Apple unveils iMessage to rival BlackBerry BBM

For years, BBM was the only feature BlackBerry users could boast of, dooming the iPhone's reliance on standard text messaging.

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

Integrated into the Messages app, iMessage is supposed to "bring iPhone messaging functionality to all your iOS devices - iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch," according to a PC Mag article . Users will be able to share photos, videos, messages and contact information with other iOS 5 users over Wi-Fi or 3G.

But iMessage's debut might not have made a significant impact if it hadn't included the interactive features that BBM users love.

The "delivered", "received" and "hit" indicators used in BBM have all been adopted by iMessage, giving users the same experience that has helped RIM stay competitive in the mobile industry.

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

One of the benefits of BBM is that it works using BES - BlackBerry Enterprise Server - allowing users to send messages worldwide without any additional cost.

And as Sylvie Barak writes, iMessage may not have embraced all the benefits of BBM.

“Try leaving your Apple iPhone open for a week on 3G roaming in Taiwan and see what kind of bill you get,” Barak said in an RCR Unplugged article . "Try it. I dare you. And of course it works on Wi-Fi, but whatever, Google chat too."

"For example, I've spent the last two weeks traveling through Europe and Asia, I've used BBM every day, and I don't have a penny more on my phone bill. Consider- me as a satisfied customer, RIM."