BlackBerry brings messaging service to Windows phone users

BlackBerry Limited, Canadian phone manufacturer, is looking to claw its way back to prominence in the global phone market following recent collaboration with Microsoft, United States (US) technology firm, to bring BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) to Windows Phone 8 and higher models.

The firm is seeking to reinvent itself as a more software and services driven company as its smartphone marketshare steadily declines. Of late, BlackBerry has been rolling out new BBM features in an attempt to make the messaging platform a more viable messaging tool for clients such as corporations and government agencies that are on the lookout for a secure messaging service. The company, last year, opened the service to phones powered by Google Inc’s wildly popular Android operating system and Apple’s iOS platform. The rollout to the Windows phone platform means the service is now available on all major smartphone platforms, making it a more viable option for those clients that are considering using it as a communication tool. “We are intent on bringing the most popular application experiences to Windows Phone, and with BBM, we are pleased to bring many of its top features to the Windows Phone platform,” said Bryan Biniak, vice president and general manager, developer experience, Microsoft.

“BBM on Windows Phone brings our customers the secure, easy-to-use messaging experience they demand, and we expect that new features will roll out in the months to come.” “As the popularity of BBM continues to grow, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand its availability to the Windows Phone community,” said John Sims, president, global enterprise services at BlackBerry. 

“The BBM app for Windows Phone shows our commitment to supporting cross-platform capabilities, and we are excited to be working with Microsoft to deliver a new level of collaboration to the Windows Phone platform.”  The BBM app for Windows Phone builds on the collaboration, privacy and security features that are at the core of the BBM experience loved by more than 85 million monthly active users around the world. Built specifically for the Windows Phone experience, BBM users will have a familiar, native user experience that embraces the clean, modern design of the Windows Phone UI.

 By virtue of the partnership, Windows Phone 8 users can download BBM and gain access to renowned features, including: BBM Chats, BBM Groups, Find Friends, BBM Feeds, and ‘Pin’ to Start.

 The Chats page is your single destination for all your chats, including groups, multi-person and one-to-one. In a chat, you have lots of ways to share. You can attach a picture from your camera, add a voice note, send a contact, share a photo from your gallery or send your location. Chats also include BBM signature “D” and “R” notifications that allow users to know when messages are delivered and read.

With BBM Groups, up to 50 people can be added to the conversation. Chat, share photos and schedules with even more friends.

 With Find Friends, phone users can discover people you know that are also using BBM and invite them to your BBM contact list, from within the app. With the ability to easily share your PIN with your friends and family, connecting is easier than ever.