BBM: The iconic messaging service is iOS and Android bound
BlackBerry has confirmed that BBM is to become a multi-platform messaging service for the first time, with Apple and Android BBM apps to launch this summer.
The first time that the iconic BBM messaging service will be available on non-BlackBerry device, BlackBerry CEO and President Thorsten Heins has confirmed the WhatsApp and iMessage rival will be made available for iPhone and Android users in the coming weeks.
“It’s time to bring BBM to a greater audience, no matter what mobile device they carry,” Heins said speaking during his BlackBerry Live Keynote speech. He added: “This summer BBM will go across multiple platforms.”
Having confirmed the introduction of BBM Channels for BlackBerry handset users, Heins made the shock announcement that BBM would step out into the wider mobile world, a move that has long been called for by the service’s users.
Making the announcement he stated: “We will make BBM available as the premier mulit platform messaging solution around the world and even better, its free.
“BBM on blackberry will also be the most integrated system but other platorms will be as feature rich as we can.”
Offering further insight into the app-based BBM rollout that will see the messaging service brought to BlackBerry’s main rival devices, including the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4, the BlackBerry head stated: “At launch will will support iPhones running iOS 6 and Android device on Ice Cream Sandwhich and higher.”
He added: “We are making the BBM platform more powerful than ever. We want to offer this pure mobile service to everyone.
“Why is BlackBerry doing it now? It is a statement of confidence. The time has come for BBM to become an independent mobile messaging solution.”
