BlackBerry on Tuesday announced that its most popular BlackBerry Messenger will be going multi-platform this summer. The users of Android and iOS will be able to download the BlackBerry Messenger Application on their devices for free starting this summer and revel the rich messaging experience.

Thorsten Heins, CEO of BlackBerry, said that it is high time that the popular app BBM reaches to a greater audience no matter what device they carry. However, he didn’t say anything about the BBM for Windows Phone.

The BBM app will be compatible with the devices running on Android 4.0(Ice Cream Sandwich) and above. For iOS, the devices running on iOS 6.0 and above will be able to support the BlackBerry Messenger.

BlackBerry’s decision to expand its BBM service to multiple platforms comes at a time when the company’s market share in operating system is taking a beating when compared to Android and iOS.

In the initial version, the app on Android and iOS devices includes only Messaging and Group features but the company said that the features like BBM Voice, BBM Channels, Screen Sharing and Video Capabilities, which are already present on BBM for BlackBerry, will be rolled out later in higher updates.

Speaking at the BBLive 2013, Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President, Software Product Management and Ecosystem, at BlackBerry, said-

“For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service. 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”

For the users of Android and iOS, here is some of the information about the BlackBerry Messenger-

• It is an internet based instant messaging application that comes preinstalled on BlackBerry devices and it allows messaging between BlackBerry users.
• Users can create and join groups of up to 30 people and share photos, videos etc.
• Make video calls over WiFi or the mobile network on the latest smartphones.
• Add contacts by scanning QR Codes, using NFC technology or sharing PINs.
• 60 million plus monthly active users.
• BBM users send and receive more than 10 billion messages each day, nearly twice as many messages per user per day as compared to other mobile messaging apps.

BBM is surely going to face some stiff competition from the apps like Whatsapp, Wechat which have already reached heights of success on Android and iOS.

To know when the BBM for Android and iOS will be available CLICK HERE and enter your email address.

Also Read: Android Dominates Smartphone Market For First Quarter In U.S