BlackBerry Messenger
(BBM)
Description
Before WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage, there was BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), which ruled as the world’s number one messaging application. BBM, for many people, went beyond just being a chatting application, especially towards the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Find out what BlackBerry is, how it works, and why people used to call it one of the best ways to communicate.
What’s BBM?
BBM was an IM application from BlackBerry Limited (previously known as Research In Motion) without cost. Initially, it was available only on BlackBerry devices and allowed users to exchange messages in real-time.
BBM communicated over the Internet rather than using SMS so there were a couple of advantages in doing this – firstly, because it used the Internet to communicate, each message sent did not incur a charge, no matter how long messages were sent back and forth, and secondly, messages travelled much faster over the internet than they would going through the cellular network. It was adored by teens, businessmen, professionals you name it.
Main features which make BBM special
BBM wasn’t simply about messaging; it carried many functionalities and enjoyable features that attracted many users to the service.
1. Real-time messaging
Messages sent over BBM were instant. This was something very novel at that time, to be able to see when your message had been sent, when it had been delivered, and when it had been read.
D meant that the message was delivered
R meant that the message was read
In reality, nobody was going to shut up about it, since it was pretty cool and novel.
2. PIN for BBM
Instead of a phone number or email address, BBM used a unique PIN. This helped keep things more private for the user since they didn’t have to give their contact information out in the open.
Many a teen considered it cool to amass friends by sharing their BBM PINs.
3. Sharing files and voice notes
Sharing voice messages, pictures, videos, and even files were the features of this application long before any other application did.
Group Chats. Users could create groups of individuals with whom to share messages. Available for small working teams, families or friend’s circles.
Status updates and pictures of yourself
Change your status, share quotes or what you were up to, pretty much like it is with WhatsApp status or Instagram stories nowadays.
The Growth of BBM
BBM was launched in August 2005 and by the end of the 2000s became de rigueur communication; tool especially for professionals using BlackBerry phones for work; besides being fast, free and fun for students and teens.
At its peak, BBM had over 60 million users worldwide. In some countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Indonesia, and the UK, BBM was more preferred than SMS and even email services.
People literally bought BlackBerry just for the purpose of using BBM because it was that popular.
The Demise of BBM
BBM was HUGE. But it got left in the dust.
iPhone and Android devices took over the market, and then it became fewer users of BlackBerry phones. And lost a considerable number of subscribers as the application became exclusive to Blackberry devices only.
2. Alternative Messaging Apps
Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage all did pretty much the same (read: often better) but were universally device agnostic and did not require a proprietary handset or PIN.
3. It’s too little too late for going cross-platform.
In 2013 BlackBerry finally brought BBM to Android and iOS. But it was already too late. The return was too late.
The Last Days of BBM
BBM ran on, under new ownership and even under a new name, BBM Enterprise (BBMe) for those using it for business. But on 31st May 2019, the curtain was officially drawn on the consumer version of BBM.
BBMe is still kicking around, although it’s only really been popular with businesses and government agencies that need to communicate securely.
What Set BBM Apart
BBM may no longer exist in its original form, but it certainly did make its mark. It revolutionized:
Read receipts
Typing indicators
Notes in voice
Group chatting, etc.
All of these functions are today’s messaging app standards. It also changed the way that people communicate over their phones.
BBM was more than an app for millions of people; it was a memory. It reminded them of a time when communication was simpler as well as more personalized with the voice on the other end.
Summary
Corresponding to the AI-written commentary, BBM achieved the status of a popular messaging app exclusive to BlackBerry devices functioning at the time.
It was all data-based and allowed you to send instant messages along with voice notes, share contacts by PIN, and upload status updates.
It had reached a maximum strength having over 60 million users.
In the end, BlackBerry Messenger is no longer there but it has changed the way messaging was done, forever. It had told us how much fun it could be to chat quickly on mobile and was a precursor to the apps one has today. Those who had used BBM will always associate a hint of nostalgia with it, and perhaps even some BBM emojis.