WhatsApp Messenger Officially Arrives on BlackBerry 10: An Alternative to BBM?

BlackBerry 10 operating system was launched with over 70,000 third-party applications available straight away. The app list did include some high profile apps including the popular messaging application WhatsApp. Last month, there was news about the app for the new platform, being in the works. The app is now available for free download at the BlackBerry World store. The app does give Z10 owners an open alternative to the BlackBerry Messenger service.

Martyn Mallick, Vice President of Global Alliances and Business Development at BlackBerry said "WhatsApp is a leading mobile messaging app that connects people to their contacts on several platforms, and we are pleased to work with WhatsApp to bring their service to our customers".

Unlike a few other apps, WhatsApp for BlackBerry 10 is designed as a native application The app will fully utilize the multitasking capabilities of the new hardware.

WhatsApp will come with real-time push notifications, which can be displayed, even when the device is not unlocked.

Whatsapp will come fully integrated with BlackBerry contacts. Meaning, when the user launches the app for the first time, it will automatically scan the contact directory and extract contacts.

Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp said "BlackBerry has been a great platform for WhatsApp for many years,"

"Delivering WhatsApp on BlackBerry 10 devices is in line with our goals of ensuring that our customers around the world can continue to communicate with the most important people in their lives." He added.