We all expected that BlackBerry Messenger, or BBM, for Android, was to be released this Saturday, but instead what was leaked was a non-final preview version of the app, which has caused problems with the launchThe BBM manager has stated that it will take a little time to fix everything, and that the app will not arrive this weekThis leak triggered a chain of technical issues and containment decisions that explain the delay, the differential treatment between platforms, and the new deployment plan.
The application was not perfect
The leaked BlackBerry Messenger app was a non-final version which was later to be released. This version had a fundamental problem, and that is that it made the transmission of data was much larger than the official app that was actually going to be released. In reality, this is normal and is a problem that they had possibly solved with the version they were going to release that same day on Google Play. However, the number of people who downloaded the unofficial app amounted to More than a million, and that forced the app's launch to be halted.
As the file spread across sharing sites, the servers received order volumes and anomalous connections per active user, which triggered unexpected resource consumption. The BlackBerry team attempted mitigate failures throughout the day, adjusting message queues, push notifications and session limits, but the growth in installations made it unfeasible to continue with the initial plan.
The official @BBM account explained that an unreleased version of BBM for Android was posted online and that this caused the issues they were trying to address. The company confirmed that those who had the iPhone app officially downloaded could continue using it, while the leaked Android edition would be disabled to cut its impact.
In the following hours a curious situation arose: while many waited for the arrival on Google Play without success, in some regions of Asia and Oceania The iPhone version was made available before its rollout was halted.
Why haven't they released it already?
Apparently the servers crash against such use of the application. And their biggest problem is that right now they can't block the use of the application to all those users who have already managed to download it. They are working to block the old application before relaunching the new one, and that is precisely what will take them some time. According to Andrew Bocking, the head of BlackBerry Messenger, the team is currently working on adjusting the system to block completely to users of the unreleased version. After this, they'll be able to launch the official version. However, as Bocking made clear, it won't be this week, so we'll have to wait at least another week until BlackBerry Messenger is fully operational and the official app is available.
BlackBerry also announced that the launch will take place as soon as possible, through a phased rollout by country. The strategy includes access control and, if necessary, a waiting list to gradually add users without overloading the system. In parallel, the leaked Android version will be deactivated, and those who installed it will have to go to BBM.com to learn the steps to follow when the official version is available.
Key BBM features coming to Android and iPhone
Beyond the delay, BBM lands with its classic proposal: each user will have a Unique PIN, which adds a layer of privacy by not having to share your phone number or email address with new contacts. It will be possible update your profile picture’s most emblematic landmarks, the Personal message and the state, instantly notifying all contacts in the Updates section.
BBM maintains its real-time messaging philosophy with delivery and read indicators, as well as one-to-one and group chats, keeping the focus on the security and control of the user's identity thanks to the PIN system.
Recommendations to avoid fake apps and scams
The delay and the expectation gave rise to the emergence fake apps with similar icons and names that redirect to ads or require payments. To minimize risks, keep in mind:
- The official name will be “BBM for Android”; be wary of variants with extra letters (e.g., duplicates) or additions such as “Free".
- The official service is Free; avoid apps that ask for money upfront.
- Verify that the developer is BlackBerry and contrast the announcement in BBM.com or on official channels.
- Do not install files from dubious sources; the leaked version will be disabled by BlackBerry.
BlackBerry Context and Strategy
The delay comes in a market dominated by WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, Viber or even Hangouts, which pushed BlackBerry to open its messaging to other platforms to gain reach. On the corporate front, the firm faced significant losses In recent exercises, he announced the elimination of around 4.500 jobs and even communicated a sales agreement with Fairfax Financial Holding valued at approximately 4.700 million, while long-standing figures like Mike Lazaridis explored alternatives with investors, according to media reports. This cross-platform move by BBM is part of a broader strategy to revalue its service base.
What you can expect in the short term
The company has insisted that its teams are working “day and night"to strengthen the infrastructure and handle similar scenarios in the future. Until the blocking of the unauthorized version is finalized and the service is stabilized, the official launch BBM for Android will not be released. Those who already have BBM on iPhone officially will be able to continue using it, and the rest will have to wait for the release on Google Play y App Store with a gradual deployment and possible access in shifts.
The launch of BBM outside of its original platform has been more complex than anticipated by the leak, but BlackBerry has outlined a clear plan: disable what was unreleased, reinforce servers, keep iPhone users active and reopen the launch of Android as soon as possible, preserving the hallmarks of the service such as PIN, privacy and real-time updates.
