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BlackBerry released on Friday an update for the BlackBerry Messenger app, specifically for iOS devices. However, the move would not necessarily boost BBM users substantially from the current 80 million.

When the embattled Canadian phonemaker released in October the free BBM app for iOS and Android phones, there were 20 million downloads of the app, boosting the number of downloads to 80 million.

However, since the Friday release is only an update for Apple devices mainly, the Waterloo, Ontario-based tech firm would need a wider base to match rival WhatsApp which has 200 million global users.

The Friday update is for WiFi0only iOS gadgets such as the iPad and iPod touch. Among the problems that the update fixed are missing BBM contact names and language support.

YouTube/Qbking77 (Tim Schofield)

It would also benefit Android users who have previously complained that BBM drains their battery juice very fast. The update also allows people to share the BBM PIN barcode on social networks.

Since young users appreciate the messaging service of BBM on devices other than BlackBerry smartphones, by expanding the use of the app to WiFi-only devices would also make these gadgets alternative yearend holiday gifts for parents who want to give their kids Apple software but don't want to buy iPhones with expensive monthly plans.

It would also create some market for the low-cost BlackBerry 7 phones on prepaid plans. By offering it with bundled BBM access, the handset could also become an affordable holiday gift, although it is not expected also to substantially reduce BlackBerry's huge inventory of smartphones that the iOS and Android generations don't want to be seen using.

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