BBM For Android And iOS Available For Download Today [UPDATE]

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BlackBerry Messenger is available on Android and iOS today, according to a statement from BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY). The software’s launch was one of the most embarrassing big releases in recent history. The company had to pull the application, and did not give a definitive release date. Today’s roll-out will not be easy for BBM fans, however. To get BBM for Android and iOS, users will have to reserve a copy.

BBM For Android And iOS Available For Download Today [UPDATE]

Reserving a place in line is a way for BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) to limit the amount of people that can go online at any one time. This will allow the company to start off small and test the service, in order to ensure stability. Stability issues plagued the earlier release of the program, so a more controlled approach might be necessary.

BBM for Android and iOS Release

Today’s release will be staggered by a sign up process. BBM for iOS and Android aspirants will have to sign up for the rights on the application. A BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) blog post on the release details the process:

  1. Download BBM – the easiest way is to visit BBM.com from your Android or iPhone browser*.
  2. Once you install the app, open it, and enter your email address to hold your spot in line.
  3. We will email you as soon as you reach the front of the line and can start using BBM.

There are few details about how long users who are just signing up for the application now will have to wait before being given access, but users who signed up for information on BBM.com may be able to get onto the messaging service right away.

BBM for Android and iOS Problems

The Canadian handset company originally tried to release BBM for Android and iOS at the end of September. Days before that release happened, an early version of the application was released on a forum for Android. That meant that BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) had problems securing the data load on its servers. It has spent the last few weeks trying to ensure those people are locked out of the system.

Fans of BBM who want the service on their Android or iOS smartphone are hoping that today’s reservation service works to limit the stress on BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) infrastructure, even if it means having to wait a while to get their hands on the application. Those waiting for the application will already have signed up on the website.

UPDATE 14:15 EST: BBM for iPhone, iPad now available for free from the App Store. Download Link

Update 14:30 EST: BBM For Android now available for free. Direct Download Link

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