The much-anticipated launch of BlackBerry’s BBM for iOS and Android was due to start today, with the Android version planned to be available earlier this morning and the iOS version set to launch tomorrow, though it was already available in New Zealand and other areas.
As many TruTower readers are now aware, the app never showed up in Google Play, and we’ve been searching for the cause of the delay ever since. Some light has finally been shed on the cause, which was apparently due to issues caused by the 1.1 million users who downloaded the leaked version of the Android app.
BlackBerry’s attempts to solve the problems caused by the leaked version have been fruitless, and the company has decided to pull the plug albeit temporarily on its Android and iOS launch plans. Those that have already downloaded the iOS version of the app will still be able to use it, but other markets will be left out in the cold for now. The leaked version of the Android app will be completely disabled.
The company is apparently planning a “staggered country roll-out” for BBM for Android as it looks to cut off all usage of the leaked version. The company also plans to continue rolling out the iOS version at a later date, but did not specify when exactly this could be:
“…our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it’s ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM.”
Just when we thought things couldn’t get any worse for the company, something like this occurs. For those of you who are currently BBM-less, at least it helps to know you have plenty of alternative options to keep you calling and messaging in the meantime. Once the rollout has commenced, we’ll post an updated article. You can also keep checking the BBM download links to see firsthand when the BBM app finally arrives.