Thread: NEW: BlackBerry Messenger to launch on Android and iPhone!

An exclusive coming from BGR from their sources is that RIM is planning to bring BlackBerry Messenger app and service to the Android and iOS. This means that Tablets from Google's Android OS and Apple's iOS will be running BBM as well. Sources report that RIM has not yet finalized details surrounding timing or pricing, and might make the software free to all users. Strategy is still being developed, and RIM may end up charging users a one-time fee or even a recurring fee for access to its BBM service on third-party platforms.

As far as what Android and iOS users can look forward to, well, sources say that RIM will offer stripped down versions of the BBM which means that the potential for millions more users will be able to communicate cross-platform via BlackBerry Messenger. But depending on the limits that RIM puts on a simplified version, they might not be able to share photos, location, or videos, ect. Users who want the full BlackBerry Messenger experience will still need a BlackBerry. BGR also reports:

Right now, we have heard that Android is definitely a go. But again, we’re not sure on timing, though our sources are confident that it will launch some time this year. RIM chose Android first because of the fact that it could develop and integrate something like this much easier with an open platform, but the plan is to build and deploy an iOS version at some point as well.

Would bringing BBM to devices other than BlackBerry pull you away from RIM, or bring you closer? Vote on our poll above this thread and leave a comment and tell us why.

via:BGR

I'm not sure if this is a wise move from RIM. Wouldn't this speed up the exodus of BlackBerry users to iOS?

Originally Posted by TwistMyMind

I'm not sure if this is a wise move from RIM. Wouldn't this speed up the exodus of BlackBerry users to iOS?

Yea, it's a toughy, but some are saying that it will be like a extension of RIM essentially advertising BBM to other platforms. I guess sort of like how Google has Maps on the iPhone, but in order to get the full Google Maps feature you need a Droid. The question is, will non-BlackBerry users love BBM enough to want to get a BlackBerry to experience the full version?

Hhhmmm, I sent BBOS the news atricle this afternoon
Now it's BGR getting the credit :S
It was on a Dutch newswebsite ('Blackberry Messenger naar Android en iOS' | nu.nl/internet | Het laatste nieuws het eerst op nu.nl) Copy paste, put it in Google translate :P
I just don't get why they would do this? It's one of RIM's UPS's

Originally Posted by Poita316

Hhhmmm, I sent BBOS the news atricle this afternoon
Now it's BGR getting the credit :S
It was on a Dutch newswebsite ('Blackberry Messenger naar Android en iOS' | nu.nl/internet | Het laatste nieuws het eerst op nu.nl) Copy paste, put it in Google translate :P
I just don't get why they would do this? It's one of RIM's UPS's

I saw you sent that news tip, thanks. We had already read the story from BGR this morning, and since they are the ones with the sources they get the credit. The site link you sent us in Dutch also credits BGR.

They should creditthis blue monster

*gonna stuff his face with cookies seeing he is sad*

Originally Posted by Poita316

I just don't get why they would do this? It's one of RIM's UPS's

That's what RIM will have to weigh in their decision. I think that offering a simplified lite version of BBM could harm and help RIM. On one hand it will offer as free advertising the BBM feature on millions of competitors devices, but, on the other hand it could pursue current BB users to make the leap to iPhone or Android and still be able to BBM their BlackBerry friends.

Originally Posted by Poita316

They should creditthis blue monster

*gonna stuff his face with cookies seeing he is sad*

We actually read the story about 45 minutes before you submitted the tip, but don't let that stop you from submitting great news, we really appreciate it and thank anyone who submits a story, whether we already know or not.

Originally Posted by Poita316

*gonna stuff his face with cookies seeing he is sad*

I found someone to cheer you up!... ::cookie::

And some of his friends too... ::ernie::::thecount::::elmo::::bigbird::::kermit:: ::grover:::scar::::bert::

I think they are supposed to be beefing up BBM so I think will draw ppl (assuming they use good beef). It will also allow BB users to explore other devices and remain reachable.

Originally Posted by wbeckle

I think they are supposed to be beefing up BBM so I think will draw ppl (assuming they use good beef). It will also allow BB users to explore other devices and remain reachable.

That may very well be one of the reasons to expand BBM... to reach all those past BlackBerry subscribers that left BlackBerry for Android, iPhone, ect.

if rim do this ill simple say bye bye the phone are krapy compare to android an iphone as you can see the polls says it all

Originally Posted by kydd54

if rim do this ill simple say bye bye the phone are krapy compare to android an iphone as you can see the polls says it all

Would you still stay with RIM if the BBM version for iPhone and Android didn't include the ability to share photos, location, videos, 3rd party integration? So, basically it would simply be for chat, and no groups.

As long as BlackBerry doesn’t compromise on the security of their product, I will never change. I am anxiously awaiting a BlackBerry with OS 6.2. I look forward to getting a PlayBook and taking another bite out of Apple. Security is King.

Originally Posted by Jan van Vugt

As long as BlackBerry doesn’t compromise on the security of their product, I will never change. I am anxiously awaiting a BlackBerry with OS 6.2. I look forward to getting a PlayBook and taking another bite out of Apple. Security is King.

I believe the next OS will be OS 6.1, which will be released on any newer devices from here on out. We won't see QNX (the OS that the PlayBook runs on) until probably early next year.

I agree, the PlayBook is an impressive Tablet.

Originally Posted by Joseph Jerde

I found someone to cheer you up!... ::cookie::

And some of his friends too... ::ernie::::thecount::::elmo::::bigbird::::kermit:: ::grover:::scar::::bert::

My friends!
Never knew they would be BB users too!
*add's them to my ping list*
I just don't think it's a good move by RIM. Besides the email service, BBM is one of the big plus of having a Blackberry.
Not that I would consider using :nutkick:iPhone (Androis is a whole other ballgame, they hav'nt got this "I own the compant, thus I own your phone" mentality.)
Okay, I love my BB, Im gonna be faithfull:You_Rock_Emoticon:
Waiting for those new ones on 6.1 you had leaked on the site...
Also a playbook *drewl* Id love to have one...
Unlike Apple, RIM doesn't take crap from nobody when it comes to security. No, we won't let you read the mail / messages. You want to bann us? Fine F U! Still didnt happen :P
Hope these OS6.1 Blackberry's are coming soon, can get a new one with my contract
Dont want a Torch or Bold 9780 (My opperator sais "no no new blackberry's coming") Sure...

Originally Posted by Poita316

My friends!
Never knew they would be BB users too!
*add's them to my ping list*
I just don't think it's a good move by RIM. Besides the email service, BBM is one of the big plus of having a Blackberry.
Not that I would consider using :nutkick:iPhone (Androis is a whole other ballgame, they hav'nt got this "I own the compant, thus I own your phone" mentality.)
Okay, I love my BB, Im gonna be faithfull:You_Rock_Emoticon:
Waiting for those new ones on 6.1 you had leaked on the site...
Also a playbook *drewl* Id love to have one...
Unlike Apple, RIM doesn't take crap from nobody when it comes to security. No, we won't let you read the mail / messages. You want to bann us? Fine F U! Still didnt happen :P
Hope these OS6.1 Blackberry's are coming soon, can get a new one with my contract
Dont want a Torch or Bold 9780 (My opperator sais "no no new blackberry's coming") Sure...

Good points, RIM has been in this game for awhile and the new devices coming up are right in the ballgame.

I believe it is a very solid move by RIM. If they bring their BBM to a broader audience, it will show that they have genuine interest in what the end user wishes as well as what their company represents. BBM went from being a business oriented form of communication, to the new age addition to a world fully connected to a plethora of social networking sites.

I have all 3 major OS's, an iPhone 3GS, 3 Android devices, 2 Blackberry devices. I switch phones rather often due to being a customization fiend, so having all my BBM contacts whether it be business oriented or not, is always a true benefit across all platforms. This would definitely push more people to get an actual device with the BBM integrated, instead of having to do the reach around with another device. But even if it was a 2$ application, I am sure they will see HUGE profit from wherever they place the BBM application.

Originally Posted by therealaru

I believe it is a very solid move by RIM. If they bring their BBM to a broader audience, it will show that they have genuine interest in what the end user wishes as well as what their company represents. BBM went from being a business oriented form of communication, to the new age addition to a world fully connected to a plethora of social networking sites.

I have all 3 major OS's, an iPhone 3GS, 3 Android devices, 2 Blackberry devices. I switch phones rather often due to being a customization fiend, so having all my BBM contacts whether it be business oriented or not, is always a true benefit across all platforms. This would definitely push more people to get an actual device with the BBM integrated, instead of having to do the reach around with another device. But even if it was a 2$ application, I am sure they will see HUGE profit from wherever they place the BBM application.

The only thing I wonder is WHY?
I mean, there are enough chat app's that are availible for more companies (eg Whatsapp, wich you can use on iPhone, Blackberry and Android) that are simmilar to BBM.
Here, in The Netherlands, all 12 yr olds (yeah I know, creepy to see) are walking around with Blackberry BECAUSE of BBM. They dont get the concept of what a blackberry can do / is besides BBM.
So if you would allow BBM to be used on Apple or Android, you will miss out on a whole group that will go and get some other "trendy gadget" like an iPhone because you are loosing an argument to get a Blackberry.
"Why don't you get an iPhone?" I want to ping. "Well, BB was in a drunk mood and released BBM on iPhone aswell" So you mean I can have that sweet *** interface with 32GB memory, a big screen to watch movies on, play cool games, a cool MP3 player AND have BBM? "Yes you can" Oh well, Ill have the white one then...
Id never trade my BB for anything, but there is a big group that is sensitive to trends and would switch from brand A to B in the blink of an eye because they found something they like. BBM is what keeps RIM apart from the rest for this group.
I think its a bad idea, even if it´s a stripped version.
My posse agrees::ernie::::cookie::::thecount::::elmo::::big bird::::kermit::::grover:::scar::::bert::

Originally Posted by Poita316

The only thing I wonder is WHY?
I mean, there are enough chat app's that are availible for more companies (eg Whatsapp, wich you can use on iPhone, Blackberry and Android) that are simmilar to BBM.
Here, in The Netherlands, all 12 yr olds (yeah I know, creepy to see) are walking around with Blackberry BECAUSE of BBM. They dont get the concept of what a blackberry can do / is besides BBM.
So if you would allow BBM to be used on Apple or Android, you will miss out on a whole group that will go and get some other "trendy gadget" like an iPhone because you are loosing an argument to get a Blackberry.
"Why don't you get an iPhone?" I want to ping. "Well, BB was in a drunk mood and released BBM on iPhone aswell" So you mean I can have that sweet *** interface with 32GB memory, a big screen to watch movies on, play cool games, a cool MP3 player AND have BBM? "Yes you can" Oh well, Ill have the white one then...
Id never trade my BB for anything, but there is a big group that is sensitive to trends and would switch from brand A to B in the blink of an eye because they found something they like. BBM is what keeps RIM apart from the rest for this group.
I think its a bad idea, even if it´s a stripped version.
My posse agrees::ernie::::cookie::::thecount::::elmo::::big bird::::kermit::::grover:::scar::::bert::

In a personal note, I do not agree with the way the Blackberry has transformed from being a business oriented product, to a social networking phenomenon in itself. But as a company, I would love for this transition because it showcases and brings in bigger business, bigger business ventures and the ability to be flexible in a wide variety of markets. Being one dimensional makes you the best at what you do, and RIM does security, email, business, among many other things very well.

On the flip side, that is also the safe way to maintain a small percentage of a market, where expanding showcases all sorts of opportunities. As far as the statement of BBM separating the BB's from the rest of the cell phone market, that is just not true. You mentioned Whatsapp, which has a very solid base to it even though it is a third party app and it is distributed to 4 major OS's. Imagine what a big company could benefit and the exposure their phones could showcase, by releasing BBM to these major markets.

It is completely asinine to assume the company could maintain to one aspect of an area, without finally caving into the pressures of what the end consumer wants. This is not Apple, this is a company that has actually listened to what thousands, upon thousands of users have been wanting and other OS users have been craving. To fill in a specific demand, will put them in the position they may have wanted to be in for quite some time.

I despise walking down the street and seeing kids utilizing a smart phone such as the BB for just BBM, because SMS works, MMS works, phone calls work, and there are many other options on these phones. But being a tech person, this is just another transformation.