BlackBerry Messenger for iPhone

Tito Pontilan

It is not surprising why many people want a BlackBerry Messenger for iPhone.  BlackBerry developed one of the most convenient app messenger systems among mobile device manufacturers and application developers.  The barcode system makes it easy to copy contact details from one BlackBerry device to another.  This same system, however, makes it difficult to transfer contact lists to a device of a different brand.

A rumor started, especially when Research In Motion’s stock was going down, that a BlackBerry Messenger for iPhone was in the works.  This may just be speculation.  The factor that makes most people stay with the BlackBerry are two things: their long contact lists and the way socialization is facilitated by the messenger system.  Allowing this functionality on another mobile device operating system might induce their customers buy another brand instead of upgrading newer version of what they have.

Other manufacturers are competing by developing their own messenger systems that involve the same social networking aspects inherent to a BlackBerry Messenger.  A good example is iPhone’s iMessage application which comes with its newest operating system version.  The wireless network functionality of this application is very similar to that of its competitor.  These are unlimited texting and message tracking through delivery receipts; the ability to send contact lists, locations, pictures and videos; group messaging; and of course encryption for security.  Even adapted was the limitation that only users of this platform could communicate with each other in this manner, very similar to Research in Motion’s strategy.

There are BlackBerry Messenger hacks that may be used on other mobile device operating systems.  These, however, have proven to be filled with bugs and are actually more trouble that they are worth.  The buyer is thus given a choice of which type of device suits his or her taste.  The size of their contact lists will definitely be a deciding factor.  Communicating with those using a different messenger service will have to be done through other means like text messaging or one of those messenger apps that could be run on the major operating systems (i.e. iOS, BlackBerry, and Android).