BBM coming to Android today at 4:30 PM IST, iOS launch tomorrow

Update 2: For the latest updates on BBM availability on Android and iPhone click here.

Update: The BBM for Android launch seems to have been delayed a bit. It has been almost an hour since the scheduled time, but the app isn't yet available. The official BBM Twitter ID posted the following:

"Love the enthusiasm. Still on the way - hold tight! #BBM4ALL"

New Delhi: In a few hours from now eager users will be able to install BlackBerry's iconic BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) app on their Android devices.

BBM will be available as a free download for Android smartphones running Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean (Android 4.x) beginning at 7 AM EDT (4:30 PM IST) on September 21. BBM for iPhones running iOS 6 and iOS 7 will become available for each market on the App Store schedule of 12:01 AM local time on September 22.

Users can also download BBM by visiting www.BBM.com from their smartphone browser.

At launch, the BBM Video calling and BBM Voice calling features will not be available on BBM's Android and iPhone apps but BlackBerry says these are are planned for availability in a future version.

In an interview with IBNLive, Sunil Lalvani, managing director, BlackBerry India, said that by taking the BBM service cross-platform, the company will gain back its customers that it has lost in the past.

BBM which was previously exclusive to BlackBerry smartphones will be available as a free download in Google Play and the Apple App Store. BBM in its new versions will continue using the BBM PIN to maintain privacy, one feature that sets BBM apart from other popular communication tools such as WhatsApp.

BlackBerry had first announced its Android and iOS plans for BBM on May 14 during the launch of its Q5 smartphone.

BBM has more than 60 million monthly active customers on BlackBerry alone and this figure is expected to multiply with the popular messaging app becoming available on the two most popular mobile platforms.