MOBILE PHONES: Blackberry Apps Updated for ANDROID & APPLE Devices!

BlackBerry is rolling out new updates for its Android and iOS Messenger apps in order to capitalize on the momentum gained once BBM became a cross-platform service. The latest update includes expansion to the iPad and iPod touch, among other features.


BBM is now capable of running on an iPad or iPod touch, provided that the devices run iOS 6 or iOS 7. The Apple iOS app has also added additional options for sharing BBM PINs via barcode and typing in languages that are read right-to-left. More importantly, the app tries to makes it easier to connect with friends by making PINs posable on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. It also includes grouping contacts according to category.

The Android BBM app has also been updated to support PIN sharing and grouping contacts.

The latest version includes bug fixes that caused the app to consume too much battery.

BBM will now work on iPad and iPod devices running iOS 6 and iOS 7. The app also improves language support and allows users to search their social network accounts for friends who are using BBM.

The Android edition of the app now supports BBM Contact Categories, allows users to port contacts for social networks and fixes issues with high battery drainage.

Despite BlackBerrys struggles in the smartphone market, the firm has proved there is still demand for its BBM service with the as the app was downloaded 20 million times in the first week by Android and iOS users.

The smartphone maker claims that it now has 80 million people actively using the BBM service, although this is still someway short of the 300 million users of existing cross-platform service Whatsapp.

Andrew Bocking, executive VP of BBM at BlackBerry said he was happy with the numbers, but the firm will now focus on providing more services.

“From here on out, we will focus on active users of BBM and will no longer focus on simple download numbers," he said.

BBM is available as a free download in the Google Play market, Apple App Store and select Samsung App Stores. However, due to high demand for the app BlackBerry has been limiting access.

Users who signed up at BBM.com, will get a headstart and should be able to use BBM on their Android or iOS device immediately. Those who didn't sign up will have to register and wait for an email before they can activate the app.