Word has been slim on why Kik messenger is no longer available for new users. The service was really taking off as a cross platform messenger alternative to SMS. Personally I don’t understand why you wouldn’t just use Google Talk but I can see the value of a cross platform BlackBerry Messenger clone.
Rumors have been swirling around that RIM pulled Kik due to it being a competitor of BlackBerry Messenger but I doubt it. RIM actually went on record to Engadget stating that:
"RIM became aware of a number of issues and customer concerns regarding the Kik app and service and, following discussions with Kik, the app was removed from BlackBerry App World. RIM is actively reviewing the issues and potential resolutions, and is also continuing its discussions with Kik."
Chris hypothesizes that RIM was not happy about how Kik farms your address book for contacts but even that seems a bit slim. Currently we still have no idea exactly why Kik has been kicked to the curb but I have a few ideas. They may have overloaded the BIS-B infrastructure that RIM provides which is the only way to make a solid internet connection from a BlackBerry. That bandwidth is provided by RIM and I am not sure they would appreciate the influx though I cannot imagine that IM+ and other instant messengers don’t cause the same traffic load. At first I thought that RIM only pulled Kik because Kik’s own servers were being overloaded with users but that does not seem to be the case… There is still no update from Kik on their own website www.kik.com or their blog other than this post from November 12th:
Hey Kiksters – the dizzying pace of growth has caught up with us – again. The flood of new Kik users has placed an overwhelming strain on system resources, so new downloads of Kik Messenger for BlackBerry® devices have been temporarily suspended. Kik Messenger service for all existing users, including BlackBerry® users, is unaffected, as are new downloads to iPhone and Android devices.
Most of all, we offer sincere thanks to our users. We are truly honored that so many people have joined the Kik community so fast, and we’re grateful for your loyalty. If you are a BlackBerry® user seeking to download Kik, we apologize for the delay and thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you as new Kiksters as soon as possible. As you know, there’s lots more coming up at Kik. It’s been an amazing ride so far, and we’re just getting started.
– Your Kik Team
What do you think is the reason Kik was pulled?
Blackberry_Junkie ( View Profile) - Posts: