Blackberry has resumed a phased rollout of its BBM messaging app for Android and Apple devices after September's delayed launch.
BlackBerry CEO announced on May 14, 2013, that BBM will be available on iOS and Android in the Summer of 2013. This was seen as BlackBerry's first steps in bringing BBM reaching beyond its own platform, as it has never been available on competing hardware before.
In September 21st, 2013, BlackBerry officially announced BBM for Android, and on September 22nd, BBM for iPhone would be released, However, during the worldwide rollout of BBM for Android and iPhone on September 21, 2013, 1.1 million Android users downloaded a leaked BlackBerry Messenger APK which caused BlackBerry to cease the launching of BlackBerry Messenger on both Android and iOS platforms. BlackBerry told users to register an email address on its website for them to be announced on BBM's release.
On October 21st, 2013, BlackBerry finally released BBM for iOS and Android. After just 8 hours of it's release on iOS and Android, the download count reached 5 million users. BBM is currently now the #1 free app in the Apple's App Store.
The free app is also available for download on Google Play, the App Store and selected Samsung App Stores.
After the app is available for iOS and Android users, first time users need to enter their email address for them to be on the virtual queue. But users that had registered on its website prior of its release are already on the waiting list could use BBM instantly.
BlackBerry is still concerned about an initial surge of users. It's implementing a registration wait list; upon opening the app, users have to enter an email address to reserve their place. Anyone that signed up for information about the mobile apps at BBM.com won't have to wait, but new signups will have to deal with the virtual queue.
"We are focused on moving millions of customers through the line as fast as possible," BlackBerry says. The company will be providing updates on "how quickly the line is moving" via its Twitter account.
"Users had to register an email address after downloading the app then wait in line until they were told they could begin using it," said BlackBerry. About six million people had signed up for information abut BBM at BBM.com, the company said.
"To help manage this unprecedented pent-up demand for BBM, we are implementing a simple line-up system to ensure a smooth rollout," wrote company spokesman Andrew Bocking. Those who had already signed up for information about BBM were able to start using the app straight away, he said.
Others would have to wait in line, but the company did not specify how long the wait might be.
BBM's Struggle
The delayed launch was the latest in a run of bad news for the struggling Canadian firm, which is cutting 4,500 jobs, made a net loss of $965m (£600m) in the second quarter of 2013, and has agreed a $4.7 billion sale to a consortium led by Fairfax Financial.
Blackberry has failed to keep pace with the competition against Apple and devices running Google Android, as well as Microsoft's Windows Phone operating systems.
In September 2013, there were reports that it was leaving the consumer market to concentrate on providing services to business customers - reports it has since played down.
But BBM has proved very popular, particularly with younger users. The software offers an alternative to SMS messages - which cost money on some subscription plans - as well as other voice and screen-sharing capabilities.
BBM, a Used to be Exclusive Instant Messenger
Blackberry Messenger began its life as a simple instant messaging tool for owners of BlackBerry handsets as a free alternative to SMS texts.
BBM is an internet-based instant messenger and videotelephony application that was formerly exclusive for BlackBerry devices that allows messaging (and videocalls for BlackBerry 10 smartphones) between BlackBerry users by using the BlackBerry PIN system
Over the time of its life, the company has added functions including sending pictures, audio messages and other files as well as making voice and video calls, all over the internet. In addition it offers a Groups facility, which allows users to share photos, lists and calendar appointments with trusted contacts.
A recent addition is Channels - a feature allowing brands and celebrities to send news and status updates to users who want to follow them through the app.