Blackberry unveiled its new Internet of Things (IoT) platform at CES in Las Vegas. The company said that the new platform will be able to power new applications and devices such as the Nanthealth HBox, a portable medical data device built on top of the QNX platform that securely collects data from wireless-equipped medical devices and sensors. Blackberry said that its secure network on the platform currently handles 35 petabytes of data per month. The IoT platform will initially be targeted at helping companies in the logistics, auto and healthcare industries to build applications such as asset tracking, connected cars, or the HBox.
Blackberry gave some user information for its BBM messaging app, saying the app recorded 140 million new registered users for iPhone and Android last year, leading to 185 percent growth in that group in the year. Around 70 percent of monthly active users are on BBM every day, with around 150,000 BBM Voice calls placed every day. The company noted that 1 million BBM Channels are used by brands and individual users to reach followers. Brands include eBay, Amazon and Indonesian e-tailer, and Qoo10. There are 300 million stickers sent per month via BBM, 175 million visits to the BBM Shop per month, and 400 million ad requests per day. Enterprise customers are also showing interest in the secure version of BBM, called BBM Protected, and the business-grade BBM Meetings version. Around 260 companies are evaluating BBM Protected, launched this summer, and 50 companies are evaluating BBM Meetings, launched two months ago.
Blackberry added that it has launched a new version of its BBM messaging app, called BBM for Android Wear. With the app, wearable users can receive notification of a message, see who it is from and read it, and then perform more BBM functions. Blackberry said the version is its first step to support cross-platform technology. The version will be available soon.
The manufacturer also announced pricing and the coming availability of its BlackBerry Classic and Passport smartphones in the US with AT&T. The BlackBerry Passport and Classic will cost USD 199 and USD 49.99, respectively, when signing two year contracts. Customers can pay less by joining AT&T Next financing programmes.
