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BlackBerry can’t seem to catch a break.
The company was set to release its long-awaited BlackBerry Messenger client for Android and iOS devices this past weekend, but a little monkey wrench curtailed those plans.
An apparently unreleased version of the BBM app for Android was leaked online before BlackBerry could get the official one out. That unofficial app won over more than 1.1 million users in just its first eight hours. But that app “caused issues,” BlackBerry said on Saturday, which the company said it has tried to resolve.
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A version of BBM for iOS also launched in certain countries, such as India and Malaysia. But as a result of these premature versions, BlackBerry said it is “pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone.”
People who’ve already downloaded BBM for the iPhone can continue to use it. But the company said it’s pulling the unreleased Android app and advises Android users to visit its BBM Web site for updates on Android availability. Customers can also follow BlackBerry’s BBM Twitter feed.
“Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it’s ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM,” BlackBerry added. “As soon as we are able, we will begin a staggered country roll-out of BBM for Android and continue the roll-out of BBM for iPhone.”
Blackberry announced last Friday that it expects to lose $950 million to $995 million in the fiscal second quarter. The company plans to cut 4,500 jobs as it shifts its focus to the “prosumer” market, a move that includes reducing its smartphone lineup from six devices to four: two high-end devices and two more-affordable models.
