BlackBerry announced this morning that BBM will
be pre-installed on some future Android phones.
Android models made by OEMs like Be, Brightstar,
Celkon, EVERCOSS, IMO, Micromax, Mito, Snexian,
Spice, TECNO, TiPhone and Zen will come with BBM
pre-installed in Africa, India, Indonesia, Latin
America and the Middle East. Additionally, the
troubled Canadian manufacturer will continue to
offer BBM through the Google Play Store.
BBM allows users to chat one-on-one or in groups
as large as 30 people. Eventually, BlackBerry will
add Video Calling and Voice Calling to the app.
Unlike other messaging apps that use a username
or email address, users are given a PIN number
which they use to initiate or accept conversations.
BlackBerry is moving BBM Channels from the Beta
Zone to the BlackBerry App World
later today. This feature will eventually be added to
the Android version of BBM and allows members to
join communities filled with people having the same
interests. The iOS version of BBM will receive all of
the same updates that Android users are expected
to receive.
"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. 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." -Andrew
Bocking, Executive VP, BBM
source: Phonearena.com