BlackBerry delayslaunch of BBMapps for iOS,Android

BlackBerry
on Saturday hit pause on the
rollout of iPhone and Android
apps for its popular BlackBerry
Messenger mobile social
messaging service after an
unreleased version of the
Android app was posted online.
That version saw 1.1 million
active users in the first 8 hours,
the company said, but the
unofficial version "caused
issues," which the company
continued to address
throughout the day.
The company did not specify
what the issues were.
MORE: BlackBerry to slash
4,500 jobs
Customers who have already
downloaded BBM for iPhone
will be able to continue to use
it.
"As soon as we are able, we will
begin a staggered country roll-
out of BBM for Android and
continue the roll-out of BBM
for iPhone," the company said
in a release.
The unreleased version of the
Android app will be disabled,
the company said. Those
interested in the official
Android app can visit the
BBM.com site to register for
updates on availability or follow
@BBM on Twitter.
SHINAL: BlackBerry's downfall
came down to availability of
wide range apps
The issues have not impacted
BBM service for BlackBerry, the
company said.
In May, the struggling firm
announced that it would be
rolling out BBM, perhaps the
company's most popular
service, to other mobile
platforms. It had been
exclusive to BlackBerry
smartphones. The service
features BBM Chat for instant
messaging with other users.
Additionally, each user has a
unique PIN, so you don't have
to give out your phone number
to use the service - a privacy
feature.
On Friday, BlackBerry said it
would slash 4,500 jobs in a
last-ditch move to recharge the
troubled company. BlackBerry
has failed to invigorate its
business despite unveiling a
new smartphone line and
software in January.