As the world awaits the release of the BBM in non-blackberry devices, Samsung has just announced a partnership with Blackberry to include the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) for Android app in its curated app store for Galaxy handsets, alongside its own ChatOn service.
The Blackberry Messenger will be come pre-installed with all Android phones manufactured by Samsung. The BBM app for Android phones is presently on a closed beta testing phase. However, Blackberry has said that the feature will be available in Samsung Apps store the day it launches officially.
In a recent discussion with ZDNet, BlackBerry’s Managing Director for South and Southern Africa, Alexandra Zagury said “We believe that BBM has the potential to become the number one messaging client around the globe,” and Samsung is the leading Android manufacturer in Africa. We think we’ve found a great partner to grow the BBM family.”
“Android is absolutely a key platform for us to grow BBM in the future.” says Zagury and she expects this initial arrangement to grow to cover other areas of collaboration between the two firms.
Zagury also confirmed that the deal is not an exclusive arrangement and that BBM for Android will also be available through Google’s Play store at the same time.
