This is being reported by BGR, and although not 100% confirmed is certainly interesting...
I don't normally give much time to the rumor mill stuff, but this caught my attention. According to sources, RIm may launch their popular BBM service to Android and iPhone OS. Being a Blackberry user, the possibilities of this definitely have me happy. From what has gone out so far, it seems the realistic approach is the platforms will get a basic version of the BBM app. This would likely include standard chat, profiles, group chats, and status updates. Still not real sure on the more advanced stuff like file and picture transfers, video, and location sharing. It's possible that if these are locked out, may be available on some type of a paid model.
I never thought I would see something like this happen as BBM is one of the pride and joy items RIM has, but it does make sense. There's competition on the market from third party apps like Kik, Ping Chat, WhatsApp, GTalk, and others trying to nudge into the IM market. I've personally tested most of these, and wasn't real fond of the majority of them in comparison. The UI's on most weren't very appealing or clean, they lacked features, and in some cases just didn't work right at all. I'll admit RIM has an advantage on BBM considering they've been running it for a while now so they've polished it up. Fact is, it works...and it works very well. People who use BBM love it. People who doesn't use BBM have and love it, but they won't admit it.
I hope this is a rumor that comes true. I would like there to finally be one dominant IM app that works across the board, and isn't a disappointment. It would eliminate a lot of hassle that most smartphone users experience in communicating. I personally use BBM, GTalk, and texting. Wrap this up into one package, and I'll be a happy #geek.
