Tag: BBM

That BBM app is just a clutter in the notification drawer

October 23, 2013 / / 0 Comments

When you open the BBM settings for Android, you’ll have the following option:

bbm-settings

It means that BBM has to persistently run in the background in order for it to get going and receive new messages. This is in contrast to how other instant messaging apps like Viber, WhatsApp, and WeChat are operating, and is because BBM ignored to use the Google Cloud Messaging service.

As a result — clutter in the notification bar and notification drawer: Continue reading

BBM for Android and iOS

October 22, 2013 / / 0 Comments

bbm-messenger

BBM for Android and BBM for iPhone: Official Launch Details:

This is the news you’ve been waiting for! I am thrilled to tell you that we are about to officially resume our rollout of BBM for Android and iPhone customers around the globe! In the next few hours, people will start seeing BBM in Google Play, the App Store and in select Samsung App Stores – where it will be free to download.

The BBM server went bonkers after 7 million users signed up the first day BBM for iOS and Android went live on September 21, 2013. That’s 7 million BBM users, compared to Viber’s more than 200 million users — and still going strong. Enough said. Continue reading

iPhone vs. BlackBerry

October 3, 2011 / / 0 Comments

I own an iPhone 4 and recently — let’s just say — had a short affair with the BlackBerry Bold 9700. I know they’re not particularly the top of the line of their brands, taking into account that iPhone 5 may be announced in a couple of days.

So, this article is actually more about the hangups I had with my BlackBerry Bold 9700 experience as against that with the iPhone 4. Some points may not be applicable to other BlackBerry models like some touchscreen in the BB Torch line, but definitely some are very much relevant to all models.

First, let’s talk about what I liked about the BlackBerry:

  • Unified Inbox via the Messaging App. From Email, SMS, BBM message, Gtalk, Yahoo! Messenger, as well as Twitter and Facebook notifications — they are all there in one place. The Gtalk, YM, Twitter, and Facebook apps were developed by RIM (Research in Motion) itself, so they are seamlessly integrated into the Messaging app. The Messaging app also serves as the central notification center, which functionality is yet coming to iOS 5.
  • Longer Battery Life. As a second hand device, I still get more than two days of usage if Wifi is on (which I always use in the office and at home), and less than two days when it’s off (meaning I’m always on cellular data connection).

Quite a short list, really. Now let’s move on to where the BlackBerry is really getting into my nerves. This list is in random order, and as such may appear in whichever crosses my mind first: Continue reading

Facebook Messenger – a Free Mobile Messaging App

August 11, 2011 / / 0 Comments

Facebook has just made available a free stand-alone messaging app for your mobile phone. It will be like BlackBerry’s BBM service, or WhatsApp, or Kik, or LiveProfile, or PingChat!, but that you don’t need an additional ID, as all your contacts in Facebook will be available for messaging, may they be using the app as well, or just in any other mobile device, or the web.

Get and send messages fast

With the new standalone Messenger app, now messaging with friends is faster than ever. Messages are delivered instantly, and they’re always just a click away.

— Source

Unfortunately, it’s only available (yet!) for iOS and Android (have I already told you about the developers’ preference in developing mobile apps?), and for iOS it’s only available as of the moment in the US iTunes store. Continue reading