The real story behind the Verizon Storm OS? Part 2
So here’s the deal… by now, you’ve no doubt seen our theory on why the OS that shipped with the Verizon BlackBerry Storm was so low. We had all along thought that this OS was never actually intended to be released. While we ran our story on what we thought happened, we did make our best efforts to convey that the information published was nothing more than a theory from me personally, not from any of our official contacts, nor sources. We just received an official statement from RIM which effectively debunks our theory about the OS and the issues they faced prior to launch. Instead of commenting on the actual statement ourselves, we’ll let you. It’s after the jump, fellas and all my single ladies in the house!
1) The official code shipping with the BlackBerry Storm from Verizon Wireless is “v4.7.0.65 (Platform 4.0.0.82).” This information appears in the Options / About section on the handset. The first number (v4.7.0.65) is the software version that appears on the bar code sticker applied to the outside of the BlackBerry/Verizon Wireless box.
2) A limited batch of bar code stickers was initially printed with an incorrect software version number (the last two digits of the number was incorrectly listed as .82 instead of .65) and the stickers were applied to several thousand boxes. The error was detected early (and prior to launch) and new stickers with the correct software version number were printed and applied to the boxes over top of the incorrect stickers. Again, this only involved a relatively small batch of boxes.
3) There is not and never was a software version 4.7.0.82. A blogger noticed the incorrect sticker (underneath the correct sticker) on a box provided to him by Verizon Wireless and posted a “theory” suggesting (as a potential explanation for the second sticker) that the software may have been “downgraded” at the last minute and the blogger further speculated that this may have been due to a “security vulnerability”. It is very important to note that the blogger clearly and voluntarily stated upfront that it was only a theory. In fact, the blogger even described it as a “conspiracy theory” and wrote the following in his original post: “I want to preface this by saying that the following statements are my opinions and hypotheses, and have not be confirmed nor denied by any of sources of mine or official contacts at either corporation. It should serve as a nice little ‘conspiracy theory,’ though.”
4) The theory was incorrect. A software version 4.7.0.82 has never existed and there was no such security vulnerability. Further, the software was not downgraded as incorrectly theorized. The simple explanation for the presence of two stickers on a relatively small batch of boxes is that a limited number of misprinted stickers were discovered on boxes prior to launch and were covered with new (correct) stickers.”
So, there you have it. Thoughts?
It’s SPIN…. pure and simple…. So if I purchase my Storm right now, I have to wait until December 15th. WHY? Please tell me what’s the hold up? Why would it take more than three weeks to manufacture a phone and load existing software into it?
As others have stated, it just doesn’t add up. The good news is that the evidence will eventually come out. It will be on the phones that are shipped later next month or early next year.
RIM explanation seems legitimate. I’ve played with a friend’s Storm, and it seems ok. Perfect, no. But far more stable than the iPhone was on release…oh yeah.
Here’s the odd part. Where are the units? Verizon spent millions advertising this and repeated said they would have a huge inventory. Instead they have a paltry number of Storms and can’t even get more for a few weeks? What? Was there a power-outage in Waterloo we didn’t know about?
This is all much ado about nothing. You know that Blackberry ALWAYS has a platform number AND a build number. In this case, the platform number ended in .82 and the build in .65. Someone screwed up in printing the labels…case closed.
Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
So why so few Storms on launch day if they didn’t have to pull back supply for a re-flash?
The only reason Verizon sold out is because there weren’t enough devices in the store to cover an advertised launch. With all the advertising there is no way Verizon would think 6 devices in a store would cover demand.
THIS SUX! I’D RATHER THERE HAVE BEEN A LAST MINUTE DOWN-GRADE COMPARED TO NOT HAVING THE HOPES A BETTER OS (.82) TO DOWNLOAD IN THE NEAR FUTURE. SO DOES THIS MEAN THE STORM I HAVE NOW IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE SLOW AND BUGGY?
STORM OWNER’s:
For all you who are new (or not new) owners of blackberry devices that are “buggy”/”bugged” or otherwise having issues. Be sure to use the blackberry button and close the applications you have open (thanks to my brother). Try holding down the blackberry button, switching to an active application, clicking the blackberry button again, and clicking on the close option. This applies especially to the camera. This should help with your “bugs”. Having 18 different applications open on a computer isn’t great so why would it be okay to have so many apps open on the STORM?
I think that the .82 OS probably didnt sim lock the gsm part of the radio or lock the GPS so verizon wanted it downgraded.
A story that may have something to do with this— One of my local Verizon stores had a box full of Storms on launch day, when I went to ask for one to purchase the manager told me “those storms have a security/software issue, but, we can get you one tomorrow.” So I paid the $200 right then and there and took home a receipt and was told to come back Saturday morning. I did and I got my Storm that works alright (still a bit laggy, etc)….just thought I’d share…
I don’t think it adds up. I played with the demo in the store and both of them had different versions (.65 and.61). I think Verizon knows they have an issue and are feverishly working on getting a non-buggy phone out before 12/5 and 12/15.
SO….ya think that THEY just RUSHED it to get a jump on the holidays?
Insert foot in mouth, shoot self in the head.
So the BB Storm OS sucking so bad was on purpose and the flagship BB being released in this pathetic state was intentional, just to get the jump on Christmas sales??
Can’t wait for OS v4.7.0.666
Pass the Kool Aid at RIM and VZW Headquaters.
Napolean’s Waterloo….so poetic.
My Blackberry Storm’s arrive tomorrow…we shall see who is f’ing the goat.
Adios MF,
This is all well and fine but it doesn’t give a reason for the enormous lack of products to ship out…
So…what now?
To me, it sounds like RIM is covering it up. There are issues with the OS. Everyone who has touched one sees these issues. But it doesn’t really matter. Eventually they will iron out the bugs and everyone will be happy.
I can’t compare the storm to the bold because I am on verizon, but the storm is a great device. It isn’t always super fast, but sometimes it is. I am not saying go break a contract and go get one, but if you are already on verizon there is no choice. Stop whining because every tenth time the screen takes an extra second to rotate. The phone is great.
Don’t these kinds of “re-flash” rumors come up all the time for different phones (and carriers)?
The real issue that this deflects is that if this were an iPhone launch — everyone could have done the [alleged] firmware/OS upgrade on their own through iTunes.
STORM = NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BOLD = YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
So telesales just called about my order (apparently it went through). Now they are blaming FedEx for the shipping delay …………….
I spoke to a verizon rep while I was getting an update to my plan over the phone and I was told that RIM is planning on sending out an OS update in early December. I don’t know what everyone is complaining about. I’m pretty positive a certain other all touch screen phone still gets software updates and wasn’t perfect on its release either.
So basically RIM is admitting that the shipping version of 4.7 is buggy as hell, and is crapping all over any brand equity that the Storm built up for new buyers?
Heck, if I were RIM, I’d go with the conspiracy theory if it bought some more time to get the bug fixes out the door.
iPhone definitely. It’s not the hardware folks, it’s the software and Apple’s UI keeps getting better with updates. iPhone owners of yesteryear can’t speak on what Apple will do before Xmas.
ok so i order the storm on 11-21. at 7 am. and i was such in a hurry for work i told them 2 ship it 2 me. so i already paid for the phone and the rep told me that it would be here today monday 11-24.and in my reciept it says 2 day fedex. so my question is will it be here today or on dec 5?
RIM is full of crap………….that’s my theory!!!!!!
I’ll guarantee ya there’s not one code developer sitting idle and satisfied with v4.7.0.65 at RIM. In fact, I’ll bet anyone newer version(s) exist, and, that new MRD/PRD requirements are coming at them already. No doubt an upgraded OS is coming.
Anyway, I’m still really ticked the Storm doesn’t have wi-fi. The Verizon network really lacks in my area (they need a new tower west of the Fox River in Oswego (hint-hint, hello…Verizon?)), so I’m reluctant to get a Storm if I can’t use it in my house.
I have a hard time believing RIM’s story. It just seems so irresponsible and ridiculous. I expect more from RIMM.
If this is the intended OS, that is just disappointing.