Free BBM for wifi-only iPads: UAE on hold

While BlackBerry’s connectivity in the boardroom and with the balance sheet continues to be a major issue, BBM is showing that users’ ‘app’etite for the messenger service is only growing stronger.

Latest reports now show that BlackBerry has not only updated its app for Android and iOS, but has also begun a roll out BBM for wifi-only iPad devices.

The app is, however, yet to appear on Apple’s UAE store.

According to the latest announcement from BlackBerry, the company has already signed agreements with several smartphone companies to preinstall BBM messengers on their Android devices.

A company announcement yesterday said that the new phones with BBM preinstalled will start rolling out into the market as early as next month.

“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,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice- President for BBM at BlackBerry.

“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.”

BlackBerry also said that it has signed agreements with Be, Brightstar, Celkon, EVERCOSS, IMO, Micromax, Mito, Snexian, Spice, TECNO, TiPhone and Zen.

BBM is also pitching its messenger app to potential Android users who are otherwise deprived of privacy on some of the other messenger platforms.

20 million and counting

The company has also announced that it has achieved an overall 20 million downloads on Android and Apple phones even as its monthly active users across all platforms crossed 80 million.

BBM messenger was downloaded by more than 10,000 Android and Apple users within the first 24 hours of launch.

BlackBerry also clarified it will not only keep the service free of charge, but soon introduce BBM Channels, video and voice calling facilities - features now available only to BlackBerry users – to benefit Android and iPhone users.

BlackBerry is targeting key markets across Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Every BBM user has a unique PIN tied to their BlackBerry ID and a user can be added through the PIN, unlike other services that allows someone easily discover anybody on their contact list.

“Users will never have to give out their phone number or email address to begin chatting with a new or casual contact,” the statement said.

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