BlackBerry to offer BBM as standalone app for iOS and Android this summer

Too little too late really. With the rise of WhatsApp I don't think there will be any need for this.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/14/blackberrytbbm-standalone-app-ios-and/

Chat apps now more popular than SMS worldwide

Certainly find Whatsapp ideal for group chats and a less messy way of knowing the recipient has received the message (1 tick next to the message means it sent, two and they have received).

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57581830-94/chat-apps-now-more-popular-than-sms-worldwide/