TiPb has posted a side-by-side comparison video showing the differences between BlackBerry's BBM and Apple's new iMessage. BBM is BlackBerry's proprietary messaging system which has been seen as the inspiration for Apple's own implementation. BBM offers more user management features with groups, while iMessage offers relatively seamless SMS integration.
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Top Rated Comments
There's an option to disable read receipts for your messages so it's possible people can't see whether or not you've read it lol
I like iMessage because I need the person's phone number.. I don't need a PIN. I don't need anything from them but 1 thing.. the rest is seamless and is automated. Win for Apple with that.
minus the fact that BBM has been around since before those ever even hit phones.
LOSS for Apple actually.
BBM rely's on PIN for a reason. You either archive your PIN on a MicroSD or to their "cloud" called the NOC. Circumstances occur where your device changes or your provider is being a greedy bitch or you moved. This shouldn't affect friendships or communications. When you switch providers in a hurry your number will NOT transfer until after 24hrs minimum (you have temporary). However if you move to another area code or province/state/country ... your number is PERMANENTLY changed. If said friend forgot YOUR number ... iMessage no longer works. BBM prompts you based on your email address (not isolated to the free provider based one) and BOOM your contacts if saved to the NOC (load from MicroSD alternative) ... and ALL your friends are updated and get your new PIN automatically!!
^ THIS is the reason RIM grew so quickly in the consumer market - before adding camera's (long overdue after the 7100 shipped on T-Mobile USA), MicroSD cards, NA 3G, and better hardware designs (8800 onward; older devices looked HARRIBLE). In country's that have cultures that traditionally thrive on communication vs 'possessions' this is king.
Research kids before you knock stuff you don't fully know. Apple can learn alot from this.
iMessage will advance over time and I look forward to it on my iPhone 4/5.
Plus I'd like to say that we can't compare two messaging system where one is in beta and few messages sent (iMessage) and the other one that is used by many more users.