100 million Google Play downloads for BBM; messaging app gets updated

On Wednesday, BlackBerry announced that it has signed up 100 million subscribers to its BBM for Android messaging app. The company pointed out that 2.4 million of its 3.7 million reviews on Google Play (65%) are 5-stars. Can all this translate into money for BlackBerry? Considering that 1 billion stickers have been used by BBM members (most of which must be purchased from the BBM Store), it would seem that the messaging app could factor into BlackBerry's bottom line.

On Monday, BlackBerry updated its BBM for Android app to version 2.7. The new features include the ability to create a custom 6-8 digits alphanumeric PIN. This is not a freebie. You will need to pay $1.99 a month for a customized PIN. For 99 cents a month, you can purchase a version of BBM that is completely free of ads.

The update also adds BBM support for Android Wear flavored smartwatches. You can see on your watch when a new BBM message arrives. The alert will include the sender's name and a discrete preview of the message. You can read complete messages and dismiss notifications with a swipe. Messages can be responded to using Google Now, or through pre-defined responses. You can also accept BBM invitations through an Android Wear powered smartwatch without having to use a smartphone.

The update to the Android app offers new enhancements to BlackBerry Channels and offers users the ability to share pictures through group chats. Chat bubbles are now square with rounded D's and R's. You can find the update in the Google Play Store under My apps. If you haven't loaded BBM to your phone, it is a free download. The messaging app is also available for the BlackBerry, iOS and Windows Phone platforms.

source: BlackBerry