After Skype, UAE telecom operators are expected to soon lift the block on BlackBerry Messenger’s Voice service, making the Z10 more equipped to take on Samsung’s S4 and Apple’s iPhone6.
BlackBerry fans in the UAE who were a disappointed lot following the blockage of the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) voice can now breathe easy. According to sources, talks are on at a very advanced level and a decision would be announced soon.
Earlier this week, Skype officially became active across the UAE ending years of ban on VoIP (Voice Over Internet protocol) calling.
The voice and video facility within the BBM service, which was initially rolled out with the beta version in the UAE became unavailable with a software update. Those using the alpha device had told ‘Emirates24l7’ that the feature, which was initially available on the handsets, was later blocked in the UAE.
BlackBerry officials had then clarified that the UAE telcos were “testing the service” and that they are in final stage of negotiations with telecom providers in the UAE.
BlackBerry had earlier said that its customers will be able to communicate through BBM Voice Chat and, on BlackBerry 10, BBM Video. In March it announced that an update has been made to BBM that adds BBM Voice support to BlackBerry OS 5 devices.
Moreover, with BBM voice and video chat enabled the Z10 would be better equipped to take on the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the yet to be announced iPhone6.
Sales staff at Gitex termed the Z10 sales as moderate with the Galaxy S3 continuing to retain the number one spot.
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