BBM, the mobile social network, will now be available on Android and iPhone.

Previously exclusive to BlackBerry smartphones, the BBM app will be available as a free download in Google Play and the App Store.

BBM for Android will be rolled out for smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean (Android 4.x) on September 21 and BBM for iPhones running iOS 6 and iOS 7 will be available from September 22.

BBM is a private social network for active, real conversations. Messages on BBM are typically delivered and read within seconds, so it’s the closest to a live conversation. BBM conversations come alive on a private network you can count on.

You can choose your contacts and decide how you share your information. BBM uses a PIN so you don’t have to give anyone your phone number or e-mail address.

The launch of BBM for Android is significant considering the growing popularity of the open source operating system. Together there are more than a billion Android, iOS and BlackBerry smartphones in the market.

BBM for Android, iPhone and BlackBerry includes features such as BBM chat and multiple chats that allow up to 30 friends to chat together. With Broadcast Message, you can send message out to all BBM contacts at once.

Instant file sharing allows users to share photos and voice notes. They can keep friends updated with post updates, profile picture and more. The app gives a unique PIN to every BBM user.

BBM is undergoing evolution. Later this year, BBM channels will provide a forum for active, real conversations between user and other people, brands, celebrities, artists, service providers, communities and more. This can be done by subscribing to the respective channel.

The company also plans to offer BBM video calling and BBM voice calling for availability for Android and iPhone in a future version.

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