BlackBerry Bold / BlackBerry Thunder release information
First things first… how did you like our BlackBerry Bold review? If that just made you crave the device more, you might not be too pleased with the latest info we got. We’ve been told that the Bold might have been pushed back yet again. What’s the whispered launch month now? September for a lot of carriers. That’s not to say it couldn’t launch sooner on a couple carriers, but that’s what we were told. It looks like there are still some problems with the radio code that have to do with network roaming, searching, etc. The Bold software has not even gone GM3 yet, and with weekly builds still coming out, there’s nothing to be shipped at this point in time. The hardware side is done, but as usual, these units are waiting for the final flash to start FedExing. Now, what about the BlackBerry Thunder? We’ve held on to this information for a bit, but now that we’ve confirmed it with 2 independent sources, we’re ready to run with it. Here are the most confirmed Thunder dates: a huge marketing push in the U.S. starting in September, and device release in mid-October on Verizon. We said November because we were betting on a couple week delay which, knowing RIM, certainly wouldn’t be out of the question. But, we’re told RIM is fully active in doing everything they can to get the Thunder launch-ready, even putting it above the Bold in terms of prioritizing.
Tags: blackberry bold, blackberry thunder, delayed, exclusive, launch
Sweet! Bring on the THUNDER! I am looking forward to checking this phone out. It should be interesting to use the first time around.
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I would have to agree with this information. From everything I’ve seen and heard, this info is DEAD ON!! Good job BG.
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Booooo. If I can’t get a Bold on Rogers by next friday, like I have been promised, I will be seriously pissed!
Stupid CDMA touhscreen, the Bold should be the priority.
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I love you BGR.
Any chance for a Thunder review soon? The Bold review really put things in perspective. Come November, I’ll be at my end of 2 yr term with TMO and will be eager to make my next phone purchase. I really want to stay with TMO, but theres still no 3G in Washington DC where I am and still no good alternative. What does the future look like? The TMO rep who I chatted with about my billing mentioned that they are supposed to get the htc dream phone AND 3G within four months - - but he also admitted that he read that online so who knows?
Great post.
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Javelin anyone?
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This is an example of why the delivery model has got to change. How about no hype no marketing until the devices are ready to deliver. It gets kinda old shopping for phones based on vapor speak. Coma on everybody does it, first you scope out your fav phones of interest, then you wait wait and wait some more only to learn the model you are interested in has issues or is delayed in the meantime more other hyped phones start their vapor speak. Hummm iphone, blackberry bold and now thunder ….really everything but the kitchen sink and it works wow………oh not available until 2030.
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BGR, you are nothing but a shameless gossip. There is no truth to any of this nonsense. How can a device that hasn’t announced a launch date be delayed?
Your site is so self-serving and inaccurate. You should be embarrassed and RIM should shut you down for libel.
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Any update on pricing for either phone?
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The Thunder is the only thing I’m waiting for. I hope it is competitive with that other full touch-screen device.
Further, BGR, I hope that when you drop a Thunder review on us you spend a paragraph or three comparing it directly to the phone that shall not be named, for if the Thunder doesn’t compete, it is off to the forbidden fruit I go.
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Stop trying to copy the iphone, BB is dying slow.
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“How about no hype no marketing until the devices are ready to deliver.” ??
Last time I checked I have not seen a single ad on TV or on the internet for that matter, all RIM has done is announce the existence of the Bold. All the hype is produced by sites like this one, which basically exist so the dude that runs this site can stroke his ego. Really bg, go take a journalism class at your community college and your site will improve in quality over your current GED credentials.
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http://voices.allthingsd.com/files/2008/07/1128.gif
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Any info on carriers? I know someone that works at Rogers and she said that the Thunder will NOT be available on the Rogers network in Canada.
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will the September launch include Sprint? if not, how long will it be?
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So will Verizon not be getting the Bold anytime soon as a result?
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I hope Verizon enables GPS on the Thunder… I won’t hold my breath though.
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No hype or advertising? Rogers is actively promoting the Bold on it’s website and on customer invoices.
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Fuck this shit! I’m getting a iPhone tomorrow…tired of waiting on RIM’s slow ass and software from 1999.
I’ll look at the Bold/Thunder whenever they come out.
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this sounds cool
Good work!
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Well, RIM just lost a customer. I’ve been debating getting the iPhone and the Bold since May when I became eligible for an upgrade. I guess this delay makes my decision much easier - I’m getting the iPhone. Maybe in two years when I’m ready for my next upgrade RIM will be able to deliver.
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Booo hooo. Sounds like someone who wanted a Bold but is gonna have to wait now. Booooo hoooo!
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Just a thought. The Blackberry servers will crash worse than Itunes did for the iphone.
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Could work out better for RIM. The non AT&T, non-iPhone wanters/owners will be happy, and it could ride on the iPhone/touchescreen craze.
I want the Bold, but i’m willing to wait. I still love my 8320, and I’d rather get the Bold when it’s flawless.
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Matt, if that was direct towards me, then you’re wrong. I’m not waiting for the Bold. I’ve placed an order for an iPhone.
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can’t wait for the Thunder. I really wanted it to come out within the next month but I’m kinda glad it’s coming out in October (hopefully) since it will give me time to save up for it. Mainly because I’m getting married next month and I guess that takes priority over getting a new phone, right? LOL
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