"BlackBerry Messenger" is coming to the iPhone and Android operating systems, but insiders just don't know when.
InternationalBusinessTimes.com reported the messaging service, commonly shortened to BBM, will be available for download on the Apple and Android app markets this summer.
T-Mobile's official U.K. Twitter account tweeted the message, "BlackBerry Messenger will be available to download on iOS and Android from June 27th! :)" and included a photo of BBM running on a Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone.
The tweet was soon after deleted and BlackBerry denied the release date, saying the report of June 27 was false. The Android and iOS release is still reportedly on the way and could be available towards the end of July. BlackBerry previously announced it would arrive later in summer because it was awaiting acceptance in Apple and Google Play app stores.
BBM for iPhone and Android will reportedly have similar characteristics to the BB10 operating system counterpart.
BBM already boasts faster-than-standard text messaging with alerts when the message has been delivered and read. It also features a 2,000-character cap, allowing for longer messages and has video and voice chat feature that can be used when users are connected to WiFi.
Andrew Tonner, an analyst for Motley Fool, a business commentary website, said the BBM release for iOS and Android could help and harm the company. On one hand, he said BBM could spark interest among iPhone and Android users in BlackBerry phones. On the contrary, he said BBM and the BB10 operating system are the main attractions BlackBerry has for their smartphones.
DigiTimes.com reported BlackBerry is also releasing a new, entry-level smartphone this July. The Q5 will reportedly have a 3.1-inch touchscreen and a physical QWERTY keyboard. Similar to the Q5, the smartphone company reportedly will release two additional, low-cost smartphones by the end of the year.
BlackBerry has reportedly been experiencing an unexpected interest in physical keyboards and the three new phones due out later this year are an attempt for the company to boost sales.
