BlackBerry Pauses BBM Release On Android And iOS

BlackBerry have paused the global launch of its BBM app for Android and iOS because it has had too many users to deal with. Apparently the unreleased Android version of the app is to blame and as soon as the BBM servers for Android came online the service became strained. BlackBerry claim they had 1.1 million active users within the first 8 hours of the service going online – that’s before they even announced it.

BlackBerry made the following statement to address their change of plan:

“Prior to launching BBM for Android, an unreleased version of the BBM for Android app was posted online. The interest and enthusiasm we have seen already – more than 1.1 million active users in the first 8 hours without even launching the official Android app – is incredible. Consequently, this unreleased version caused issues, which we have attempted to address throughout the day.

Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it’s ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM. We are pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone. 

Customers who have already downloaded BBM for iPhone will be able to continue to use BBM. The unreleased Android app will be disabled, and customers who downloaded it should visit www.BBM.com to register for updates on official BBM for Android availability.

As soon as we are able, we will begin a staggered country roll-out of BBM for Android and continue the roll-out of BBM for iPhone. Please follow @BBM on Twitter for the latest updates and go to www.BBM.com to sign-up for updates about BBM for Android and iPhone. These issues have not impacted BBM service for BlackBerry.”

Image courtesy of Blackberry