The much-anticipated release of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) for Android and iPhone app hit a roadblock on Saturday, as the official build of the Android app never made it to the Google Play Store. This however, did not stop a leaked build from floating around cyberspace.
The leak build quickly circulated and BlackBerry revealed that over 1.1 million new active users began using the communications service within 8 hours.
The Canadian mobile maker has blamed the leaked build for causing unspecified issues with the service, but are attempting to address these throughout the day.
BlackBerry has revealed that they will be pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone until further notice. Customers who had already downloaded BBM for iPhone will be able to continue to use BBM. For the leaked build of the Android version though, users will be out of luck. BlackBerry is disabling
BlackBerry did not quote the timeline for the release of the official BBM for Android.
Here’s the official BlackBerry statement in full:
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.
