BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) 6 has Social Platform features that enables third party apps to integrate their service with BBM statuses. Yahoo! Koprol two days ago announced that Koprol service has been integrated with BlackBerry platform (can be downloaded on App World), so that it can be connected to BlackBerry Messenger. However, users should use BBM 6 app on devices with at least OS5 installed. Previously, other local services like Menoo! has implement this integration, even it got recognition from RIM as the runner up on BlackBerry Partners Fund developer Challenge.
Once more, Koprol implements the newest feature on BlackBerry platform after they release its native app for this platform. Koprol tries to not neglect the reality that BlackBerry still dominates smartphone market in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Koprol for Java (J2ME) and Android platform have been available but they haven’t release native app for iOS.
With the integration of those two apps, Koprol users on BlackBerry can easily do these things:
- Change Koprol avatar with BBM avatar
- Change BBM status instantly from Koprol
- Simplicity to invite friends on BBM contact to download Koprol
- Communicate via BBM on Koprol with nearby users without registering BBM PIN
According to the press release, both Pontus and Satya Witoelar from Yahoo! agree that BBM6 integration is the strategic step for Koprol because of the easiness and social element offered. To increase the participation of BlackBerry users to use this feature, Koprol creates a contest which pushes us to invite friends on BBM contact to download Koprol. There are many BlackBerry phones prepared as the prizes.
In my opinion, the way Koprol increase the integration with BBM Social Platform is the right step to acquire more BlackBerry users to use Koprol. The problem is whether this kind of feature makes people to feel comfortable, visit Koprol on their BlackBerry as often as they use it for sending BBM, also accessing Facebook and Twitter.
Besides, although BBM Social Platform is available for OS5 – who has the most users – I tend to believe that this new feature will be optimally used with OS6 and next version’s users. OS6 (and the next version) are prepared to be more social with more interesting appearance, including the better hardware function.
Anyway, I am waiting for the comment from BlackBerry users who already tried the new Koprol version and its integration on BlackBerry.