BlackBerry Resumes iPhone And Android BBM Rollout

Blackberry has resumed the global rollout of BlackBerry Messenger for iPhone and Android, a month after the process was halted due to complications caused by the leak of an unreleased version.

Despite the problems caused by the leak, BlackBerry claims six million people had signed up for information about the cross-platform version of the instant messaging service, while the unauthorised version was downloaded more than one million times within seven hours – indicating strong demand for the service.

“Our team of developers and engineers has been working around the clock to bring you BBM – and make some upgrades while we’re at it – and some incredible work has been done,” says BlackBerry.

BBM iOS and Android

The Canadian manufacturer says to cope with expected demand, there will be a queue for the re-released version, although anyone who has previously registered their interest will not be forced to wait. To secure a place in the line, users should download the app, register their email address and wait to be approved.

The anticipated demand is a boost for BlackBerry, which has announced massive losses and a programme of job cuts as it seeks to focus on services following the dramatic decline of its hardware business.

BBM has long been considered one of the company’s more valuable assets and there were even suggestions it was considering spinning off its messaging division into a subsidiary.

A number of companies are believed to be interested in acquiring BlackBerry, including Google, Intel, SAP and most recently Lenovo, although the firm has a preliminary sale agreement with its largest shareholder, Fairfax Holdings for £2.9 billion.

BlackBerry has had a bumpy year! Try our 2013 BlackBerry quiz!