Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
What is superior about BBM to iPhone's SMS, aside from needing a text plan?

Preference aside, you sound like you never used one. BBM is proprietary to blackberrys and it shows when others are typing and shows when you message is read. 2 advantages that sms does not have.
 
I haven't used it, nor seen it. But everything I've ever seen on a BlackBerry has the UI of a 1990 nintendo game, so I can't imagine it looks better than iPhone's SMS. Further, with iPhone SMS the message is instant and it keeps track of your conversations.

If you're telling me that an ugly UI slapped on top of a proprietary BlackBerry to BlackBerry texting service which tells you when the other person is typing and gives you message status updates is what BBM essentially is, then I have to wonder why I keep reading idiotic threads where people are bemoaning the lack of a BBM analogue on the iPhone.

Those are really the two only things BBM has over iPhone SMS?
 
I haven't used it, nor seen it. But everything I've ever seen on a BlackBerry has the UI of a 1990 nintendo game, so I can't imagine it looks better than iPhone's SMS. Further, with iPhone SMS the message is instant and it keeps track of your conversations.

If you're telling me that an ugly UI slapped on top of a proprietary BlackBerry to BlackBerry texting service which tells you when the other person is typing and gives you message status updates is what BBM essentially is, then I have to wonder why I keep reading idiotic threads where people are bemoaning the lack of a BBM analogue on the iPhone.

Those are really the two only things BBM has over iPhone SMS?

1. Use a blackberry for a month. 2. Come back to this thread. 3. Try again at actually make an educated response.

It's obvious you've never used the service.
 
So i'm late to the party, but this is not real right? Would be cool if it's done right though, aka FREE and simple.
 
1. Use a blackberry for a month. 2. Come back to this thread. 3. Try again at actually make an educated response.

It's obvious you've never used the service.

It should be obvious, since I stated it twice. Good work detective.

Why don't you explain what it is that makes BBM so far superior a texting service than iPhone's SMS instead of showing everyone how you can't read?

I'm not being a smart ass. I genuinely want to know. I don't own a BlackBerry and don't plan on it, but I'm curious why there is such a mass clamoring for a similar service. I'm fairly sure all the attention to BBM isn't warranted, but you haven't done anything to prove your point.
 
It should be obvious, since I stated it twice. Good work.

Why don't you explain what it is that makes BBM so far superior a texting service than iPhone's SMS instead of showing everyone how you can't read?

I'm not being a smart ass. I genuinely want to know. I don't own a BlackBerry and don't plan on it, but I'm curious why there is such a mass clamoring for a similar service.

I already have on numerous other threads but I'll save you time searching...

Because being on an IM messenger or SMSing is completely different. To chat with someone on AIM, GChat, Yahoo etc., the user has to be knowingly logged into the service on their phone and has to make sure they remain logged in. What's great about BBM is that any user who has a Blackberry is ALWAYS logged in and you can ALWAYS communicate with them this way. It also tells the person who sent a message if it was received and if it was read by the user! The messages are also sent over the data network instead of using an SMS plan (faster/cheaper/and can also send over wifi if you don't have service). You are also able to do group conversations and it's easier to IM from a buddy list then to have to search your contacts every time. Anyone who says to use an IM client or SMS as an alternative simply hasn't used BBM b/c it's definitely not a substitute. In fact, the #1 reason most of my friends won't switch to an iPhone is b/c it lacks BBM.
 
Also, sending pics/videos are much faster over bbm (bc it uses the data network) and you can even record a voicenote right from the program and have it send instantly. You can also send other files (pdfs, office documents etc.) that MMS doesn't even support.
 
I already have on numerous other threads but I'll save you time searching...

Because being on an IM messenger or SMSing is completely different. To chat with someone on AIM, GChat, Yahoo etc., the user has to be knowingly logged into the service on their phone and has to make sure they remain logged in. What's great about BBM is that any user who has a Blackberry is ALWAYS logged in and you can ALWAYS communicate with them this way. It also tells the person who sent a message if it was received and if it was read by the user! The messages are also sent over the data network instead of using an SMS plan (faster/cheaper/and can also send over wifi if you don't have service). You are also able to do group conversations and it's easier to IM from a buddy list then to have to search your contacts every time. Anyone who says to use an IM client or SMS as an alternative simply hasn't used BBM b/c it's definitely not a substitute. In fact, the #1 reason most of my friends won't switch to an iPhone is b/c it lacks BBM.


Why are you comparing BBM to AIM and GChat when I'm not? I'm comparing it to iPhone SMS.

How is this "always on" any different from iPhone texting? Your "buddy list" is your contacts. You don't have to be "logged in" or wonder if anyone else is logged in.

So yes, what you said is that the only advantages BBM has is that you don't need a texting plan, you know when the other person is typing, you can read the status of your messages, and that you can send messages over wifi (provided you have a BB that has a wifi card.)

I agree, I would like free texting from AT&T. But BBM doesn't have so much else over iPhone SMS to warrant all of these stupid threads, it seems. I mean, really. Message status? See when the other person is typing?

Yawn.
 
Why are you comparing BBM to AIM and GChat when I'm not? I'm comparing it to iPhone SMS.

How is this "always on" any different from iPhone texting? Your "buddy list" is your contacts. You don't have to be "logged in" or wonder if anyone else is logged in.

So yes, what you said is that the only advantages BBM has is that you don't need a texting plan, you know when the other person is typing, you can read the status of your messages, and that you can send messages over wifi (provided you have a BB that has a wifi card.)

I agree, I would like free texting from AT&T. But BBM doesn't have so much else over iPhone SMS to warrant all of these stupid threads, it seems. I mean, really. Message status? See when the other person is typing?

Yawn.

I'm comparing it to IM clients b/c thats the other "substitute" that people use for BBM and I'm not only talking to you on this thread. You might not think a BBM type app warrants all these thread but explain to me why there are hundreds of thousands of blackberry users who prefer bbm to SMS. How come when I had a blackberry I never used SMS to message ANY of my friends who also had a blackberry? Not only is there greater functionality (mentioned above) and ease of use but the speed at which you send a message is greatly increased by the user interface.
 
I dont think this is possible. This is using blackberrys server and blackberry PIN #'s unique to each blackberry which is used when buying apps and bbm. How do you plan of getting permission from blackberry to do this.

I call BS.
 
iPhone SMS > BBM any day of the week.

I disagree, I have a Bold 9000 and the speeds in which text and pictures are sent through BBM are phenomenal. SMS works through (slow) carrier data and BBM works with RIM servers and deliver messages and pics at an incredible fast speeds. If apple could jump on something similar it would take the iPhine to another level. Something to think about for the next gen iPhone.
 
i mean you guys keep arguing about the same things. it has nothing to do with free or not because most of us will always maintain our unlimited text plans, it has to do with simplicity and ease of use. Having bbm is almost like being in some kind of society, everywhere i go i hear "let me get your pin." BBM is a lot easier than any other text messaging or IM program and as many people have said, if you disagree then you either havent used it or are a real fanboy.
 
The ONLY reason most of my friends won't switch to the iPhone from their Blackberries is b/c of BBM. Anyone who says SMS or IM clients are the same thing simply hasn't used it (or hasn't had any friends who used it). A program like this would be a HUGE asset for Apple but I agree that it should run in the background.

I agree. A BBM life feature on the iPhone would be a big plus.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.