BBM for iOS and Android hits five million users - Inquirer

CANADIAN SMARTPHONE MAKER Blackberry has finally launched Blackberry Messenger (BBM) for iOS and Android, after a messy release process in September that resulted in both apps being withdrawn. But there's a catch - not everyone can use the service yet.

Blackberry launched the messaging apps for the Apple and Google mobile operating systems overnight, and tweeted earlier on Tuesday that demand for the apps has been very high so far.

You can download the apps from either the Apple App Store or Google Play, and this is a very quick and straightforward process. However, unless you remembered to pre-register for BBM.com, you'll be put into a queue of people waiting for access.

"Due to the incredible demand there is a line-up to start using BBM," the app warns you. "Enter your email address to check if you can start using BBM - or to hold a spot in line."

Once the email arrives, you need to visit the app again to activate the service.

No doubt Blackberry's decision to do a staggered release is due to the teething problems with its first rollout attempt in September. Blackberry confirmed to The INQUIRER that it reached five million downloads of BBM within the first few hours of launch, but could not shed any light on the timing schedule for future activations.

Blackberry unveiled plans to release its popular messaging service on Apple iOS and Android in May, and it was thought the launch would happen in the summer, after T-Mobile posted a tweet claiming 27 June for the big event.

Both apps were due for release over the weekend of 21 September, but because of a host of issues Blackberry was forced to withdraw the BBM apps for Android and iOS.

We'll be testing BBM on Android and iOS as soon as we get to the front of the queue. Hopefully the service will prove worth the wait. We're off now to find some yoof to befriend. µ

via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHEo2PnwzPW-R46uaMfNkJ_-tQ_4w&url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2302274/bbm-for-ios-and-android-hits-five-million-users

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