BlackBerry is making another move in instant messaging service. BBM will come pre-loaded in select Android-based smartphones from OEMs across Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East beginning next month.
BlackBerry took a long shot in moving out of its comfort zone and introducing its popular messaging service to Android and iOS smartphones. Now, the company is making another move in the field of instant messaging. BlackBerry announced Tuesday that its BBM or Blackberry Messenger will come pre-installed in select Android-based smartphones starting next month. The Waterloo, Ontario-based tech company has shortlisted few phone makers across Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East for its BBM integration.
The move can work in BlackBerry's favor to boost the number of BBM users. The service has already got enormous hype since it was launched on Android and iOS platforms in October. The company had to set up a queue system to meet the demand of users. The app surpassed 10 million downloads in less than 24 hours, but hasn't crossed the 50 million mark yet on Play Store.
BlackBerry also listed the names of the emerging smartphone making companies as potential hosts for its BBM service. Android-based smartphones from Be, Brightstar, Celkon, EVERCOSS, IMO, Micromax, Mito, Snexian, Spice, TECNO, TiPhone and Zen will come pre-loaded with BBM beginning next month. This will not change the way the app is offered on Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
"It is clear that smartphone customers see BBM as a must have app for active conversations. The uptake we have seen for BBM since the launch on Android and iPhone is amazing," Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President for BBM at BlackBerry, said in a press release. "We're thrilled to be working with leading Android smartphone manufacturers from across the globe to help bring their customers the best out-of-the-box experience with BBM preinstalled."
BBM long held the exclusivity with BlackBerry devices. After expanding to other platforms, the competition with services like WhatsApp intensified. Users always had a craze for the messenger, which led to a great response when it came out of the BlackBerry handsets. BBM is known for its security, and uses PINs instead of phone numbers to communicate with other users.
Developers also expressed the possible evolution of the service on Android and iOS platforms. The service will support BBM channels, video and voice calling in the coming months.
