Blackberry Launching BBM On iOS And Android This Summer

Blackberry has announced that its popular 'BBM' messaging service will be coming to iOS and Android as a free app this summer.  Long considered as one of the company's strongest exclusive features, CEO Thornston Heins announced "It's time to bring BBM to a greater audience."

This multi-platform version of BBM will be supported on Apple's hardware running iOS 6 and above, or Android devices on 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above.  Bear in mind, even though this has been announced Blackberry notes in a press release that the success of this app depends upon Apple and Google's approval.  Simply put, they're still waiting to hear back about getting BBM in their respective app catalogues.

“For BlackBerry, messaging and collaboration are inseparable from the mobile experience, and the time is definitely right for BBM to become a multi-platform mobile service," Andrew Bocking, Executive Vice President, Software Product Management and Ecosystem commented.  "BBM has always been one of the most engaging services for BlackBerry customers, enabling them to easily connect while maintaining a valued level of personal privacy. We’re excited to offer iOS and Android users the possibility to join the BBM community.”  

Do you think this is a sign of confidence or desperation from the company?