We don’t know if BBM for Android and iOS will affect BlackBerry’s USP in any way or discourage users from opting for the company’s smartphones in the near future. But what we do know is that Android and iDevices owners will be glad to learn that the messaging service is arriving for their respective gadgets this weekend itself.
So when exactly can you download the BBM for Android application? Well, this Saturday, that is on September 21 and the iOS version will hit the Apple App store a day after, on September 22. But whether it is coming to Windows Phone gadgets or not, we have no idea. The Canadian company may introduce it for Microsoft’s platform if it manages to impress the Google- and Apple-certified devices.
BlackBerry Messenger will have to compete with the likes of WhatsApp, Line, WeChat, ChatOn Messenger and many such services. The famous BBM PIN continues to be mandatory for the new versions of the utility and will be required if people wish to connect with you through it. Some of the other features such as letting you know whether a person has read your message or not, broadcast messages, group chat and media sharing to name a few can also be found in the new apps.
And apart from keeping in touch with friends over chat, you can even express yourself through personal messages and status updates. You also have the option of updating your profile picture as and when you want. As the application is always on, subscribers can stay connected at all times as long as they have an active internet connection.
The BBM for Android and iOS app will be available for Ice Cream Sandwich-, Jelly Bean-, iOS 6- and iOS 7-based devices, free of charge.