apk 1mobile

Is it on? Nope. In fact, BBM for Android and iOS got delayed again.

Some news has spread that it will be turned on again on 27th September, BlackBerry has denied the news and the stated it will not be this week.

Well, here is the rollercoaster ride. Today, both Mashable and The Guardian has released an article that BlackBerry has been sold to Fairfax Financial for US$ 4.7 billions. Fairfax Financial previously owned 10% of BlackBerry shares, now the sole owner. That means Blackberry stock was sold at $9. BlackBerry stock highest price was $128 in 2008.

So what's the deal? Looks like after losing eearly US$ 1 billion in 2nd quarter 2013 due to the failed Z10 and stumbling on the launch of BBM on Android and iOS, BlackBerry has lost more than just their pride. They have lost money, time and market confidence.

My opinion that Fairfax Financial will resell BlackBerry later on to gain higher price, meanwhile the money will be used to salvage whatever BlackBerry still has as their saving grace. Most likely to relaunch BBM on Android and iOS, and also paying the 4500 employees they said good bye to. If I work for BlackBerry, becoming the first 4500 now looks more promising than fighting with the sinking ship.

So my guess, we still need to wait the news of when BlackBerry is ready to launch BBM on Android. My guess is next month. Sorry guys, this rollersoacter is a bad news for now. At least, I was right, we are witnessing a milestone in history: the sinking of BlackBerry.

BlackBerry on Android, must be the 'If I can't beat them, join them' kinda strategy. It is, since 2 years ago, the rumors of BlackBerry Messenger coming to Android has been floating like wild fire. It's not that it is an important move for BlackBerry, but ever since they lost their market and the failure of the numorous BlackBerry units selling as before in the market has put the in the corner of being one of the most high profile surrender to your competitors move. It was not the first time BlackBerry has done this, in the early years BlackBerry has given Windows Mobile (the years of stylus popularity) in April 2007. Now, September 2013, BlackBerry gives Android and iOS access to their so-called secure messeging channel of BBM. A new piece of historical milestone in technology industry.

Viral Marketing strategy.

BlackBerry has released a viral marketing strategy by throwing out a working beta version of Android apk in the Internet several times to create a buzz on BBM release on Android since last year. Recently, they actualy release a working apk downloadable in the Internet for those who are interested to try. This time around, potential users must provide email address to access their server and somehow it went through. The strategy relies on selected social media using tech savvy users.

What does this mean?

It is no secret that BB10 OS is not a success, the investment going into revamping the already dying OS by copying populars schemes, background, slide gestures and menu access are nothing new to Android, iOS and Window Phone users. The usage of soft keyboard to boost BB10 OS has not helped much. BB later released the old and tired physical QWERTY keyboard they popularized.
And as the closing statement, Research In Motion, the mother company changed their name to BlackBerry, and recently release a statement that in November they will announce the name of the company that will 'buy' BlackBerry.
BlackBerry, the giant, has fallen to a fruit and a little robot that took over the world.

BBM on Android and iOS Feels and Look

Let's just say it won't change much, but the looks has been long copied and now copying the competitors to gain popularity, which is a major failure. I tested the so-called beta version without beng able to access the server. It's stuck on Setting Up BBM cycle since the server is not up and running yet. One thing for certain, it will require min of Android ICS (4.0) anf iOS 6 to run BBM.



First Part Closing

I can respect BlackBerry as company with a principle to provide continuous communication solution to their users commitment. Even if there is a possibility that their company and technology will be destroyed by the new owner, they released BBM to the masses for continuous service for at least another year or two. As announced, 21st September 2013, everyone using Android can download BBM from the Playstore, iOS iTunes later that week.

BlackBerry is a sore winner, but at least they are a sore loser.