The company's new firm would be known as BBM Inc., according to a recent report. The move would put the app in direct competition with WhatsApp. August 27, 2013 8:56 AM PDT BlackBerry might decide to spin off one of its divisions, according to a new report. BlackBerry is trying to determine whether it should spin off its BlackBerry Messenger service into its own company, the Wall Street Journal is reporting on Tuesday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of its plans. The newly formed company would be known as BBM Inc., according to the Journal's sources. Since its inception, BlackBerry Messenger has been one of the favorite platforms for BlackBerry users. The app allows users to instant-message with other BlackBerry users without paying text-messaging fees. Although BlackBerry devices have lost their popularity, BBM has still remained a popular messaging option. Related stories Samsung Galaxy phones to get BlackBerry Messenger 'soon' Sprint's BlackBerry Q10 arrives Aug. 30 for $200 Canadian government has 'close eye' on BlackBerry BlackBerry's encryption patents could be its saving grace Camera quick draw: Which smartphone is fastest for photos? If BBM Inc. is formed, it won't be long before the messaging service is expanded to other platforms, according to the Journal. In fact, a working version of BBM that can work across several platforms was built over a year ago, according to the Journal's sources. A desktop version is also running internally at BlackBerry. The possible BBM spinoff comes after BlackBerry announced that it has appointed a special committee to explore "strategic alternatives" for its ailing option. BlackBerry claims to be open to any and all options, including selling its operation to another firm. So far, however, no plans have been announced. CNET has contacted BlackBerry for comment on the Journal's report. We will update this story when we have more information.
The company's new firm would be known as BBM Inc., according to a recent report. The move would put the app in direct competition with WhatsApp.
BlackBerry might decide to spin off one of its divisions, according to a new report.
BlackBerry is trying to determine whether it should spin off its BlackBerry Messenger service into its own company, the Wall Street Journal is reporting on Tuesday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of its plans. The newly formed company would be known as BBM Inc., according to the Journal's sources.
Since its inception, BlackBerry Messenger has been one of the favorite platforms for BlackBerry users. The app allows users to instant-message with other BlackBerry users without paying text-messaging fees. Although BlackBerry devices have lost their popularity, BBM has still remained a popular messaging option.
Related stories
- Samsung Galaxy phones to get BlackBerry Messenger 'soon'
- Sprint's BlackBerry Q10 arrives Aug. 30 for $200
- Canadian government has 'close eye' on BlackBerry
- BlackBerry's encryption patents could be its saving grace
- Camera quick draw: Which smartphone is fastest for photos?
If BBM Inc. is formed, it won't be long before the messaging service is expanded to other platforms, according to the Journal. In fact, a working version of BBM that can work across several platforms was built over a year ago, according to the Journal's sources. A desktop version is also running internally at BlackBerry.
The possible BBM spinoff comes after BlackBerry announced that it has appointed a special committee to explore "strategic alternatives" for its ailing option. BlackBerry claims to be open to any and all options, including selling its operation to another firm. So far, however, no plans have been announced.
CNET has contacted BlackBerry for comment on the Journal's report. We will update this story when we have more information.
