Facebook Messenger, the stand-alone Facebook Chat application which allows you to chat with other Facebook users, is now available for the BlackBerry. Facebook Messenger for BlackBerry provides the same functionality as the official Facebook for BlackBerry app, which includes Facebook Chat, but, without all the other Facebook stuff.
Facebook Messenger for BlackBerry features:
- Reach friends right on their phones
Now you can send messages directly to your friends on their mobile phones, so you stay in touch no matter where you go. Message friends or anyone in your mobile contacts.
- Get and send messages fast
With the new standalone Messenger app, now messaging with friends is faster than ever. Messages are delivered instantly, and they’re always just a click away.
- Make plans with groups on the go
Group conversations make it easy to message everyone at once and see where your friends are. Don’t want to share your location? Turn it off with one click.
Download Facebook Messenger for BlackBerry
Research in Motion has announced via the BlackBerry Knowledge Base that the official ICQ for BlackBerry IM client is being discontinued as of December 4th.
As of December 4th, 2010, BlackBerry smartphone users will not be able to download or use the ICQ for BlackBerry smartphones application. Users of this application will receive an error message if they attempt to use the application as of this date.
RIM didn’t give a reason as to why they’ve discontinued ICQ for BlackBerry. Personally, I cannot think of anyone who uses IQC, however, I’ve heard that it is still pretty big internationally.
Research in Motion pulling Kik Messenger from BlackBerry App World appears to have been a much bigger deal than we had initially thought. Not two weeks ago, RIM pulled Kik Messenger from BlackBerry App World vaguely stating that they became aware of a number of issues and customer concerns regarding the Kik app and service. RIM, this past Friday, however, disabled all “Push” access to existing Kik users and has removed Kik access to the BlackBerry Software Development Kit and Signing Keys, essentially disabling all future Kik Messenger development on the the BlackBerry platform.
RIM released this official statement as to why they seem to have severed their relationship with Kik.
RIM became aware of a number of issues and customer concerns regarding the Kik app and service. Following discussions with Kik, the app was removed from BlackBerry App World on November 12. Upon further investigation, RIM concluded that Kik had breached contractual obligations. Based on the broad scope and seriousness of the issues and concerns, RIM terminated its agreements with Kik and withdrew RIM’s support for Kik’s service.
It doesn’t appear that Kik Messenger is coming back to the BlackBerry any time soon…
[Via BGR]
I figured that Research in Motion’s decision to pull Kik Messenger from BlackBerry App World had more to do with Kik than it had to do with RIM. It looks like this actually may have been the case…
RIM became aware of a number of issues and customer concerns regarding the Kik app and service and, following discussions with Kik, the app was removed from BlackBerry App World. RIM is actively reviewing the issues and potential resolutions, and is also continuing its discussions with Kik.
Like I said before, RIM pulling Kik Messenger from BlackBerry App World really isnt’ that big a deal…
[Via Engadget Mobile]
I’ve read several posts today that seem to be making a mountain out of mole hill when it comes to Kik Messenger being pulled from BlackBerry App World. For those not familiar with Kik Messenger, it is a cross platform IM client that has seen ridiculous growth over the past couple of weeks. Last Friday, RIM informed Kik that Kik Messenger would no longer be available for download on BlackBerry App World and that the couldn’t really reason cite the reason why. Not giving a reason was kind of stupid on RIM’s part, but, everyone is jumping to a huge conclusion that the reason was because RIM sees Kik as a threat to BBM.
That might be true if it weren’t for the fact that Kik, or anyone for that matter, can host whatever BlackBerry software they want on their own server and allow users to download it until their heart is content. Unlike on the iPhone and Windows Phone 7 devices, every BlackBerry is capable of downloading and installing BlackBerry software directly from the web. As a matter of fact, I believe that most BlackBerry software is still download from places other than BlackBerry App World (although the trend is changing).
The fact that Kik hasn’t yet allowed BlackBerry users to download Kik Messenger directly from their site tells me that RIM’s halt of Kik Messenger for BlackBerry downloads from BlackBerry App World might have more to do with Kik Messenger than it does to do with whether RIM thinks that it is a threat to BBM…
Research in Motion has rolled out updates to their official IM clients for Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger, AIM, and ICQ. You can download version 2.5.69 of each of these clients from the links below…
Meebo, a multiple social network / cross platform instant messaging service has launched a client specifically for BlackBerry. “It’s fast, it’s free, and it’s just plain nice to look at. Available now for touch-screen and trackball models.”
Meebo gives you the easiest, most open and most “right there where you want it” way to share on the web.
Integrating all social networks and communications channels into a single, simple-to-use solution, Meebo enables users to easily share content and communicate in real time with the people who matter to them.
Meebo is a free BlackBerry Download and you can pick it up at the link below…
Download Meebo for BlackBerry