BlackBerry phones may no longer be in vogue, but plenty of people out there continue to use BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). But with BlackBerry sales at a halt, the company is attempting to bring in new users by offering apps for Android and iOS devices. BlackBerry on Wednesday announced these apps will become available for download on Saturday, September 21 for Android users, and Sunday, September 22 for iOS devices.
The app will be available for devices running Android 4.0 and up, or iOS 6 and iOS 7. It will allow Android and iOS users to communicate with BlackBerry owners without needing to send a traditional text message. It offers delivery, read and typing notifications, and supports group chats with up to 30 people. It also lets users share files, images and voice notes. And you’ll get a unique BBM PIN so you don’t have to share your email address or phone number.
With its hardware business in shambles, reports have suggested that BlackBerry could spin its services like BBM off as a subsidiary. After all, these services account for the bulk of BlackBerry’s current profits. Unfortunately, that may not be enough to keep BlackBerry afloat. On Wednesday the Wall Street Journal reported that BlackBerry is planning to reduce its workforce by 40 percent by the end of the year.
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