I’ll admit, the dual launch of the BlackBerry Storm2 and Motorola Droid (even if it was just the announcement) was a bit frustrating, as it seemed to overshadow the announcement of RIM’s newest BlackBerry. They’re not leaving it in the dark, though – billed as “the perfect Storm,” Verizon’s first television spot highlighting the Storm2’s capabilities (and their 3G dominance to AT&T) debuted late yesterday.
Is the advertising alone enough to change the public’s perception of the Storm line?
Almost one full year later, RIM and Verizon Wireless are at it again with the BlackBerry Storm2, their second attempt at a full touchscreen BlackBerry device. Despite the relatively strong sales numbers, reports of build quality problems, typing issues, and the like surfaced on the internet within moments of the device launching. Months and numerous software revisions later, the world (and more specifically, the BlackBerry community) is well aware of the original Storm frustrations.
My BlackBerry Storm2 came in today, and I’ll be the first to admit – I was nervous. I carried the original Storm twice – once when it first came out (that very day, to be exact), and a second time in early 2009. Both times, I wanted to love the device. It offers RIM’s award winning e-mail solution, a giant touchscreen, and it’s centered around multimedia. Based on the paper specifications, I wanted it. However, in the history of my love for all things RIM, the Storm was the first BlackBerry device that I have ever returned out of dissatisfaction. Needless to say, I wanted the Storm2 to blow it out of the park. The form factor was there from the beginning; the phone just needed some tweaks when it came to typing, as well as some screen improvements to become a great media-centric BlackBerry.
As expected, Verizon will be launching the BlackBerry Storm 2 on Wednesday, October 28th for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and new two-year agreement. Complete with a 3.25-inch touchscreen (480 x 360) with RIM’s SurePress technology, 3G connectivity (EVDO Rev. A), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, and a microSD card slot with an included 16 GB card (nice!), Humorous/corny PR catchphrases aside, the Storm 2 is billed by many as “everything that the original Storm should have been.”
For those of you that are sticking with the original Storm, OS 5.0.0.323 is now officially available via RIM’s website (www.blackberry.com/update) for the original device. So, while you’re missing Wi-Fi, a new design, and a better touchscreen, at least the OS will be relatively consistent. If you haven’t used OS 5.0 at some point, it’s well worth it, and it’s nice to see RIM officially offering it. Storm users, go get your download on, and let me know what you think!
The official press release for the BlackBerry Storm2 can be found below.
The day is getting closer and closer, as Research In Motion has officially placed the upcoming BlackBerry Storm2 on its website. Complete with video, we get the first true (and official) look at the replacement to the original Storm.
As I’ve said before, the BlackBerry Storm2 has a branding scar that it has to get rid of. Shortly after the launch of the original device, users complained about everything from battery life to software crashes (despite the phone selling quite well). Their criticism was certainly justified, and though it took RIM some time to respond, the latest software builds have finally placed the original Storm at where it should have been at launch last November.
That being said, RIM needs a smooth and successful launch to counter the challenges from the original Storm. With the early reviews being largely positive, it looks like RIM may have a winner on its hands.
