BlackBerry's BBM messenger service
finally hits Apple's iOS and Android, but
there's a catch.
The app is set to go live in the next hour,
according to BlackBerry's blog. BBM fans
who signed up on the official site will be
able to use the application immediately.
But those who haven't can download the
app to "hold your spot in line," and will
get an e-mail when they can start using
the service.
(Updated at 11:54 a.m PT: the app is
available now on Google Play and
Apple's App Store.)
BlackBerry said 6 million people signed
up for information on BBM.com.
"If you didn't sign up in advance, don't
worry -- we are focused on moving
millions of customers through the line as
fast as possible," the blog said.
Even as BlackBerry institutes a phased
roll out, the process of signing on still
hasn't been smooth. Some people have
encountered problems setting up the
service, with the problem attributed to
"temporary server error."
BBM was supposed to launch last month,
but was pulled after a leaked copy was
distributed and performed terribly in the
wild. BlackBerry said the unintended
launch caused issues that the company
needed to resolve.
The fervent demand for the app is a
counterpoint to the common thinking
that BlackBerry isn't long for this world.
While sales of its newer BlackBerry 10
devices are in retreat and the company
has whittled its focus down to the big
businesses and governments, BBM
persists as a popular messaging
platform.
BBM continues to be a popular platform
around the world, particularly in
emerging markets where cheap, older
BlackBerrys are still in demand.
Still, the delayed service for many casual
users interested in BBM may turn off
some users who had abandoned
BlackBerry to go to Apple or Android, but
were interested in reconnecting with
BBM friends.