The software was originally expected to debut on Android and iPhone devices on 21 and 22 September last year, respectively, but this was scrapped after an incomplete version of BBM for Android appeared online hours before its official launch. "From here on out, we will focus on active users of BBM and will no longer focus on simple download numbers," he said.īBM is available as a free download in the Google Play market, Apple App Store and Samsung App Store. The Android edition of the app now supports BBM Contact Categories, allows users to port contacts for social networks and fixes issues with high battery drainage.ĭespite BlackBerry's struggles in the smartphone market, the firm has proved there is still demand for its BBM service with the as the app was downloaded 20 million times in the first week by Android and iOS users.Īndrew Bocking, executive VP of BBM at BlackBerry said he was happy with the number of people actively using the BBM service, in competition with cross-platform service Whatsapp, but the firm will now focus on providing extra services for its users. The app also improves language support and allows users to search their social network accounts for friends who are using BBM. Last November, BlackBerry updated its BBM apps for Android and iOS - with the firm adding features and support for additional devices.īBM now works on iPad and iPod devices running iOS 7 or earlier.
This works across BlackBerry 10 and BlackBerry OS smartphones without any need to upgrade the OS. It aims to enhance security by using end-to-end encryption based on the FIPS 140-2 standard. The new version of BBM also supports photo sharing in multi-person chats.Įnterprise specific features such as the new BBM Protected secure messaging feature, part of its eBBM suite, have also become available to enterprise customers.īBM Protected is the first business specific upgrade.
The Canadian smartphone maker has increased the limit of files that can be shared from 6MB to 16MB, meaning users will be able to send 1080p videos up to 16-seconds in size. Speaking about the launch at Mobile World Congress, President of Global Enterprise Solutions at Blackberry, John Sims, said: "BBM continues to grow in popularity as millions of people use our mobile platform for chatting and connecting with friends and colleagues, and we are very excited that we will soon welcome Windows Phone and Nokia X users to the BBM community." It will also reportedly come pre-loaded on the Nokia Lumia 630 in some territories. The messaging app will also be available to the new Nokia X smartphone range. The app is currently only available to users already signed up for the Windows Phone beta program, who will be asked for feedback after downloading and using the BBM app.īlackBerry confirmed that the app is "currently at capacity," with the company "working through a waiting list" before making BBM for Windows Phone available to everyone. A beta version of Blackberry's BBM app is now available for Windows Phone, plans for which were revealed back in February at the Mobile World Congress 2014.