Earlier this year, BlackBerry promised BlackBerry Messenger for iOS 6 and Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). BlackBerry is currently testing the Android BBM app in Beta which hopefully means the final versions will be out soon which could be before the end of summer.
On July 27 notices went out to possible testers registered in BlackBerry's Beta Zone for testers with iOS 6 or Android 4.0 devices.
Engadget contacted BlackBerry and was informed that BlackBerry employees invited friends and family to participate in BBM Beta. All beta testing slots are now full.
BBM offers mobile messaging with delivered and read statuses as well as personalized profiles and avatars. Upon release, BBM customers would be able to broaden their connections to include connections on Android and iPhones.
iOS and Android users can participate in BBM chats, including multi-person chats, as well as the ability to share photos and voice notes, and engage in BBM Groups, which allows BBM customers to create groups of up to 30 people.
BBM offers users control and privacy over who they add to their contact list and how they engage with them, as invites are two-way opt-in. iOS and Android users would be able to add their contacts through PIN, email, SMS or QR code scan, regardless of platform. Android users would also be able to connect using a compatible NFC-capable device.
BBM Channels is a new social engagement platform within BBM that allows customers to connect with the businesses, brands, celebrities and groups they are passionate about. BlackBerry plans to add support for BBM Channels as well as voice and video chatting for iOS and Android later this year, subject to approval by the Apple App Store and Google Play.