Before WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, there was BlackBerry Messenger. Or BBM as it was known. For 14 years, BBM was the message platform of choice across the planet, but BlackBerry have now confirmed that the service will be closing on May 31 2019 for consumers.
“The technology industry… is very fluid, and in spite of our substantial efforts, users have moved on to other platforms, while new users proved difficult to sign on,” explains current developer Emtek in a blog post.
If you’re one of those folks still using BBM then you need to download any photos, videos or other files you’ve shared on the service and want to keep before May 31 or you’ll lose them forever. From May 31 the BBM apps will stop working and you won’t be able to view any more of your conversations. Emtek has put up a FAQ page if you have any questions.
BBM will bring back fond memories to many users, after all, it’s been around since 2005, but it was never able to quite keep up with the mass-market disruption from the likes of WhatsApp and other messaging services.
We poured our hearts into making this a reality, and we are proud of what we have built to date.
The technology industry however, is very fluid, and in spite of our substantial efforts, users have moved on to other platforms, while new users proved difficult to sign on.
Emtek say in their blog post “Though we are sad to say goodbye, the time has come to sunset the BBM consumer service, and for us to move on.”
“We are grateful for your support and wish to thank everyone, especially our users, partners, and employees, for being part of the BBM consumer service journey.”
“We hope you will cherish many fond memories of BBM consumer service that helped shape messenger platforms to become what they are today.”
If you’re still desperate to use BBM, BlackBerry Limited (who own the rights to the business version of BBM) have said that BBM Enterprise will be available on iOS and Android, free for a year and then $2.49 per year after that.
Subscribe for mobile news, tips and exclusive offers straight in your inbox
Head to directmobiles.co.uk for the best smartphone and SIM only deals
Visit our YouTube channel Direct Mobiles TV for the latest smartphone reviews
Follow us and never miss an update…
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/directmobilesuk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DirectMobilesUK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directmobiles/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/direct-mobiles-uk/
The DMob Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mTrNvRCXWWnkGilycRL7s
Amazon Alexa: Just say “Alexa, enable Direct Mobiles” or https://amzn.to/2HiksLD
