We are at least six months away, if not longer, from the next Samsung Galaxy flagship, and the rumors surrounding the device have already begun. Following a report that the 2014 Samsung flagship could feature a 16MP camera with OIS,it will also could feature a metal chassis.

Samsung is planning to use a metal chassis, with plans to begin a production line by the end of this year. Apparently, a sample has been created in Europe and sent to Vietnam, where the chassis will be mass-produced. The report goes on to state that Samsung is approaching this idea with caution, and will do a lot of pre-production testing to avoid issues faced by devices using full-metal bodies, such as radio interference.

Granted, similar rumors surfaced around the same time last year as well with regards to the Samsung Galaxy S4, so we have no idea whether Samsung is actually considering a move in this direction, or whether to company will continue use a plastic body. If true, it’ll be interesting to see whether the company will continue to feature a removable battery, or go for a unibody metal design, like the HTC One, for it’s next flagship.

BlackBerry and Samsung began jointly promoting the release of BBM on Android ,things have kicked up a gear with the first wave of ads teasing the imminent launch of the messaging app for Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones.

The app will initially be launched in certain parts of Africa — presumably because it is one of the last remaining regions where BlackBerry smartphones are well-used — the ad below from Samsung Ghana.

The Reports say that the video and others have aired at football matches and other public events. The video contains no sound nor does it include a confirmed launch date, but it shows that promotional efforts are picking up.

BBM is also set to launch on iOS and other Android devices, but BlackBerry has smartly brought on Samsung — and its mega-bucks marketing budget — to help get word out.

BlackBerry still rules the smartphone market in many countries, so it’s easy to see how an app that connects Android owners with friends and family would appeal. Although there are already a number of cross-platform services, such as WhatsApp, that can do the same job.

Clearly the message would be very different in the West and Asia, where recent years have seen most BlackBerry owners move across to other platforms. Sure, BlackBerry still has an enterprise presence, but most office workers with a BlackBerry are likely to have an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or other ‘personal’ phone.