BlackBerry has announced today that they’ve struck a deal with LG to preload BBM on some upcoming Android smartphones. The first device that will feature the messaging app is the LG G Pro Lite, which is sold “in markets around the world.” No word on LG Canada adopting this strategy; it seems to be more directed to emerging markets.
Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President for BBM at BlackBerry, said, “People across the globe are using BBM to connect with each other and the enthusiasm has been phenomenal. We’re extremely pleased that LG Electronics will help bring their customers a more seamless experience with BBM by preloading the app, starting with the G Pro Lite in key markets.”
According to the latest stats on Google Play, BBM has over 10 million downloads and has over 80 million users worldwide. The app itself is available to those who have OS 4.0 or higher and brings the ability to send quick messages (individual or group), plus share pictures, calendar events and files. Future upgrades for both BBM for Android and iOS will bring BBM Channels, BBM Voice and Video calling.
Update: As expected, no future rollout of BBM coming pre-loaded on LG Android phones in Canada. We reached out to BlackBerry and they stated in an email to us that “LG is making the in-country availability decisions, and at this time, there are no plans to make BBM available via a preload in Canada. However, LG users can still download BBM for free from Android app stores.”
Source: BlackBerry
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