BBM For iOS, Android Pockets 5m Downloads In Just 8 Hours

BlackBerry Messenger popularly known as BBM clocked 5 million downloads shortly after it was launched on Apple iOS and Google’s Android operating system, according to the company. There is no confirmation yet as to how many users might be waiting for the messenger service to get downloaded in their devices, but BlackBerry achieved 5 million figures in just 8 hours leaving everyone awestruck.

Using Tweets for the updates

BlackBerry informed about the BBM launch on Android and iOS through a string of posts on Twitter, and said that users can download BBM after 2 a.m. Manila time, and posted that it has raked in 5 million users by noon.

Tweet from the Canadian at 10:16 a.m. Manila time read “Next 5 million in line – your turn! Open up BBM and click “I got the email” to get started on #BBM right away!”

The smartphone company is reeling under intense pressure, but performance of BBM tells altogether a different story. BlackBerry 10 devices launched this year have not been performing so well. Further, the beleaguered company is exploring options to sell off its business or take it private.

Reservation system used by BlackBerry

BlackBerry Ltd (BBRY) rolled out the BBM service for both the platforms in phases, and applied reservation system promising to “hold your spot in line,” and said that it would send an email to those who downloaded the app about the timing when they can use this service. Further the Canadian smartphone maker claimed that 6 million interested iOS and Android users asked for more information about the release of BBM.com.

BlackBerry originally planned to roll out BBM service on iOS and Android a month earlier, but it was postponed after BBM was leaked on Android. BlackBerry asked for some more time before launching the official version to resolve the issue.

Download requirements

To get BBM downloaded in Android or iOS one must follow these steps:

  • Download BBM (easiest way is to visit BBM.com from your Android or iPhone browser).
  • Open the app after installing it and enter email ID to hold spot in line, an email will be sent to the user once he gets access to BBM and starts using it.

BBM for Android will require OS 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or higher. BBM for iPhone will need iOS6 or higher version. Users can access BBM from their Android and iOS similar to BlackBerry, but as of now, will be limited to messaging and group.