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.
*No VIDEO ACCELERATION
*No LED, regular TFT LCD
*No 16.7 MILLIONS TRUE COLORS LIKE THE THE IPHONE
*ONLY 65000 COLORS WITH OUT 3D ACCELERATION SO IT DOENS’T MATTER IF IT IS 3.2 MP OR 13.2 MP CAMERA
*No WIFI
*No SIM CARD BUT ITS A WORLD PHONE(ARE YOU SERIOUS?)
Verizon, not every body is idiot
-video accelaration is not needed, if you would have read some previews they say that 720p video plays smoothly because of the 612mhz processor
-the iphone is only led backlit, that doesnt mean shit
-Thats why Gizmodo says its nicer than the iphone? you’d have to look real hard to tell a difference
-wifi is not needed (use a f’ing laptop!) BB’s require a data plan
-Sim card is preinstalled in the device dumbass
you sir are the idiot.
You folks who complain about no wifi MUST be current AT&T subscribers where wifi is essential as their network blows.
Verizon’s data network speed is just fine – you really don’t need wifi.
H O W S W E E T I T I S ! !
Bring it on RIM.
- CB
“BLACKBERRY for LIFE”
this is the nicest device on the market. aesthetics sell and this is sexy
idiot. the iphone keyboard doesn’t even compare to the revolutionary technology used in this device.
read between the lines in what he said
say hello to the new standard in touch technology
I am not a Blackberry user and don’t have an iPhone. After playing around with this, the G1 sim, and my friend’s iPhone, I prefer Android over the other two. The Storm looks better than the G1 but Android is easier and more intuitive to use for someone like me, who has never tried either. Even better than iPhone which I really liked when I first tried it. I’m sure BB users will love this and it will definitely convert some who aren’t. But for me Android is the future and the way to go.
Ty, VZW is releasing visual voice mail after the launch of the device. So, yes it soon will have it.
jiller, the iPhone does not have haptic feedback or any touch feedback.
blah, corporate users arent going to forgo this device because lack of wi-fi. Most phones corp people use don’t have wi-fi now so it wont be a deal breaker in a new phone. I wish they had wi-fi too. But its not a deal breaker on VZW, especially for business users.
Perspective, it has more than 1GB mem and cut/paste over the iPhone. The Storm comes with an expandable microSD slot with 8GB card pre-installed (thats 9GB total at launch). Users can replace the card when more microSD cards are released (like the upcoming 16GB card). The Storm has cut/paste, MMS, a 3.2MP camera with flash that also takes video, a browser that is rumored to be as good as the iPhones but doesn’t crash, a replaceable battery, keyboards in landscape & portrait, stereo bluetooth, headphone/microphone jack that doesn’t need proprietary headphones, its on VZW so 3G will actually work (unlike AT&Ts crappy 3G) and users won’t drop calls everyday (unlike iPhone on AT&T). Don’t forget the pinnacle of email support that will even deliver messages when the phone is on standby (while Apple is still working out their sync and push email problems).
Keep telling yourself that after 1.5 years with the iPhone they will finally give you a browser that doesn’t crash, keyboards in landscape & portrait, cut/paste, MMS and a *consistently* working push email system with syncing cal & contacts. Those are all software updates but they are still lacking on the iPhone after 1.5 years. What Apple did do is sell many suckers another iPhone a year later that still lacks all these features but gave you a 3G connection that doesn’t work so finding a signal drains your batteries.
Don’t fret Perspective, I still think the iPhone has its place and won’t be taken down by the Storm. Although you iPhanatics should get a little more humble about your jesus phone seeing as it still lacks in some key areas. Parts that should have been developed first before all the flashy useless stuff. The RIM, HTC, Sony and numerous other offerings are going to cut into your touch screen dominance but the iPhone will still be a good device for those that primarily need to carry all their music in their phone.
iPhone will have the best/coolest GUI around & that is something the Storm will not be able to beat. Too bad GUIs don’t help keep a phone signal or get email without failing.
Idiot, if you think that video accelaration is not needed, then you are in the wrong place.
Its good to have video accelaration
2100mhz UMTS – this will be another blackberr to work in Japan! NICE
@ JKuhn
No 3D hardware video acceleration means the Storm won’t be able to compete with the iPhone in the gaming market (remember it is aimed at consumers as well as business). The iPhone is proving to be a surprisingly strong challenger to the DS and PSP.
No SIM card means means bye bye to economical use beyond the USA. Roaming charges here we come. It also means you’re totally locked to Verizon.
And really guys, all of you trying to say 400-700Kbps EVDO will be fine compared to 10Mbps WiFi are sounding as blinkered as the iPhone-can-do-no-wrong crowd. I’d rather have WiFi than a few more pixels on a camera with such a tiny lens. Can you imagine the roaming charges when you can’t just use VOIP on WiFi?
AT&T’s 3G support does sound problematic in the USA, but HSDPA on the iPhone 3G is far better than EVDO in countries with decent UMTS networks. 2Mbps consistently on the iPhone 3G in Germany is a wonderful thing and the promise of 7Mbps as AT&T improves their network is much more promising than EVDO’s limits. The Storm not having tri-band HSDPA means you’ll be stuck on EDGE or worse in a lot of places overseas and with no WiFi to mitigate the problem.
@ Anonymous loser
We’ll just have to wait and see if the Storm browser is as good as mobile Safari and doesn’t crash. I have my doubts based on every other phone out there.
I agree cut and paste is a problem for the iPhone, but it is only a software update so not impossible to fix for current owners.
The iPhone 3G doesn’t doesn’t need proprietary headphones either.
Exchange Synch and Push works fine on the iPhone.
-Mart
@ Anonymous loser
My iPhone browser has never crashed, and I have never (not once) had a call dropped. My data connection is tops as well. The iPhone 3G has a regular headphone jack, the battery IS replaceable, just not by the user (not that it matters, since few people replace their phone batteries before they’re up for a phone replacement). Oh, and I should also note that my push email works just fine, even when the phone is asleep in my pocket. Most of the time I get my email *before* it shows up in my mailbox on my laptop.
Now, as far as the Storm goes; every review has said that the browser comes nowhere near the iphone, but thats because RIM is not using Webkit like every other good browser out there. The media player is going to suck (RIM doesn’t excel at multimedia), and build quality will be somewhere between shoddy and barely acceptable.
Look, the Storm is going to appeal to a very narrow band of people, who wouldn’t have considered the iphone anyways. Its purpose is too narrow and its execution is too tightly defined to appeal to a large swathe of consumers. Couple that with a curious lack of some important features like WiFi (I don’t care how good VZW’s network is, you’re not going to get reception deep inside a concrete and steel building), and the phone comes off as a close-but-not-quite-there competitor.
Oh and I nearly forgot to mention this, but RIM is introducing a phone that, long term, is utilizing a dying technology. Part of the reason I left Verizon just last month was because I was sick of being locked to one carrier’s crappy and limited phones, and to a technology that is going nowhere fast.
EVDO is the end of the road for CDMA. Once its run its course, CDMA has nowhere to go, and even Verizon recognizes this.
haha, I think it is absolutely pathetic that this phone will most likely be released before the BOLD or damn close to it.
Looking sweet, that is for sure.
@Everyone
Its amazing to see where we are now compared to even back when MMS was the new “bleeding tech” The iPhone is an amazing piece of hardware—it wasn’t until the iPhone came out that you ever even heard of a touch-screen on a device aside from WinMo or Palm based devices. It set the bar for use of new technologies (i.e. Accelerometers in phones are becoming how Bluetooth was a couple of years ago. I agree that because the iPhone has set the bar, its great that it has made everyone take a step back and realize what potential a cell phone could have…but i don’t believe its the end all be all. It has been pointed out its missing vital features and has many flaws that you fan-boys are to caught up to accept. The bottom line about the iPhone is its a great device (however not for everyone) and on a below par network (its like trying to imagine a Ferrari running on standard gas–it just doesn’t work (and will every one stop thinking they “need” an iPhone and stop comparing phones to it and it to ever other phone out on the market—everything has its options and pros and cons). Also to defend against so many people that like to state “Verizon cripples there phones”—guess what—look at the iPhone GUI, that is also completely proprietary. The iPhone doesnt allow you to get 3rd party GUI (themes or icons), I like customizing my interface to make it “my own”. Its not Verizon crippling the phone—its them listening to the “majority” of customers who hate upgrading or switching phones because they don’t want to learn a new phone all over again. They dont lock down Bluetooth anymore…so what is the real issue? All phones have their ups and downs of whats offered and in some casea all the companies keep some stuff out of phones for security, design, or price reasons.
EVDO is not a dying technology—it surpasses any current GSM data transmission technology out currently based on coverage and quality of service. And the future holds LTE (every current generation service has a beginning and an end), however thats why we make new technologies (analog anyone?) If you want Wi-Fi then enjoy your time running around just to find that “hotspot” and open up security issues and paying for the internet, in some cases each time at each terminal.
SIM cards are just an extra piece of hardware that was originally created for global travel and roaming–thats it, and is crippled because it doesnt support Multi-Address book information like the phones memory does–if you loose your phone at least with CDMA technology you can have the serial # locked so the person that stole or found your phone cant use it and in some cases the carrier can get your phone returned to you (i have seen it happen)
However with GSM there is the option of “unlocked” phones—but they equal much higher price and can sometimes have network issues + you lose carrier supported features because its not approved on their network–this is why they test phones prior to launch.
The Blackberry is one of the most accepted devices worldwide, currently taking position around #2 in both Hardware and Operating System to be only outdone by Nokia in Hardware and Symbian in the OS category (again “woldwide”, in the US its currently Blackberry at #1-look how many carriers support the device!—the iPhone is catching up but still not close enough nationwide or worldwide. And the BB’s are a business tool–no other device is accepted in more Enterprises and Government applied areas. If you want to play good games then buy a PSP or DS!
The BB also has its own tricks up its sleeve like the iPhone but yet features the “jesus phone” doesnt have (proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and now the accelerometer)
I could go on and on…but the bottom line is all mobile devices are great and are all crap, it just depends on what “fits you”. More options equal more competition and that equals more products to be launched, so why doesnt every get off their fan-boy ass and accept that fact that everyone has an opinion and options of what they want.
Thankyou!
Looks like just another iPhone wannabe. Vaporware until it comes out. RIM’s in big
trouble and it’s trying its best to stay
relevant- horrible to see one company slowly
killed off by another.
While some of you have made strong arguments…the rest are just idiotic because most of you did not take time to read the post before commenting or do not even know anything about the phone and just start mouthing off in defense of the iPhone. First of all the Verizon version comes with a Pre-Installed SIM Card. Second, ut does have practically every radio in there for international roaming. It is probably the most international phone ever released. This is because most international phones do not support US 3G signals, but this phone was built in the US and it supports all CDMA and GSM and WCDMA signal in the world. As already stated, it will work in Asia, Europe, Africa, South Korea…the list goes on and on and Verizon already has roaming agreements in place in all these areas so you can travel with no issue and not have to pay an insane amount of money for it. GPS is unlocked so it supports Blacberry and Google Maps. There is no Wifi and although I am going to get this phone they should’ve added it. With all those radios in there, however, I can see why they couldn’t. They practically have every possible radio in there and just did not have room for wifi. This is what Mike Lazardis said when he was interviewed. It is very simple to know what this phone is capable of, all you have to do is just read.
Now to all the iPhone lovers, please do not make asinine statements just to defend the iPhone’s position. We all know that it is virtually impossible to have had the iPhone for months without a dropped call so if you say that then you’re lying out your ass.
Second, the iPhone is not giving the PSP and any Nintendo handheld console a run for it’s money so stop the bullshit. There are no games for the iPhone that makes it even come close. Playstation and Nintendo makes handheld games for serious gamers so unless you can show me like a Metal Gear Solid or a Mario game on the iPhone then you’re an idiot for believing that. The graphics also are nowhere near that of handheld consoles so please spare us. 3D acceleration, like wifi is nice to have. That can be said about any feature of a phone because not everyone may use it but it is nice to have that option. The iPhone cannot record video, do copy and paste, has no stereo bluetooth, has no MMS but hey it is a great phone. All those missing features would’ve been nice to have though, don’t you think so? Maybe it’d be also nice to have a phone with actual 3G or no dropped calls, don’t you agree? The Storm will not have the best media player capabilities or the best browser and that’s a fact. However, they will have the best keyboard, the best accelerometer sinceit is 360 degrees and the best corporate functions. Apple will fix its issues sooner or later but so will RIM with this phone. So it comes down to what the strength of these two phones are. The iPhone has the best UI and multimedia features. The Storm will have the best keyboard and corporate functions and the most reliable network. Whoever can fix their issues first, i believe will end up the winner. Right now, it looks like RIM is gearing up for a fight though and is doing an excellent job it’s first time around. I already think the Storm is going to win the CNet Prizefight whenever they decide to do it.
And Jaymush you made a good point but I have to correct you on the fact that the LG Prada was introduced way before the iPhone so it did not set any standard in terms of being the first all touch screen phone. Being the first to be released, however, it did garner the mainstream’s attention more so than the Prada and even the WinMo and Palm phones had before.
Where is PDF reader support?
I hope Verizon doesn’t cripple the Storm’s GPS and force us to use VZ Navigator for $10/month!
@SEAN
Hey man have you watched the vid seen the pics or read the reviews that are out?
They say its not much bigger than the curve you knucklehead(CNET) and a better build
** why do people have such a closed mind its new Yes it’s not an apple product which i do love I have had the iphone 3 g and 1st gen a total of 5 times and really am not happy but own a touch, the new nano ,and a classic plus a macbook. So I’m going to be open minded and check out the storm maybe it will be great maybe not and thats why different phone please different people there is not 1 perfect phone out there made YET!!!!! ,But somehow I always come back to my Curve.
BG, Marc and the gang thanks for all the info you guys jam through the internet it keeps my day less stressful.
@ Everyone
Guys goodnight!!! you guys argue look things are good for one that aren’t good for another
Some need a phone that they can take the battery out (Govt work)
I have ATT and have to say wifi has saved me but who needs it with VZW data speeds are fast
the iphone is not perfect look at how many updates they jam through that thing to fix things so quick
it does freeze it does drop calls and you peeps may say “No MINE doesn’t BS! it does it will. Mine did and I have a very strong networj out in Honolulu HI and its 3G
My questions is and the reason I brought back the iPhone was battery and me thinking what if my battery needs to be replaced what do you do? what phone do you fall back on?
-Jaywil
This is really amazing. A DELIGHT for the Blackberry followers. I am eagerly waiting to feel this already.
I am confused on this … I am reading over the specs and does anyone know if it will support Video Podcasts? (.m4v format)
The specs say it will support H.264, but is that the same as .m4v? Basically I am wondering if I get this can I get rid of my iPod and do everything exclusively on this bad boy?
Hmmm sync with Itunes?? lol Wow doesn’t apple have anything to say about that? I mean I would love it if its true.. I could sell my Ipod Touch and use this. I hope it lives up to the hype because im buying it the very first day it comes out