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?

Source: Engadget Mobile

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.

Here’s what I like about the BlackBerry Storm2:

• The improved SurePress display: This improvement is major.  Not only does the screen stay in place (seriously, there’s no movement like the old Storm), but the new SurePress display is mounted on four electronic actuators that generate an impulse when the screen is pressed.  In other words, the “clicking” of the screen on the new device is completely electronic, unlike the original.  When the Storm2 is powered off, the screen doesn’t move.  When it’s on, it clicks similarly to the old device.  What you’ll notice right away is that the “click” itself is much more crisp, and more consistent across the board.  Remember how on the original, one corner of the screen would click differently than another?  Not the case here.  For the first time, I can type at almost the same speed as I can on a QWERTY-enabled BlackBerry device.
• The modified design: It’s not incredibly different, but it’s a bit more curvy, and falls in line with RIM’s latest design scheme.  The four buttons at the bottom are now a part of the screen (though they are independent from the SurePress screen – if you click them, the phone will power back on).  I also like the rubberized buttons on the side, as the chrome had a tendency to rub off after owning the device for a period of time.
• OS 5.0.0.320: As the first device to support the OS at launch, it seems to supplement the Storm2 well.  Operating the device seems to be quick, and the accelerometer speed is noticeably faster.  And threaded text messaging out of the box – finally!

The Storm2 excites me because it’s genuinely a great product, it’s proof that RIM can bridge the divide between “professional” and “multimedia,” and more importantly, it’s the company’s first legitimate stab at the touchscreen market.  Everything I love about the BlackBerry product, it has, along with everything I love about touchscreen devices (particularly, the iPhone – I hate to compare it, but it’s true).  My favorite improvement isn’t a physical device improvement, but rather that with the launch of the Storm 2, non-BlackBerry users will finally view the device as a legitimate alternative to other touchscreen devices on the market.  More Storm 2 owners translates into a higher market share for the BlackBerry brand.  The original Storm missed the boat, but I can safely say that the Storm 2 is the first legitimate contender in RIM’s corner.

Believe me, I’ll be running this device through its paces, so stay tuned for more reviews, comparisons, and more!  In the meantime, enjoy the pictures below.

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.

A POWERFUL NEW STORM ROLLS ONTO VERIZON WIRELESS’ NETWORK ON OCT. 28

New Operating System for Existing BlackBerry Storm Customers

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and WATERLOO, Ontario – Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry® Storm2™ smartphone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications stores, online at www.verizonwireless.com, and through business sales channels beginning Oct. 28.  The BlackBerry Storm2 with BlackBerry® OS 5.0 evolves the BlackBerry® touchscreen platform with hundreds of hardware and software enhancements – including new SurePress™ “clickable” display technology and built-in Wi-Fi® – delivering the exceptional multimedia experience and communications capabilities customers have come to expect from their BlackBerry smartphones.

Key Features:

• Smooth design and premium finish with sloped edges, chrome accents, glass lens and stainless steel backplate
• Large (3.25”), dazzling high-resolution 480 x 360 display at 184 ppi
• Capacitive touchscreen with integrated functions (Send, End, Menu, Escape) and new  SurePress technology that makes clicking the display practically effortless
• 3G and global connectivity support for making phone calls in more than 220 countries and accessing data in more than 185 countries (with more than 80 destinations in 3G)
• Network Connectivity: EV-DO Revision A; UMTS/HSPA (2100 MHz); and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks
• Supports Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
• 256 MB of Flash memory
• 2 GB of onboard media storage and a microSD™/SDHD memory card slot with a 16 GB card included

Software Updates on BlackBerry Storm2:

• Features BlackBerry OS 5.0, which includes typing accuracy and selection improvements, as well as usability and visual enhancements such as inertial scrolling, spin boxes that make it easier to set dates and times, gradient shading on buttons, and more use of animation
• BlackBerry® Browser is improved with faster JavaScript and CSS processing as well as support for Gears and BlackBerry Widgets
• Customers running BlackBerry® Enterprise Server 5.0 will gain the ability to set follow-up flags, manage e-mail folders, access remote files (Windows Shares), forward appointments, view calendar attachments, and more

Additional Features and Specifications:

• 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, Image Stabilization (IS), flash and video recording capabilities
• Premium and easy-to-access phone features, background noise suppression technology, loud distortion-free speakerphone and face detection (proximity sensor) that prevents accidental clicks and blanks the screen while the customer is on the phone
• Media player for videos, pictures and music, plus support for BlackBerry Desktop Manager for both PCs and Macs, and BlackBerry® Media Sync, for easily syncing Windows Media® Player music with the smartphone*
• 3.5 mm stereo headset jack and dedicated volume controls
• Bluetooth® (v2.1) capable with support for Secure Simple Pairing, hands-free headsets, stereo headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals
• Built-in GPS for maps and other location-based applications, as well as photo geotagging; and Verizon Wireless’ VZ NavigatorSM service is pre-loaded
• V CAST Music with Rhapsody
• Access to BlackBerry App World™, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones, with categories including games, entertainment, IM and social networking, news, weather, productivity and more
• Support for Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Broadband Connect tethering service
• Removable, rechargeable 1400 mAhr battery that provides up to 5.5 hours of talk time or up to 11.2 days of standby time

Pricing and Availability:

• The BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone is available beginning Oct. 28 for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.  Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.  Data plans for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan.

New Operating System for Existing BlackBerry Storm Customers

• Existing BlackBerry Storm customers will be able to update their handsets to the new BlackBerry OS 5.0 software via Web software load (www.blackberry.com/update), BlackBerry Desktop Manager, or from Verizon Wireless’ download site (www.verizonwireless.com/storm). The software is available today.
• For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.  Business customers can contact their Business Sales Representatives at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.
  

* Certain music files may not be supported, including files that contain digital rights management technologies.

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.

Source: Crackberry