BBM Release For Android, iOS Delayed, Users Waiting To Download

BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) halted BBM apps for iOS and Android just a few hours after rolling it out on the App store in New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, India and the United Arab Emirates. BlackBerry cited an early leak on Android as the reason behind stopping the service.

BlackBerry working hard to fix the BBM issue

An online version of BBM app for Android seeped on web before launching it officially. There were 1.1 million users who were ready to download the unofficial BBM App within the first 8 hours, which was encouraging according to BlackBerry. However, the company said that the unofficial version was gripped with some issues that the company tried to resolve throughout the day. BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) also reported in a blog post that it is eager to port BBM apps on Android and iOS, and is working to achieve it round the clock, but will only launch when it will meet the expectations of the users.

The Waterloo, Ontario-based company said that those who have downloaded the App can continue to use it, but the unofficial version has been discontinued, and the original launch has been postponed.

Via BBM’s verified Twitter account, the company suggested users visit BBM.com and register there in order to receive latest updates about the launch.

“We will provide you an update on timing as soon as we can. Teams are working non-stop. Sign up for launch alerts at http://www.BBM.com,” said the tweet.

Troubles continue for BlackBerry

As per the launch schedule announced by the company, BBM was to be available “as a free download for Android smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean (Android 4.0 and later version) beginning at 7 AM Eastern Daylight Time on September 21.” For iOS users, BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) announced that the download will be available on iOS 6 and iOS 7 for each market on the App Store schedule of 12:01 am local time on September 22.

BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB), pioneer of instant messaging app BBM, has a monthly active user base of 60 million and on an average BBM is used 90 minutes per day by each user.

The BBM fiasco adds to a long list of BlackBerry’s unimpressive performances. The Canadian smartphone maker recently announced that it is expecting massive operating losses in the quarter and will trim over one-third of its workforce. The company also announced that it is forecasting a $930 million to $960 million write-down in the second quarter of the current financial year due to exploding inventory of unsold BlackBerry Z10 devices.