No iPad version of iOS BBM at launch, report says
The highly-anticipated software will focus on phones, it seems, with tablet owners left out in the cold.
BlackBerry's upcoming BBM app for iOS won't be getting iPad support, with a BlackBerry exec apparently confirming that the app is the exclusive preserve of iPhone owners -- at least for now.
"At this point it is iOS and Android, and that's iOS phones running iOS 6 and higher," a BlackBerry exec reportedly told Trusted Reviews, allegedly going on to say, "For us right now the absolute focus is getting BBM onto smart phones."
That's bad news for iPad owners, though it's possible that BBM will still work for Apple's tablet -- as a resized iPhone app with slightly wonky resolution. I've contacted BlackBerry for confirmation on which gadgets will be getting BBM access, and I'll let you know if I hear back.
Earlier this week, BlackBerry confirmed that its popular messaging service would be landing on rival platforms this summer, for free.
Once nestled on Android and iOS gadgets, it'll be doing battle with rival chat apps like WhatsApp and Viber. We've already pitted the three services against each other in a head-to-head clash, for your convenience.
BBM has traditionally been one of the (increasingly few) reasons to own a BlackBerry phone. Now that it's arriving on other devices, I wonder if the ailing firm has inadvertently taken that reason away.
Regardless of BlackBerry's mixed fortunes, BBM on iOS and Android will make it easier for BlackBerry owners to chat with pals who use other mobiles, which can only be a good thing.
Will you use BBM on iOS? Or are you more into WhatsApp? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.