BlackberryOS.com reported that iPhone and Android users could already use the services of BlackBerry Messenger. BlackBerry began the beta testing for its BBM app on the iOS of Apple and the Android operating system of Google.
"The program is not available for everyone, but if you have received an email (with an invitation to register), you'll find it available under Eligible Programs," BlackberryOS.com said. For the time being, the beta BBM for Android would run on version Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich. On the other hand, the BBM version for iPhone would require an iOS 6 as a minimum.
"BlackBerry has begun internal testing of BBM on Android and iOS devices. We invited our employees to nominate friends and family to participate in a limited Android beta. Those slots are now full," a spokesperson from BlackBerry said.
Allowing Android and iOS users to utilize BBM would cut the sales of BlackBerry devices. Consumers would have lesser reasons to buy the gadgets from the company if they could already access the specialized feature in other brands. The Canadian smartphone manufacturer reported a revenue of US$3.1 billion during the second quarter, up 15% from the first quarter. BlackBerry was also able to limit its losses to US$84 million from US$510 million during the quarter. Furthermore, it shipped 6.8 million units. Around 40% of the said figure were BlackBerry 10 smartphones, which would amount to 2.7 million units.
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