Consumer version of BBM closing in May
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BBM, considered the first messaging service designed for mobile users, will be closing its doors to consumers on May 31st. A note sent to BBM members says that it is “Time to say goodbye.” First used internally by employees of BlackBerry parent Research In Motion, BlackBerry Messenger, as the service was originally called, was publicly launched on August 1st, 2005. For many, it was the main reason to purchase a BlackBerry device.
With BlackBerry becoming irrelevant in the smartphone market and other messaging apps launching, then BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins announced in May 2013 that BBM would be made available to iOS and Android users later that summer. After some false starts (including a fake listing in the Google Play Store, and a leaked version), BBM for Android and iOS was officially released on October 21st, 2013.
BlackBerry continued trying to play catch up by adding new features to the app including stickers. But outside of Indonesia, where it remains the top mobile messaging app, BBM was considered an afterthought compared to other, more popular apps.
Three years ago, Indonesia based Emtek acquired the licensing rights to BBM for a six-year period. As part of the $207 million deal, BBM’s servers were moved from Canada to Asia. While Emtek had the rights to the consumer version of the service, BlackBerry continued to run the enterprise version of BBM. And today, BlackBerry said that it is immediately making BBM Enterprise (BBMe) available to individuals through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The service will be free for 12 months; after that period of time, a six-month subscription will cost $2.49.
In its press release issued this morning, BlackBerry noted that it is offering BBMe to individuals out of respect for loyal BBM users. The company noted that it was not under any contractual obligation to do this.
Questions & Answers
Q.When is the consumer version of BBM officially closing down?
When is the consumer version of BBM officially closing down?
A.
BBM will close its doors to consumers on May 31st. A note sent to members indicated that it was 'Time to say goodbye' to the service.
Q.Which company acquired the licensing rights for the consumer version of BBM?
Which company acquired the licensing rights for the consumer version of BBM?
A.
Indonesia-based Emtek acquired the licensing rights to the consumer version of BBM three years ago for a six-year period. This deal was valued at $207 million.
Q.Is there an alternative messaging service being offered to individuals by BlackBerry?
Is there an alternative messaging service being offered to individuals by BlackBerry?
A.
Yes, BlackBerry is immediately making BBM Enterprise (BBMe) available to individuals via app stores. It will be free for 12 months, then a subscription will cost $2.49 for six months.
Q.Why is BlackBerry making BBM Enterprise available to individuals?
Why is BlackBerry making BBM Enterprise available to individuals?
A.
BlackBerry is offering BBMe to individuals out of respect for loyal BBM users. The company noted it was not under any contractual obligation to do this.
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