BlackBerry Storm official press images and specs!
What’s an embargo? We’ve never heard that word before… Here’s your first look at what all the other sites will soon start reporting on — official BlackBerry Storm press images and spec sheet! Here’s the official specs for the Verizon unit which we already knew:
- 128MB of RAM, 1GB built-in memory
- 1400mAh battery with 15 days standby (yeah right) and 5.5 hours of talk time
- Dual-band 800/1900MHz CDMA/EV-DO Rev A
- Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 2100MHz HSDPA
More images, spec sheet and joint Verizon, Vodafone, and RIM press release after the jumpage! All they say is a release next month. Anyone notice that there isn’t tri-band HSDPA at all?
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**********UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 12:01 AM ET ON WEDS. OCT. 8**********
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACTS:
BLACKBERRY TAKES THE WORLD BY STORM ON THE MOST RELIABLE NETWORKS IN EUROPE AND THE U.S.
Verizon Wireless, Vodafone and RIM Deliver the Power of a Smartphone with the World’s First Tactile Touch Display on a BlackBerry
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., NEWBURY, England, and WATERLOO, Ontario – Verizon Wireless, Vodafone Group (NYSE and LSE: VOD) and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry® Storm™ will be available exclusively to Verizon Wireless customers in the U.S. and Vodafone customers in Europe, Australia and New Zealand next month.
Designed to appeal to both consumers and business customers, the BlackBerry Storm combines the powerful communication features and productivity tools of a global BlackBerry smartphone with revolutionary technology that provides for easy and precise touch screen typing on the world’s first tactile touch display that responds like a keyboard and combines multi-touch and gesture support for intuitive selection and application navigation.
In the U.S., BlackBerry Storm customers will benefit from the nation’s most reliable wireless voice network and the pervasiveness of Verizon Wireless’ reliable high-speed Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revision A (Rev. A) network for rich Internet browsing. Building on the strong business heritage of BlackBerry, the Storm offers consumers a host of fun and practical features, including:
• Large high resolution screen coupled with a rich multi-media suite
• Text (SMS), picture messaging (MMS), the ability to watch 30-second video clips, instant messaging and access to popular social networking sites
• Removable and rechargeable 1400 mAhr battery that provides approximately 5.5 hours of talk time and 15 days of standby time.
“The BlackBerry Storm offers our customers more ways to stay connected to both their personal and professional lives – whether in their community or around the globe,” said Mike Lanman, vice president and chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. “The BlackBerry Storm combines the reliability of our network with the dependability and network efficiency of the BlackBerry platform to deliver our customers the ultimate wireless experience – all in one of the coolest smartphones available on the market today.”
The Power is in The Touch
The BlackBerry Storm comes with a unique touch screen that gives a distinct ‘click’ confirmation when depressed ever so slightly, very similar in experience to a keyboard-based BlackBerry smartphone. An easy to use menu adds support for multi-touches, taps, slides, swipes and other gestures, so customers can easily select, scroll, pan, and zoom for smooth navigation.
The tactile touch screen display gives customers worldwide a choice of virtual keyboards – RIM’s SureType® layout in portrait and a full QWERTY* layout in landscape orientation. Relevant features such as cut and paste are only a touch away for the ultimate smartphone experience.
World Class Smartphone
The BlackBerry Storm is a top of the line mobile phone with global connectivity. In the U.S., the BlackBerry Storm gives Verizon Wireless customers EV-DO Rev. A/CDMA – technology – and (2100Mhz) HSPA/UMTS as well as quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM for global use. The BlackBerry Storm 9500 from Vodafone supports (2100Mhz) HSPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks.
Browse the World Over
Customers will enjoy a full HTML high performance browser that works in either portrait or landscape orientation. Navigating Web sites is fast and easy with the touch screen interface that lets users tap to zoom in and slide their finger to scroll. Icons along the bottom of the display allow for quickly accessing “Favorites”, opening the virtual keyboard to enter text, switching between “Page View” and “Column View”, as well as the ability to toggle between “Pan” mode and “Cursor” mode. The enhanced browser supports file downloading, streaming audio and video, and with its built-in RSS support, new content from supported Web sites can be automatically pushed to the user.
Packed with Additional Features
The BlackBerry Storm, exclusively from Verizon Wireless and Vodafone, also includes the following features and functions:
• BlackBerry® Internet Service, BlackBerry® Unite!, BlackBerry® Professional Software and BlackBerry® Enterprise Server support for seamless integration with corporate email systems and the security and IT policy controls that enterprise customers require
• Edit Microsoft® Word, Excel and PowerPoint files directly on the handset
• 3.2 megapixel camera, with variable zoom, auto focus, and a powerful flash that also provides continuous lighting when recording video; the camera records video in half-VGA resolution (480×320) or at 176×144 for MMS
• 1 GB of on board memory storage and 8 GB microSD memory card included in expandable memory card slot
• Media player that can find content on the handset in an instant, display pictures and slideshows quickly, play movies smoothly in full screen mode in any orientation, and manage an entire music collection; playlists can be created directly on the handset and there’s an equalizer with 11 preset filters – including “Lounge”, “Jazz” and “Hip Hop” – for customized audio ranges when using wired headphones or external speakers
• Sleek, elegant design with contoured corners, stainless steel back and chrome side-accents that frame its large (3.26”), touch sensitive, glass lens display; its exceptional 360 x 480 resolution at 184ppi, offering the highest resolution display ever introduced on a BlackBerry smartphone, is crisp and colorful with clarity that’s easy on the eyes
• A sensor automatically adjusts to ambient light for ideal screen viewing and an orientation sensor allows customers to use the handset in a portrait or landscape position
Additional details related to availability and pricing will be announced in the coming weeks. To learn more, visit www.verizonwireless.com/storm.
* Virtual keyboards are also available in AZERTY, QWERTZ and other configurations to support different language groups.
# # #
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
About Vodafone
Vodafone is the world’s leading international mobile communications group with approximately 269 million proportionate customers as of 30 June 2008. Vodafone currently has equity interests in 27 countries across five continents and over 40 partner networks worldwide. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com
About Research In Motion
Research In Motion (RIM) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM’s portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry® wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld™ product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ: RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM’s products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights, and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM’s periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. RIM has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. RIM assumes no obligations or liability and makes no representation, warranty, endorsement or guarantee in relation to any aspect of any third party products or services.
@ Ty: Yes, there will be visual voicemail for Verizon.
Did anyone miss the fact that the specs specifically mention multitouch? And 3rd party GPS support (a la Google Maps)? And touch zooming? Those were major complaints and concerns about this phone BGR so I do not know why you did not point them out. I’m getting this phone but RIM should’ve included wifi simply because it is another option that people like to have. When you travel abroad, as one person pointed out in another Storm post, Wi-Fi becomes an invaluable part of a phone since no one likes to pay roaming charges. I have to mention though, that putting wifi in the phone probably would’ve made it a lot more heftier than it already is because of the extra radio, when there are 2 radios already in it to make it a CDMA/HSPA global phone so it might not have been Verizon’s fault.
Evilhomer while I do agree with you that the iPhone is not a toy, neither is the Voyager. Yes, it is not a smartphone but it has been the only touch screen phone to best out the iPhone in the CNet’s prizefights. Not even the N95 or the Samsung Instinct could do it. It is a great phone from many aspects and so is the iPhone.
Sadly, off the shear specs alone, the Storm is shaping out to be the best touch screen ever though. That is if the interface can be close to that of the iPhone. With the inclusion of multitouch, however, it should not have a problem but we’ll wait and see.
I am really thinking of going back to VZW to get this. I should use the RIM blackberry purchase site to get a check to pay for it – :p
One deciding factor is if GPS will be unlocked.
^^^ GPS is unlocked Terry and boogalooboy I have the same sentiments. I will probably use this for about a month and then go back to WinMo simply because I hate having to pay for the data. However, if it great then I shall keep it.
I just need to figure out how to get rid of my iPhone. I should just give it to my wife, problem is she will want her number –
Gizmodo’s Hands On says that it will feature VZ Navigator and Blackberry Maps
Is this “clunky looking” thing suppose to supplant the iPhone? I seriously doubt it. It seems tailored for the Toyota driving Kmart shopper we all strive to be (sarcasm).
If Verizon starts to carry the iPhone next year, as is rumored, you can kiss Blackberry and their 5 year old technology goodbye.
Will this phone be coming to T Mobile in the next year?
I think the Storm is going to really do well in some areas that the I Phone 3G is seriously lacking (3G support, Copy and Paste, MMS to name a few).
But also, might not fair as well in some areas that the I Phone 3G is dominant (Web Browsing, Music/Media apps).
Reguardless, this is the best device that Verizon has ever put out to date, and its not a I Phone killer, theres no such thing, but its true purpose which is any BB device is to dominate in the corporate arena which it will.
Also, hows that AT&T Bold bgr… Isn’t it supposed to be out already??
Too bad when AT&T says they have the best global coverage its everywhere BUT the U.S.
i got to have one
Anyone out there think or know whether or not features that verizon may restrict can be unlocked?
@b.N
“Haptic feedback, often referred to as simply “haptics”, is the use of the sense of touch in a user interface design to provide information to a end user.”
So the clicking of the screen, which is felt through the sense of touch, is haptic feedback.
@Valace2 -”you can’t make the argument that doing work in the office on a mobile is efficient”
Nobody is making that argument. We are simply saying that wifi would be a nice option, say, when you are in a meeting in an office and away from your computer.
The wifi is not a deal breaker for me, however, it is a feature that I would have liked available.
I am not sure why some are convinced that the GPS will not be locked to Verizons navigator service? They’ve locked all the others to it. Blackberry maps shouldn’t really count since it’s not really what most would consider a “navigation” program. Services like Google Maps aren’t either. they simply show you where you are on a map and the location of what you are looking for. I can see why Verizon would allow those services to work as they don’t compete directly with their VZ product.
I wonder though, is there any point with having it unlocked? Does Garmin or TomTom have software for RIM devices? If not, seems like it wouldn’t be much use to have it unlocked for those looking for typical turn by turn navigation.
As I’ve said before…
My AT&T contract ends in Nov, the STORM is available in Nov. Coincidence I think not!!
Phonescoop says the browser does not support flash. Their browser picture, however, said Rogers Mall under the Internet globe logo, so it might be coming to Rogers, who knows.
http://news.vzw.com/news/2008/10/pr2008-10-07g.html
Verizon officially announces it on its site as well.
So where are all the complaints that it doesn’t have a real keyboard? You’ve all suddenly gone very quiet. Of course we won’t admit that Apple had the right idea all along.
Lack of WiFi is probably going to be the deal-breaker for many people as Verizon EV-DO only averages 400-700Kbps compared to the multi-megabit real-world speeds of WiFi.
Lack of tri band HSDPA is also going cramp the style of anyone expecting 3G speeds in overseas destinations.
However, the software, GUI, and ecosystem is the real problem. To truly compete against the iPhone in the consumer as well as business markets, the Blackberry needs a far better web browser, HTML email, App Store equivalent with thousands of cheap apps, iTunes Store Equivalent with movies, TV shows, 10,000 podcasts, music videos, ecosystem of thousands of 3rd party docks, cases, stereos, car and aircraft integration, etc etc.
However, the more competition in the market the better, so more power to you RIM, though it will be a struggle to regain your smartphone crown in the USA now that the iPhone has surged to the number 1 smartphone position and second most popular cell phone in general:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9116363&source=rss_news
-Mart
I thought I could resist, but its calling me!
No wifi ???
Did they add WiFi yet? I guess not. If they did, RIM would have to explain why the battery life is so crappy when you actually use a useful feature like WiFi; EV-DO speeds are crap compared to WiFi, period! Also, I’m sure that Verizon will cripple this phone as they do with all others!
Overall, it looks great, though. We will see how it functions in the real world. Same crappy RIM OS, other than the great e-mail service. I hope that it does well so that Apple will ramp up its efforts to add basic features that the iPhone lacks and AT&T improves its less than spectacular 3G service! I guess that “Moron” Laziridis will have to eat his words that the iPhone won’t be successful due to the fact that it lacks a physical keyboard – and then RIM comes out with this – it’s a big joke!
Why am I not excited, because it is Verizon. The only thing worse than AT&T bungling the Bold is the fact that Verizon likes to defang a phone, then add their proprietary stuff, which isn’t better than the manufacturers, but makes them MORE money. While I have been with AT&T for 11 years, I cannot see jumping to Verizon, because of the Storm. Maybe if it was the Storm as RIM made it, but not after the big red V gets done with it. I still have my very old 8300 Curve, and while I do like the gadgets, still feel like I have a good product right here and now. maybe if they get one at AT&T I would look at it.
A couple of additional points – you probably will be able to get Visual Voicemail (as long as you pay Verizon a monthly fee, of course)! The same probably goes for GPS with VZ Navigator. AT&T’s service lags behind Verizon’s service (at least in the Northeast). I had Verizon for years and got tired of having phones with features that were always crippled in some fashion and getting charged up the nose for each feature that I wanted. I even had to pay monthly fees for some games/apps, since there was no option to buy them outright! Talk about piling up annuities from your customers.
And when this phone is sized up against the iPhone, they will have to call it the iPhatPhone, or the iPhat for short. Apple will add cut/paste and MMS, I assume, as those are software additions. This phone will always be chunky and lack WiFi, no matter what!
LOVES IT!
With all the hype about this “great” phone, I’m still gonna wait for the Bold. I’m not switching to Verizon with its high fees and crappy service just for a phone that looks (and probably acts) like the Iphone. I don’t know about y’all but that touch screen keys thing is a pain in the neck. Give me the regular keys anytime – it saves time more than anything else. I love my texts to be precise and typo free in the least amount of time to get it…
haha the crippling stuff just makes me laugh. You guys sure do your research well (referring to other comments, not BGR)
@vandy
have you ever used a blackberry on verizon? I doubt it. Verizon doesn’t cripple their blackberries, you can alway download GPS apps, as well as free games. And their EVDO network kicks ass, the internet on my pearl is faster than my friends who have iphones. I can even use up in the mountains here in Colorado on top of ski areas while everyone else has to turn off their phones becuase it is wasting the battery searching for service.