News - BlackBerry Messenger BBM to be available on iOS and Android

[HEXUS]

Signature messaging service will be available on rival platforms from “the summer”.

Read more.

[jnutt]

I think someone's seen the writing on the wall

[Brewster0101]

I think this spells the end for BlackBerry devices. BBM is one of the few reasons why they can sell devices anymore.

[Unique]

i can't imagine this being good for RIM. i'm sure more will move to the iphone and android. i'm sure lots of consumers will be happy about it, but i can't imagine it making RIM any money

[watercooled]

You could think of it another way - cross-platform app support on BB isn't as good as iOS or Android, so people who wanted a Blackberry but wanted to keep in touch with their non-BB contacts without SMS might have chosen to go with something else instead. Now, they could get a Blackberry and know they can still communicate with contacts for free(ish).

TBH most of the people I know who own a Blackberry do so because it's a good phone for their needs, Blackberry Messenger is of little importance to them.

I wonder if this means people won't need a special/extra BB data plan any more?

[3dcandy]

Good phone for their needs? Everybody I know with balckberry's bought them cos they were cheap

[watercooled]

Still not contrary to my point about BB Messenger not being all-important.

[killer7xx]

They are a couple years too late, the world has largely moved on from BBM now. I don't see that large of a takeup tbh, especially if you still need to purchase a special data plan to use BBM.

[snikez18]

now there is no reason to buy a blackberry

[3dcandy]

You could think of it another way - cross-platform app support on BB isn't as good as iOS or Android, so people who wanted a Blackberry but wanted to keep in touch with their non-BB contacts without SMS might have chosen to go with something else instead. Now, they could get a Blackberry and know they can still communicate with contacts for free(ish).

TBH most of the people I know who own a Blackberry do so because it's a good phone for their needs, Blackberry Messenger is of little importance to them.

I wonder if this means people won't need a special/extra BB data plan any more?

Seriously, BB have taken a nose dive through poorly made low spec handsets, they had a massive advantage through the software side and they are clinging on to that with this announcement. People used to buy at the bottom end for BBM and the price cos they were the only phones with a keyboard for around £100. Dire cameras with slow processors has crippled them, and the numerous Curve models with few changes has hurt them big style. Most Curve's failed numerous times with issues around the keyboard, charging point and generally poor construction. Moving up they were better, but priced out of the reach of many. Like Nokia they were too slow to react, and this is just another prime example of this - too little too late.

[3dcandy]

Oh and this news has been received as well as the news that Benitez had been appointed Chelsea boss...I predict the end of BB handsets very shortly

[unlockworldwide]

Mmmmm. So my BlackBerry toting wife will now be able to communicate more efficiently with my crappy Galaxy Ace. This may not be progress.

On a more serious note, I must admit that shedding the exclusivity of BBM appears counter intuitive. However, there may be a longer, happier, better, more lucrative future in BBM than in attempting to out SAM Samsung.

[pp05]

BB have realized their core market is corporates, they don't represent market share but they are profitable.