BlackBerry Messenger to appear on other platforms?

According to some exclusive information the folks over at BGR picked up, we’ll be seeing RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger as an app for non-BlackBerry OS devices. The move, that’s supposed to happen by the end of the year, will see BlackBerry Messenger on Android devices first, and making the move to iOS after that. Plans are still being worked out, so it hasn’t been confirmed if RIM will be offering the app for free or for a one time or recurring fee. Even though the BBM app on other platforms will be a stripped down version of the app, it looks like the main feature that was keeping BlackBerry users around might finally set them free. In the smartphone race, BlackBerry devices have been fighting a losing battle because besides BBM, other phones can all do what BlackBerry phones do and most of them do it better.  If the reports turn out to be true, RIM might be losing the main feature that keeps the BlackBerry unique. But with most users on alternative cross-platform messenger services like WhatsApp or Pingchat, it’s going to be interesting to see how well BBM can compete against them. What do you think about BBM on your Android or iOS phone? Good move by RIM? Give us your thoughts.