Samsung has partnered with BlackBerry to bring BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) to all Galaxy devices across Africa.
The messaging service will be made available through Google Play and Samsung's proprietary app store.
According to George Ferreira, VP and COO of Samsung Electronics Africa, a messaging service like BBM expands the brand's catalogue of messaging offerings and allows customers to stay connected with colleagues, friends and family.
BBM on Galaxy smartphones in Africa will allow Samsung customers access to the BBM social network, including BBM chats, multi-person chats and BBM Groups.
"BBM provides one of the best and most robust mobile messaging experiences today. BBM has always set the standard for mobile instant messaging and we are thrilled to bring this experience to Samsung customers across Africa," says Andrew Bocking, executive VP of BBM at BlackBerry. "BBM is loved by people who rely on fast, trusted messaging, along with the immediacy that our delivered and read statuses bring."
For Ferreira, the move is about striking a balance between developing hi-tech smartphones and creating sustainable ecosystems that support consumer needs. "Value-added services are considered a prerequisite in the fast-paced, challenging environment that exists today, and as a result, we will continue to drive innovation through our smart hub functionalities to ensure our consumers have the choice which they desire," concludes Ferreira.
The companies plan to rollout a joint marketing strategy to showcase BBM for Android to mobile users across Africa. At launch, the app will be available at no cost. Neither Samsung nor BlackBerry has given a clear indication of when the application will be released.
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