Software : Rumour: BlackBerry Messenger app coming to Android and iOS

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Rumour: BlackBerry Messenger app coming to Android and iOS Posted: 03 Mar 2011 07:15 AM PST The jewel in RIM's crown, BlackBerry Messenger, may be making its way to multiple mobile phone platforms, including Android and iOS. The rumour comes via BGR, which reports that multiple trusted sources have told it that a BlackBerry Messenger app will first be available on Android before making its way to Apple's iOS. Further details are few and far between – there's no indication yet of timescales or pricing, although the sources are apparently 'confident' that BBM will launch on Android 'some time this year'. Instant messaging, BlackBerry style It seems that Android gets to go first because the open platform is much easier to integrate the service into; the restrictive iOS will be more of a challenge. BlackBerry users currently get BBM free on their handsets, but Android or iOS users may be charged a fee, be it one-time or recurring. The app may offer a stripped-down version of BBM , which would still allow users to chat with friends but would restrict sharing media or location information; for the full, all-singing all dancing BBM, you'd need to have a BlackBerry handset. Brilliant move or misguided suicide mission? Apparently RIM reckons it can own the messaging app category and show new users the potential of a BlackBerry handset in one foul swoop; but on the other hand, the company could simply be giving away its best asset.

Amazon Appstore will go cross-platform Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:42 AM PST Amazon's yet to launch third-party app store, known as the Amazon Appstore, will not be limited to the Android OS, a spokesperson has confirmed. Speaking to Mobile-Device.biz, Aaron Rubenson, leader of the Appstore project, said that the market will eventually cater to users on numerous operating systems. He said, "Our goal is to provide a vast selection to customers from multiple operating systems. Although the store will feature Android apps at launch, we will evaluate opportunities to expand our selection on an ongoing basis." Recommendation engine The Amazon Appstore is also aiming to make finding good apps a darn sight easier than on handset storefronts. It will use Amazon's recommendations engine to send users off on a path of app discovery, using familiar Amazon features like "People Who Bought This Also Bought". But whether or not it can ever make it to all-encompassing one-stop app shop will depend on its ability to add apps from more closed-off operating systems, like iOS. No one is really sure when the Amazon Appstore will officially launch, although rumours suggest the US will get it later this month. Hopefully the UK will soon follow suit.

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