Report: Blackberry Messenger due for Android, iOS

Research in Motion is planning on porting its Blackberry Messenger Service to both the Android OS and eventually the Apple iOS platform as well, a report claimed Thursday.

Citing multiple sources within RIM, Boy Genius Report claimed that the software which may end up launching on the other platforms will be a de-featured version that could lack the ability to share multimedia files, BGR said.

“According to our sources, RIM has not yet finalized details surrounding timing or pricing, but we have heard that the company might make the software free to all users,” BGR claimed. “We’re also told strategy is still being developed, however, and RIM may end up charging users a one-time fee or even a recurring fee for access to its BBM service on third-party platforms.”

BGR claimed that RIM is making the choice to port the software because of frustration that it is being passed by other instant-message apps on the two other platforms, which are eliminating RIM’s ability to own the category. It’s unclear, however, whether eliminating those multimedia capabilities will achieve this.

[RELATED_ARTICLE]Although unknown on other platforms, BlackBerry Messenger has gained a cult following within BlackBerry enthusiasts. The service essentially allows free texting to other BlackBerry Messenger users, and users have been especially excited about the about BBM’s ability to let a user know when a message has been read and as it is being replied to.

BGR reported that BBM for both platforms will launch this year. So far, RIM has not commented on the report.