Share/Bookmark

How do you feel about BBM going cross-platform? Let us know in the comments!

Share/Bookmark

BBM BlackBerry Messenger is the best mobile messaging application available. BBM has been for the longest what maintains the link between BlackBerry users togetherness. Now today, BlackBerry has announced that no longer will BBM will exclusively be available for BlackBerry. BlackBerry Messenger BBM will now be a cross-platform application available for iOS and Android devices with the following BBM features included:

• The immediacy of BBM chats
• Multi-person chats
• Voice note sharing
• BlackBerry Groups, where BBM users are able to set up groups of up to 30 people and share calendar, photos, files and more

BBM for iOS and Android to Launch This Summer

WATERLOO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – May 14, 2013) - BlackBerry® (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB) today announced plans to make its ground-breaking mobile social network, BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™), available to iOS® and Android™ users this summer, with support planned for iOS6, and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or higher, all subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play. BBM sets the standard for mobile instant messaging with a fast, reliable, engaging experience that includes delivered and read statuses, and personalized profiles and avatars. Upon release, BBM customers would be able to broaden their connections to include friends, family and colleagues on other mobile platforms.

In the planned initial release, iOS and Android users would be able to experience the immediacy of BBM chats, including multi-person chats, as well as the ability to share photos and voice notes, and engage in BBM Groups, which allows BBM customers to create groups of up to 30 people.

“For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service. BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We’re excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community,” said Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President, Software Product Management and Ecosystem, at BlackBerry.

BBM is loved by customers for its “D” and “R” statuses, which show up in chats to let people know with certainty that their message has been delivered and read. It provides customers with a high level of control and privacy over who they add to their contact list and how they engage with them, as invites are two-way opt-in. iOS and Android users would be able to add their contacts through PIN, email, SMS or QR code scan, regardless of platform. Android users would also be able to connect using a compatible NFC-capable device.

BBM has more than 60 million monthly active customers, with more than 51 million people using BBM an average of 90 minutes per day. BBM customers collectively send and receive more than 10 billion messages each day, nearly twice as many messages per user per day as compared to other mobile messaging apps. Almost half of BBM messages are read within 20 seconds of being received; indicating how truly engaged BBM customers are.

Today, BlackBerry also announced BBM Channels, a new social engagement platform within BBM that will allow customers to connect with the businesses, brands, celebrities and groups they are passionate about. BlackBerry plans to add support for BBM Channels as well as voice and video chatting for iOS and Android later this year, subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play.

If approved by Apple and Google, the BBM app will be available as a free download in the Apple® App Store(SM) and Google Play store. Additional details about system requirements and availability will be announced closer to the launch.

About BlackBerry

A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry® revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ:BBRY) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:BB). For more information, visit www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “intend”, “believe”, and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by Research In Motion Limited (BlackBerry) in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that BlackBerry believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause BlackBerry’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of BlackBerry’s Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BlackBerry’s forward-looking statements. BlackBerry has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Share/Bookmark

I have been having some major issues with BBM Video not showing up on other BlackBerry Z10′s (this seems to be isolated to me), but this morning I received a BBM from @fortneyland95 asking me if I could see his green video chat icon in the upper right hand corner. My answer was simple “nope”‘ can you see mine I asked, he to replied no..

So after talking to him I went on a search through my BBM contacts  looking at those I know have a Z10 or Q10 and all of the video chat icons are gone… At this time it does not appear to be carrier related as it is happening to people on Verizon and T-Mobile. It very well could be a server issue at BlackBerry.

We are still researching this matter, but if you have or know anyone that may have a resolution or answer as to why this is happening feel free to let us know in the comments.

Share/Bookmark

nextGen has released Animated Avatars for BBM on BlackBerry 10. Animated Avatars for BBM is an application that will help you update your BlackBerry Messenger profile picture instantly. Animated Avatars for BBM  offers over 700+ animated avatars using the sleek interface looking app to keep your BBM looking impressive to your buddies.

Over 700+ Animated Avatars in 24 Categories for easy access. e.g Emotions, Flags, Sports, Similes etc.
All Avatars are fully working and specifically designed for BBM and just requires one step to update your BBM Profile Display Avatar.

100+ Avatars are freely available for any one downloading this app.
Rest of avatars can be purchased from with in the app using the In-App Purchase option from the menu without needing to download any other paid application on your device.

Head on over to BlackBerry World to download Animated Avatars for BBM for FREE.

Share/Bookmark

UPDATED: BlackBerry® has announced that BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™) version 7.0.1,which features voice chatting over a Wi-Fi® connection, is now available for BlackBerry smartphones running the BlackBerry® 5 OS.  BBM version 7.0.1 with BBM Voice is a fast, convenient, and inexpensive way to stay connected with friends, family and colleagues,  and can be downloaded from the BlackBerry® World™ storefront*.

The response to BBM version 7 with BBM Voice has been tremendous. Since its launch in December for BlackBerry smartphones running the BlackBerry 6 OS and higher, more than 50 million BBM Voice calls have been made.

Quote from T.A. McCann, Vice President of BBM and Social Communities at BlackBerry:

“Our customers around the world have embraced BBM version 7, which has brought BBM to a whole new level, further strengthening the experience of reliable, fast, real-time engagement. By bringing BBM version 7 with BBM Voice to customers running BlackBerry 5 OS smartphones, we really broaden the base of people who can connect with each other, especially in many of our emerging markets where BBM is the leading player.”

What Other Features are Available in BBM 7 with BBM Voice?

• Multi-tasking with Split-screen feature – Customers can do more while they talk, such as check other BBM text chats, check email, or navigate to other apps while engaged on a BBM Voice call. They can start a call in an instant, and switch between texting and talking, or text and talk at the same time. They can also for example, send a picture to a contact while they are talking with them.
• Clear Visual Indicator – Customers can see when contacts are available for a voice call.
• Convenient Compatibility with Accessories – Customers can use their favorite accessories, such as a Bluetooth® or wired headset, or use their BlackBerry smartphone’s speakerphone.
• Simple BlackBerry ID Synchronization – Customers can set up BBID to link their BBM profile, Groups and Contacts with the BBID for easy backup and restore. BBID is required for BBM Voice and this can be set up when upgrading. The data will also carry over when they move to BlackBerry® 10.

BlackBerry Messenger has been update to version 7.0.1.23 in BlackBerry World. At this time there is complete change log available so if you see anything different feel free to let us know in the comment. BlackBerry is still rolloing out the update so if you do not see it you can try typing ALT +RST to try and clear BlackBerry Worlds cache.

BBM™ 7.0.1 now gives you the freedom to chat with your friends the way you want. Seamlessly switch from a BBM conversation to a BBM Voice chat and talk to your friends, virtually wherever they are in the world, for free over Wi-Fi. Stay in touch like never before with BlackBerry® Messenger.

New on the latest version of BBM:

• BBM Voice now available for BlackBerry OS 5 users – Talk or text, the choice is yours. BBM Voice connects you to friends in an instant, directly from a BBM chat screen. (BBM Voice might not be supported in all regions or device versions. Visit our BBM support page below for more details.)
• BlackBerry ID Integration (optional) – Simplifies OS and device upgrades. Device switches are as simple as entering your BlackBerry ID when you first open BBM, and your BBM profile, contacts and groups are instantly available on your new device.

*PLEASE READ* 1. Both users require BlackBerry OS 5 or higher, data plan and Wi-Fi connection for BBM Voice chat. Please check with your service provider for availability and restrictions. 2. If you haven’t associated your BBM contacts with a BlackBerry ID, please back up your contact list by displaying the menu within BlackBerry Messenger – Options – Back Up before downloading. (Available for users of BBM 5.0 and above). 3. Please ensure that you are using RIM or network approved BlackBerry® Device Software to avoid compatibility issues that may result in loss of the BBM icon. 4. After installing the new version of BBM, restart your device. For technical support with BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), visit http://www.blackberry.com/support/messenger. For billing issues and technical support options related to App World only, please visit http://www.blackberry.com/support/appworld

Share/Bookmark

Head on over to the Beta Zone for the update.

Share/Bookmark

Developed by PT AGIT Monitise Indonesia (AGIT Monitise Indonesia), the joint venture between Monitise Asia Pacific and Astra Graphia Information Technology (AGIT), part of Astra International Group, and issued and managed by PermataBank, BBM Money is making its commercial pilot debut in Indonesia, where customers may easily load cash into it from an Indonesian bank account. PermataBank will issue BBM Money mobile money accounts and process financial transactions. The service is protected by bank-grade security measures including a passcode, encryption, monitoring, and limits as required by PermataBank under Bank Indonesia regulations.

David Fletcher, President Director of PermataBank said, “We are pleased to team up with our strategic partners in developing this innovative and revolutionary service and we would like to express our sincere appreciation to the regulators, especially Bank Indonesia, for the support in the process. This initiative is a response to growing customers and society needs of easy and convenient banking services by using their smartphone. This is in line with our vision to be the pioneer in delivering innovative financial solutions and also reflects our support to Bank Indonesia’s concept of a cashless society in Indonesia.”

Lauren Sulistiawati, Retail Banking Director of PermataBank added, “This is a game-changing innovation as the transactions can be performed as easy as chatting on BBM and the customer can create their mobile money account directly on their BlackBerry smartphone. We are very delighted to tailor this solution for BlackBerry smartphones that are widely used in Indonesia, which will allow us to simplify the life of millions of BlackBerry customers in Indonesia. Another crucial aspect of BBM Money is that it gives customers total trust and confidence in the security of the service. With PermataBank as the issuing bank and AGIT Monitise Indonesia behind the service, BBM Money customers know they have a partner with proven bank-grade standards that gives them the assurance and certainty they are looking for.”

“We are delighted that Indonesia is the first country in the world to develop a person-to-person payment service using BBM,” said Calvin Lim, Director of AGIT Monitise Indonesia. “BlackBerry smartphones are the favorite phones of most Indonesians, with BBM being its most popular and indispensable service. BBM Money will enable BlackBerry customers to make fast, easy and secure mobile payments.”

“BlackBerry leads the mobile and smartphone market in Indonesia, where BBM is extremely popular with our customers,” said T.A. McCann, Vice President of BBM and Social Communities at BlackBerry. “BBM Money, which uses BlackBerry’s BBM service, further evolves the BBM experience to move from real-time chat to meaningful and convenient real-time engagement. We are excited to be part of this pilot in Indonesia, where BBM has become an essential part of daily life.”

“With BBM Money, BlackBerry customers can enjoy an easy, convenient and secure mobile money transaction anytime and anywhere. We are committed to work with partners to bring services to BlackBerry customers in Indonesia that can enrich their mobile lifestyle,” added Maspiyono Handoyo, Managing Director for Indonesia at BlackBerry.

Through a simple registration process within the application, BBM customers can create a BBM Money account with PermataBank and then start loading cash into the account through any of the 70,000 ATMs in Indonesia. After visiting a designated location to perform a one-time identity check, customers can then make secure payments to their BBM contacts and transfer money to other bank accounts using the app. Customers can also pay for mobile airtime or prepaid SIM cards for their family and friends. Another innovative feature is that customers who actively conduct business through BBM can make payments immediately and securely. There is a vibrant trade taking place among groups within BBM in Indonesia.

“Monitise is constantly working with its partners to make money totally mobile around the world for everyone,” said Alastair Lukies, CEO of Monitise Group. “Our focus in Indonesia, as it is in Asia Pacific and around the world, is centered on acting as an enabler at the heart of the growing Mobile Money ecosystem, helping financial institutions and other service providers deliver increasingly innovative and secure services to their customers.”

For information about BBM Money, please visit id.blackberry.com/BBMMoney.

About PermataBank

PT Bank Permata Tbk (PermataBank) was formed by a merger of five banks: PT. Bank Bali Tbk, PT. Bank Universal Tbk, PT. Bank Artamedia, PT. Bank Patriot and PT. Bank Prima Express in 2002. It has grown to be a major bank within Indonesian banking sector that offers innovative and comprehensive banking products and services, especially with its delivery channels that are equipped with Internet Banking and Mobile Banking features.

PermataBank envisions to be the pioneer in delivering innovative financial solutions. Serving approximately two million customers in 57 cities in Indonesia, the Bank runs 303 branch offices (13 of which are dedicated to sharia banking), 27 mobile branches, 2 payment points and close to 811 ATMs accessible from a network comprising 70,000 ATMs (VisaPlus, Visa Electron, MC, Alto, ATM Bersama and ATM Prima).

The latest recognition on PermataBank’s outstanding achievement includes 3 Stevie Awards received in the 9th International Business Awards (IBA) 2012: from ELT Forum as the “Internal Communications Campaign/Program of the Year” (Silver Award), from Unite for Education (UFE) as “Public Service Campaign of the Year” (Silver Award) and from Life Skills through Soccer Development School, CSR Program as “Community Relations Campaign of the Year” (Bronze Award); and also, Best Domestic Provider of FX Services in Indonesia from Asiamoney, MURI Award for being the pioneer of four innovative services in Indonesia and various breakthroughs in customer service: being the first bank that offers online account opening at branch offices using Tablet computer (Permata e-form), the first bank that guarantees maximum waiting time at tellers’ windows of eight minutes, winning the highest score of call center service for seven consecutive times (won by PermataTel), and the first domestic bank that has launched navigator service (transaction and payment notifications) for credit card holders. Additionally, PermataBank has also been awarded the second rank for Best Customer Service by MRI-InfoBank 2011/2012, “Fixed Income Poll 2011 – Overall Best Domestic Credit Service Provider in Indonesia and Foreign Exchange Poll 2011 – Best Domestic Provider of FX Services in Indonesia as voted by Corporates” by AsiaMoney, the Best in Building and Managing Corporate Image in the category of domestic banks with total assets below Rp 100 trillion in Corporate Image Award 2011 organized by Bloomberg Business Week and Frontier Consulting Group, and the Best Mobile Phone Banking in Asia Pacific in International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Award 2011 of the Asian Bankers.

More information about PermataBank is available on its website http://www.permatabank.com.

About AGIT Monitise Indonesia

PT AGIT Monitise Indonesia is a joint venture between Monitise Asia Pacific and Astra Graphia Information Technology (AGIT) created to bring a full range of secure mobile banking, payment and commerce services to Indonesia. AGIT, established in 2004, is an information and communication technology business and part of PT Astra Graphia Tbk (IDX:ASGR), a majority-owned subsidiary of PT Astra International Tbk (IDX:ASII). As at 31 December 2012, Astra employed over 185,850 people in 170 companies, including subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities and is one of the largest publicly-listed companies in Indonesia. More information is available at www.agitmonitise.com.

About Monitise Asia Pacific

Monitise Asia Pacific is a 50/50 joint venture between Monitise plc and First Eastern Mobile Investments Ltd, part of the First Eastern Investment Group, created in 2010 to develop mobile banking, payment and commerce services in the Asia Pacific region. First Eastern is a leading Hong Kong-based investment group pioneering in the field of direct investments in China founded by Victor Chu in 1988. More information is available at www.monitise.com/ap.

About Monitise

Monitise plc (LSE:MONI.L) is a leading technology and services company that delivers mobile banking, payments, and commerce networks worldwide. Monitise enables financial institutions and other payments companies to defend and extend their market position by protecting their existing customer relationships and transactions while enabling new forms of mobile commerce revenue.

Monitise powers bank-grade solutions that are delivered on premise, or via cloud services. The value of payments and transfers initiated via Monitise’s platform technology is more than US$31bn on an annualised basis. Monitise has a global reach and unique set of partners and clients using its completely adaptable platform. More information is available at www.monitise.com.

About BlackBerry

A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry® revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ:BBRY) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:BB). For more information, visit www.blackberry.com.

Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “intend,” “believe”, and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by Research In Motion Limited (BlackBerry) in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that BlackBerry believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause BlackBerry’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the “Risk Factors” section of BlackBerry’s Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BlackBerry’s forward-looking statements. BlackBerry has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

BlackBerry and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited, doing business as BlackBerry, and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. BBM Money is a trademark of Research In Motion Limited, and is used under license by Permata Bank. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Share/Bookmark

Head on over to the BlackBerry Beta Zone for the update.

Share/Bookmark

Of course the BlackBerry 10 devices being unreleased it is curious to know just how carriers such as AT&T will implement the new feature as the are as we know finicky about applications using cellular data with out restrictions.

viaBBOS

Share/Bookmark