Home
News
You are here

BlackBerry: BBM will be pre-installed on certain Android phones

By Alan Friedman

Published: Nov 26, 2013, 1:31 PM

BlackBerry

Add us as a preferred source on Google Search

BlackBerry: BBM will be pre-installed on certain Android phones

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: BlackBerry via Crackberry

Get a free Galaxy A17 with Straight Talk. To claim this deal, you need to pair the phone with activation on a Silver Unlimited Plan or higher. This tier costs $45 per month. Offer valid through 01/10/27 while supplies last online.

Buy at Straight Talk

View Full Bio

Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.

Read the latest from Alan Friedman