Apple unveils iMessage to rival BlackBerry’s BBM

For years, BBM has been the one feature BlackBerry users could still boast about, condemning the iPhone's reliance on standard text messaging.

But Steve Jobs was at it again, breaking the hearts of those at RIM with the unveiling of iMessage at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

Embedded into the Messages app, iMessage supposedly "brings the functionality of iPhone messaging to all of your iOS devices―iPhone, iPad and iPod touch," according to a PC Mag story. Users will be able to share photos, videos, messages and contact information to other iOS 5 users through Wi-Fi or 3G.

But the debut of iMessage might have failed to make a significant impact had it not included the interactive features that BBM users have come to love.

The "delivered," "received" and "typing" indicators used in BBM have all been adopted by iMessage, providing users with the very same experience that has helped RIM to remain competitive in the mobile industry.

It's a development that may have delivered yet another heavy blow to Research In Motion, but those deflated BlackBerry users looking to switch to an iPhone might not want to jump ship just yet.

One of the perks of BBM is that it operates using BES - BlackBerry Enterprise Server - allowing users to send messages globally without any added costs.

And as Sylvie Barak writes, iMessage may not have adopted all of the perks of BBM.

"Try leaving your Apple iPhone open while 3G roaming in Taiwan for a week and see what kind of bill you get," said Barak in a RCR Unplugged story. "Just try it. I dare you. And sure, it works on Wi-Fi, but who cares, so does Google chat."

"Case in point, I spent the last two weeks traveling across Europe and Asia, used BBM every single day and have not a cent extra on my phone bill. Count me a happy customer, RIM."