According to BGR, Research In Motion (RIM) is planning to bring its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) application to both Android and iOS. Although the details about release date or price have not been finalized, it is rumored that the company might make the software free to all users. RIM may end up charging users a one-time fee, however, since the marketing strategy is still being developed.
As any long-suffering BlackBerry owner will tell you, the reason why they stick with RIM’s embattled platform is no other than the much-beloved BBM. It’s fast and text-message-like without requiring any fees, it goes over RIM’s networks and, more importantly, cements a common bond between BlackBerry owners.
So, from the smartphone business point of view, this seems like a risk, albeit a risk that’s good for consumers. BlackBerry will certainly suffer big blow if BBM loses its BlackBerry exclusivity and becomes available for Android and iOS. The second this app comes over to Android phones and iOS devices, BlackBerry users will seriously consider jumping ship.
