BlackBerry Tries Again With BBM for iOS, Android Rollout

BlackBerry has finally resumed its rollout of BBM for iOS and Android after hitting some snags last month.

The app will be hitting Google Play and the App Store as well as select Samsung app stores on Monday, the Canadian phone maker announced today.

BlackBerry originally planned to launch BBM for iOS and Android on Sept. 21 but delayed the release after a fake version hit the Web and overwhelmed the company's network.

BlackBerry said demand for the app is "amazing." About 6 million people have signed up for information about BBM on the company's website.

"In just seven hours, about one million Android users were using the unreleased version of BBM for Android," BlackBerry wrote. "What you don't know is that more than one million people have found creative ways to 'side load' BBM on their iPhone. This is incredible."

To make for a smoother rollout this time, BlackBerry has implemented a "simple line-up system" granting access to the app on a first-come-first-serve basis. Visit BBM.com from your Android or iPhone browser and install the app. When you open it for the first time, you'll need to enter your email address to "hold your spot in line," and BlackBerry will then email you when it's your turn to start using BBM.

Those who already signed up at BBM.com can start using the app immediately, without waiting. "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," BlackBerry said.

BlackBerry first announced a free version of BBM for Android and iOS in May, and an Android beta followed in early August. Several weeks later, there were rumors that BlackBerry would spin off its BBM division into a separate business, but last month, BlackBerry said a consortium led by Fairfax Financial would acquire the company for $4.7 billion and take it private, though other firms are reportedly eyeing BlackBerry, too.

The BBM glitch was the latest black eye for BlackBerry, which also last month announced it would cut 4,500 employees, or 40 percent of its workforce.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes.

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app.

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth.

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light.

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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