Whether it will compete with WhatsApp is something we don't know. Whether it will become the new messaging giant is something that is still to be determined. But it has real potential To do so is not something to doubt, but something we can be sure of. 10 million Android users They already attest to this. We don't know how many of them have deleted or stopped using the app, but at the very least, BBM is expanding.
The Android app is getting a increasing number of users. This means, at the very least, that there are many users interested in this app and, therefore, looking for an alternative to WhatsApp. And it's not just about downloads, as the number of positive ratings and the score of 4,2 5 stars The number of possible stars the app has shows that users are considering the app to be high-quality. This afternoon we said that 40% of the opinions could have been purchased. But even if this is true, we are talking about a considerable amount of real positive reviews about the application.
There is no longer a waiting list to use BBM
Although at first we criticized that the application came with a waiting list For users who wanted to start using the app, which involved having to wait to receive an activation email before accessing the system, the truth is that this system has not taken too long to disappear. All users who want can get their BBM account with just Download the app and run it, without having to wait a few days. This system was used by BlackBerry to prevent the servers will crash the first few hours, but now they no longer consider it necessary.
In any case, BBM has started a very complicated race, trying to beat WhatsApp as the best messaging app of the market. It doesn't seem easy, but it was probably one of the few companies that could set it as a goal and that had the experience to get it..
BBM vs. WhatsApp: Key Differences That Matter
Message indicators: BBM maintains its classic scheme with D (delivered) y R (read), a clear language to know the status of each message. WhatsApp shows sending and reading indicators that can be conditioned by privacy configured by each user. For those who value certainty, the D/R combination remains a simple and precise reference.
Identity Privacy: On BBM you identify with a PIN, not with your phone number. This allows you to share your contact information without exposing personal data and accept each new connection via invitationOn WhatsApp, the account is associated with the number, making it easy for anyone with your phone to start a conversation.
Groups and collaboration: Both support group chats, but BBM adds features geared towards productivity like share calendar events y tasks editable by participants. Additionally, in BBM groups, joining is managed with a PIN/invitation, strengthening control over who has access.
Share files: BBM allows sending all kinds of files In individual conversations, and in groups, share images alongside collaborative elements (albums, events, tasks). WhatsApp prioritizes the sharing of more common photos, videos, and documents, with a more social focus.
Status and visibility: In BBM you can set statuses like Available u Busy and even resort to PING to attract attention with vibration/sound. WhatsApp boosts social visibility (photo, info, recent connections) with adjustable privacy options.
Security, control and trust
BBM was born with business DNA and it shows: the platform prioritizes to maximise security and your enjoyment. y granular management of contact. It doesn't expose your number, requires explicit acceptance, and offers tools historically valued by professional teams. This approach has been endorsed by its use in corporate and government environments, where transport reliability and data protection are critical.
Beyond the infrastructure, BBM incorporates layers of active privacy: messages with expiration for sensitive conversations, possibility of check if the receiver can save certain photos and measures that reduce the trace outside the chat. For those seeking more private conversations, these features make a tangible difference.
Features that add to your daily life
Calls and video calls: BBM includes voice and video options on supported platforms, ideal for scaling from chat to seamless conversation without switching apps. On the media side, sending and receiving viewing photos and videos have been gaining polish, with chat galleries and continuous improvements to the sharing flow.
Efficient messaging: BBM makes it easy forward messages between chats when you need it, and offers themed channels and social features (like BBM Channels) that extend the conversation to communities and brands without sacrificing control of your identity.
Compatibility and notifications: the app adapts to the recent versions of Android and adds practical details such as the selective silence of groups, designed for those who participate in multiple conversations without wanting to saturate their alerts.
Performance and consumption
One of the historical virtues of BBM is its efficiency. Its messaging architecture optimizes traffic so that the terminal consume less battery when there is no activity, and prioritizes the use of WiFi when available. On congested mobile networks, this approach results in a more stable experience and lower power consumption, especially during intensive usage periods.
Who is BBM for and when to choose it?
The decision usually depends on your circle of contacts: If your environment already uses a majority platform, that inertia weighs. However, if you value the privacy control, PIN identity management, group collaboration tools, and an extra layer of security, BBM offers a differentiated proposition that deserves to be installed and active alongside other messaging apps.
Today, BBM competes with a clear focus: privacy, control and reliability without sacrificing modern voice, video, and multimedia features. If you're looking for messaging that minimizes your data exposure and boosts collaboration with solid performance, BBM is a worthwhile alternative.
