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?
You can call Verizon customer service and ask them for your FedEx tracking # if you didn’t order it online or if you ordered it through the store.
Also, head’s up to anyone who is receiving their’s via FedEx……they require a signature for delivery. Also, FedEx won’t let you pick it up at the shipping facility or have it delivered at another address per Verizon’s request. FedEx has to attempt at least one delivery and then you can sign the back of your slip and have it left at your door (which I do not recommend)
I got an iPhone 3G at launch and it kept dropping my calls. Safari kept crashing. I returned it before the 14-day trial was over.
It’s been 5 months and Apple still hasn’t fixed the software (or maybe it is the hardware).
I got the Storm Friday morning. The software definitely needs some work, but I’ll say one thing – the hardware is excellent. If RIM’s people can de-bug the software in a reasonable amount of time, this phone will rock.
They just had undisclosed problems with the 4.0.0.82 OS at the last min. that are most likely greater the lag problem with the 4.7.0.65. With the release date to close they down graded the OS and I’m told Blackberry is working on the 4.0.0.82 OS and will release an OTA OS update to make in my opinion a better phone then any other with a company that has a better network than any other! Verizon Sales Rep.
For once I’m glad this came cdma in canada first. Hopefully when it comes gsm to Rogers, this will all be fixed.
@ Route 66
Agreed. This s/w version feels pre-production. I’ve handled many, many pre-production VZW devices and it just has that feeling to it, hence my previous posts regarding the Storm release seeming rushed.
I understand why VZW wanted to get it out before the holidays, but why knowingly release it with inferior s/w? All that led to was an onslaught of overwhelmingly negative initial reviews.
I guess that’s what it’s come to now with devices. Just get it out, sub par or not, have it in the consumer’s hand and then have them wait for s/w enhancements….
Laggyyyyyyyy is not the word …. Its down right slow as heck. I demo’d the storm in hopes that I would finally have the perfect phone, but alas, 1 (Slow OS) + 1 (Not available) = 3 Say helo to my new bold !!
I returned my Storm today and picked up iPhone. This is how touchscreen is supposed to work. I am so disappointed w/ the storm
Hey BG – Please get a story out as to why the shortage of stock and when it will be resolved!! Please, por favor?
I’m really curious as to why Verizon has 12/15 as the magical stock date (or ship BY date). Something had to cause the shortage, and it wasn’t just too many were sold, I was #20 in line, only 15 devices, and not another one since the 15 on Friday. Something is up in RIM/VZW world.
Rim is full of shit..Would have been better if they admitted the security issues and reason for a sustandard OS ..but instead look like bigger asses for releasing what they call the intended OS..Stupid RIM real stupid
It probably depends on what you are going to be using it for. I use an iMac and it syncs, does not crash, and has pretty good battery life. I can also type very fast with few errors on the virtual keyboard. I love the app store. That said, My curve, which I gave to my wife, has cut and paste and context menus. I liked these aspects of the phone, but I am not an email buff and really did not care for the tiny screen or crappy browser experience (opera)… Now, this is not the bold, which I believe will be more powerful and with a better looking screen. I have not used mac products with windows, so I do not know if there are issues there. Again, with my mac, I never have problems with iTunes or my iPhone and iPods… I will tell you that I love the touch screen concept and do not think I could go back to using a physical keyboard or physical scroll widget on a portable device.
It would have very embarrassing for VZW and RIM, if they had missed the launched date, after all the advertising and hype. So, they decided to sell a limited number of test units on 21st and take orders for the rest.
They are probably manufacturing production units, as I type this post. I don’t see a better explanation for the shortage of units.
I am actually shocked at all of the people that thought the phone would be perfect day one. Was the iPhone perfect day one? The fact is that this has to do with the stock market. RIM had to get the phones out, and Verizon had to stop losing customers. There is a software patch on Verizon’s website, that you can reload the OS if your’s is having that many issues. There is lag, but that was known before the device came out. The Verizon mgr told me just a month ago it was ten times worse. That’s a positive sign that RIM can at least fix the problem. They also said that there is a patch coming out very soon. The release date couldn’t change and it was known AHEAD OF TIME that the phones will be release with or without the new patch…because they had to make the date. They figured people would be patient…some are, some aren’t. There are setting on the phone that allows you to dial in your typing speed, hover, tap, sensitivity and others….just dial it in to make it fit you. I can type very fast on it. The only thing that lags is the accelerometer, but it’s no more than 1 sec…so I can live with it till the next patch. GUYS!! You complained about them not releasing it, they did to satisfy you. I am sure you can live with a couple of weeks to get the patch. Honestly, I think even one patch isn’t going to make it perfect, because it’s SOFTWARE. Also there is a user guide that doesn’t come with the device that gets into specific tips and tricks that are not covered in the guide that comes with it. I found tips for text selecting that makes it perfect…so maybe with a few of the tips & tricks it may help a little. Be patient for the patch it will come….this is software and hardware for crying out loud.
I think it’s PR trying to calm things down after all the negative press, etc. I really don’t buy it. They have no excuse for the delay from the original date of 11/15-11/16 (I was told by a VZW rep.). And they didn’t deny the security issue when brought up.
Here’s something unusual…I agree with the BGR theory.
PS – Got mine today and hammering it. So far not so bad. Suretype is easier for me since I had a Pearl (keys are bigger too). You hit the nail on the head…it becomes a bit tiring on the hand, but it’s also more effective than the iPhone for me. A little slow from program to program, but otherwise I haven’t had any crashes yet. In time I’m sure I may find something…too early to tell.
WOW. RIM is covering this up. Don’t forget they also lied about WI-FI on the Storm. They said it didn’t fit on the motherboard. Later on it was discovered that Verizon/Vodafone requested they leave out WI-FI.
@ BG
I have the storm. It’s a good phone just needs some work on the UI. anyway when I go to options about it shows that I am running v4.7.0.65 with platform 4.0.0.76 not .82 ???
And so the hunt for 9530_A4.7.0.82.EXE begins….
I want to believe
Hell, they don’t have any units in stock and yet they advertising like crazy. You can see an advert every 10-15 minutes no matter what channel you change to.
On Verizon’s site, you can order a Storm and it says all phones ordered now will be shipped by 12/8. That leads me to believe that not only will they be ready to ship the phones, but the new patch will be out by then….it’s only 2 weeks away. You guys can live, go ahead and place your order. The phones are great and these complainers won’t be complaining in two weeks.
Ok… There was a prelaunch software for demos and phones for the call centers… Which was updated before launch. Due to all the bugs that are happening (seems to be 1 more added everyday) there should be a software download available shortly. Also as far as being out of stock… Its basically to make people crave them… That’s the whole idea, just like with the voyager last year. But… There were over 10,000 NEW activations the day of launch… So that also contributes to the low stock. VZW is and will always be the best!
I have one its pretty good, we got them at work and what not a little slow but they sent a few packets it works awesome know, had the i phone I think this is better in a sense
So, now, wait… Folks who were so pumped to get the Storm are now pissed at a delay for a better product? Yeah, I ordered one on Friday before noon, and I just got a call (9:30 pm… no kidding) from a vzw rep letting me know that my phone will ship tomorrow and he will email me with a tracking code… I really am not worried about the delay for a better product. (yeah, it kinda sucks, but I would be pissed off if it came and was chock full o’ badness)
I can’t think of a major tech release that has been flawless… Xbox 360, Vista, Mac X, iPhone, PS2…
Here is the link for the correct OS for those of you who do not have the correct version: Go to verizon’s support site and download the correct version of the OS: http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/
There are unconfirmed reports of BlackBerry Storm shipment for VZW being taken over by Somali pirates. RIM and VZW are currently negotiating their release.
This explains why the they shipping date is jumping all over the place. First the 5th, then 15th and now the 8th of December. Looks like they are close to a deal.
I got my Storm Saturday via FedEx after bequeathing my Pearl to my wife. Now I’m not sure that was a great idea, even after getting the software upgrade today. It’s still buggy but faster than before. I want to like this new Storm, but it’s trying my patience, trying to find the keyboard and entering stuff correctly with the atrocious keypad..I do better with my Garmin GPS in my car at 80 MPH. I have 28 more days to figure this beast out or it’s going back and I’m going to the Apple store!
Guys, there is an EXCELLENT thread on tip and tricks on crackberry titled “ULTIMATE Official tips/tricks”. There are a TON of tips/tricks that are not published in manual that came with unit. Learn these shortcuts and you will be VERY HAPPY. Also tune the setting in your options/keyboard to make the type rate fast, hover better, increase sensitivity, and others. You will find with the correct OS, and these things, it will get you to a point where you will be at least more comfortable until the next OS patch…maybe 2 weeks being that VRZN will be shipping all orders by 12/8 (new date on site).