Some might argue BBM is not an app because it comes preinstalled with the OS. That’s like saying ‘Maps’ is not an app on android or iOS (iPhone/iPad) because it is there by default. Please.
The Blackberry messenger, which is the only reason a lot of people are still using RIM’s albeit outdated handsets, is our application of the month on aIRplaY.
BBM – as it is called by many of it’s fans all over the world – is an app that lets you connect to other Blackberry users around the globe (with a data connection of course). It lets you add contacts using a set of alphanumeric characters unique to every device. Its commonly reffered to as the Blackberry Pin or BB Pin for short. – think of it like a MAC address for the Blackberry. Name, email, phone number or even pin barcode could also be used. Once the contact is added, you can begin your endless addiction to the physical qwerty keypad which is RIM’s.
You can put your contacts into different categories for organisation purposes; say you want to separate work contacts from family members. BBM allows you to create groups, join groups etc. It works just like any other messenger would – allowing you to attach files from your device, send pictures, voice notes, and even contact details across to other parties. You can change your profile picture (in this case display picture or DP. Fans), your status, and there’s room for a personal message. It also has an option that allows you to show what you are listening to so people on your contacts list can tell whenever you fire up Maroon 5’s ‘She will be loved’.
In all, BBM is just another messenger app. Some people even prefer Yahoo! Messenger to it. The major reason it is our app of the month is it’s exclusivity. For now, it is available only on Blackberry devices and it has done a pretty good job in keeping people hooked. From CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to teenagers in the middle east, BBM has found a way to keep the Blackberry a relevant player in an ever changing world of technology and innovation.
