Blackberry has revealed plans to introduce Blackberry Messenger (BBM) service for Apple’ s iPhone and Android devices in summer 2013, to take on similar services offered by Skype, Facebook and WhatsApp.
The move to launch the messenger service to non-Blackberry users is anticipated to enable the firm to benefit from the boom in mobile messaging and the transfer of social networking to mobile devices.
Initially, the Canadian smartphone maker will introduce features that enable multi-person chats, allow sharing photos and voice notes, and engage in BBM Groups, as well as provide delivered and read statuses, in addition to personalised profiles and avatars.
BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins said: "We’ll start with messaging and groups, but we’ll add voice and screen share later on. BB10 is such a strong platform that we are confident it can become an independent messaging solution."
In addition, BlackBerry revealed the new, lower-cost keyboard-based Q5 smartphone, which will be on sale during summer 2013.
BlackBerry Software Product Management and Ecosystem executive vice president Andrew Bocking said the move will allow iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community.
"For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service. BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy, " Bocking said.
