Story or no story, the Verizon BlackBerry Storm OS has issues
We gave you our theory, we gave you RIM’s official statement and now people, it’s time to move on. The bottom line is that everyone who snagged a Storm from Verizon ended up with v4.7.0.65. The indisputable caveat – v4.7.0.65 has issues. No firmware is perfect and no future firmware revision will ever be completely bug-free, but what we can tell you is that the folks at RIM and Verizon know v4.7.0.65 might be just a little sub-par. How do we know they know? Why else would they be issuing OS updates just a few weeks after releasing the handset? That’s right people, we got our hands on a preliminary internal communique detailing a series of updates coming soon to a Verizon Storm near you. The first in fact, will likely come next week – just a few short weeks after the launch. Basically, RIM and Verizon have targeted a variety of major issues and will address them through a series of OTA software updates. The list below is split up between issues that will definitely be resolved with the first update next week and issues that will be resolved in a second OTA update that will likely arrive later in December. Hit the jump for the break down and rest a bit easier knowing that whether or not the various issues with v4.7.0.65 are deal breakers for you, Verizon and RIM know there are problems are are working to fix them.
Note that the following is not a complete list of issues that will be covered in the upcoming OS updates. Instead, this is a list of issues being circulated internally at Verizon to ensure that employees do not authorize any Certified Like-new device exchanges for customers citing any of the following as their problems… The first is our favorite by far and no, the last one isn’t a joke – it’s really on there.
Issues to be resolved by the first OTA update (Maintenance Release 1) – December, week 1:
- If a customer receives a call while listening to music at low volume using a wired headset, the music volume may suddenly increase to the highest level (!). Interim recovery instructions: Lower the volume using the buttons on the side of the handset.
- When using voice-activated dialing, incoming audio may be muted. Interim recovery instructions: Enter the menu and select “Activate Handset or Speaker”.
- The handset may reset itself while sitting idle or while using multimedia applications. No interim recovery instructions provided.
Issues to be resolved by a subsequent Maintenance Release:
- Customers may intermittently lose email connectivity via CDMA and/or international roaming modes. Interim recovery instructions: Main menu -> Manage Connections -> Select mobile network -> Turn radio off, then Turn radio on. If this does not resolve the issue, pull the battery.
- When powering on the handset, the radio sometimes does not turn on. Interim recovery instructions: Main menu -> Manage Connections -> Select mobile network -> Turn radio on. If this does not resolve the issue, pull the battery.
- Pressing the send key while the device is in landscape mode will open the phone application in portrait mode, but the speed dial function may not work. Interim recovery instructions: Press escape until the home screen appears, then press the send key with the handset in portrait orientation.
- Sometimes entering characters on the virtual keyboard doesn’t work. Interim recovery instructions: Re-select the character.
Thanks, krazyVZW!
Wow for once I’m grateful at for my iPhone 3G
Verizon has done such a terrible job with the demand for the phone. I placed my order online the day it came out, before 2PM eastern time. I was told by multiple reps that it would ship out no later than the 25th. Upon calling Verizon on the 26th for my tracking number, I was rudely informed that the “final processing” did not occur until 7PM that night, and the phone would be delayed until December 5, 2008. I had friends who ordered the phone hours after me and already received it, and all Verizon can do is shrug their heads and say “I don’t know.” I cancelled my order after seeing all these reviews, and am going to get an iphone on Friday.
Even though I generally liked the storm, I don’t believe its fair to either the iPhone or the Storm to call it an ‘iPhone Killer’ because it isn’t one. Even though they’re marketing the Storm heavily, it is not nearly as approachable or easy to use on first blush as the iPhone, which will make a huge difference with the general consumer population. Part of the appeal of the iPhone was that the average person could pick it up and go without any adjustment; The Storm just doesn’t have that usability yet, though it could come with later updates. The Storm is also not quite stable yet as a platform, though again, that will come in time.
Is the Storm comparable to the iPhone? Absolutely. Is it an iPhone killer? No.
That’s because it caters to a different crowd, to the extent that your average iPhone buyer isn’t going to consider it. Its a fantastic alternative to the iPhone, and will definitely get better once RIM manages to stabilize the platform, but it isn’t going to dethrone the iPhone because of the simple fact that its a Blackberry, which are still seen as mostly business oriented devices.
On another note; like most reviews have noted, the fact that the screen moves around so much is unfortunate since it makes the screen feel cheaper than it is. If they could find a way to lock it in place for anything except vertical movement, it would greatly improve the feel of the device. The button feel is also a little softer than the commercial would have you believe, but if it were any stiffer it would be too tiring to use.
So far i have had many problems with the storm
1) when i use the music of video function and go back to the main screen, the buttons do not respond as quick is they did before hand, thus i have to pull the battery and reboot.
2)can not set custom ring tones for contacts
3) doesn’t have alarm only function
4) very disappointed on how device slows down drastically after performing some options ,which forces me to reboot
overall rim better have some updates or i’m going to feel like i wasted my money
I love my storm I had the curve before and it is another experience but I t
ruly do love my phone! I don’t understand why some people talk so much crap I do feel that VZW really spoils us as customers and as far ad releasing right before the holidays is a smart business move! Why would anyone compare the iphone and the storm if the phone can’t even send a regular picture message! Now that is crazy!
I love my storm I had the curve before and it is another experience but I t
ruly
do
love my phone! I don’t understand why some people talk so much crap I do feel that VZW really spoils us as customers and as far ad releasing right before the holidays is a smart business move! Why would anyone compare the iphone and the storm if the phone can’t even send a regular picture message! Now that is crazy!
I watched a review where the demonstrated hid the keyboard by swiping their finger down across it (the keyboard was in landscape view and the user slide their finger from top to bottom). Give it a try. Hopefully it will hide your keyboard.
Get a Bold. Flawless piece of kit.
@ Dan said:
…
can not set custom ring tones for contacts
…
On this point, at least, your wrong. In the contacts app, you can edit a contact entry and set a custom ringtone for phone calls and/or messages from each contact. That’s been a standard BlackBerry feature for a while now.
The phone is SLOW. PRessing the phone key requires 3-4 seconds before the number pad comes up!!!
I bought a “lot” of Verizon stock last Wednesday, bought my Storm Friday, took unlimited everything, sold my stock yesterday, and now have a new Storm, for free, and free two years of service, thanks to the stock rising on the news of the storm. And to top it off, my Storm works just fine, I have no complaints with it at all.
I am a Blackberry World Edition owner, thought the new Storm was going to be fantastic…tried the Verizon store demo model and I was completely unimpressed. The device hangs between apps, the keyboard is not responsive, even the store manager was having difficulty using the device. I knew it was too good to be true. I will be saving my cash at this time…Man, this sucks
I agree with this person…
I was lucky enough to get number 15 of the 25 my store got. I’ve had the Q9m and BB 8830, but i love this by far more than those two. In fact, i was able to get 97.00 from BB with their BB trade in program.
Anyway, this phone is a little different to get use to if you’re a true BB user. But i love it, i dont see any of the problems that people on here do. But again like this person said, i think the accelerometer could be tweaked a little.
All in all, im glad it’s out and in my hands. And like all OSs, there will be updates. Just look at how many updates the iphone has gotten over the years.
Yeah, I agree. Didn’t the iPhone users get super frustrated with the initial launch? I’ve talked to many iPhone users, all have their significant cons to list as well…
I have the storm, and I absolutely LOVE it. Yes, the typing is not as fast as a regular keyboard, but the click screen feels great. If you are typing so fast you cannot control the location of your fingers, it is YOUR flaw, and not the devices. Power users? Ok, so the device is not for you. That does not make it an inferior product. Keep with your physical keyboard device. Makes sense to me.
I haven’t experienced any of the issues listed in the report. If I have, I didn’t notice. My biggest gripe is the responsiveness of the accelerometer, and locking of the device. It is pretty slow at times, if it even switches. I also have experienced the slow or multiple touch required to answer an incoming call. Minor…
I’ve had two other WinMo smartphones prior to this, both had some level of retardedness built in. Even complex computers have problems, am I right?
Simply put, if you do not like the phone, that’s fine. Try the Omnia or TouchPro. I guarantee you’ll find a ton of problems with those too. You can’t have perfection my friends. Realize that or else you’ll always be unhappy with your products…
Cheers
Since it seems clear that RIM did rush the Storm out with a very similar OS that is available on most modern BB. They had nothing but a patch to make use of the touch screen. I am sure patches and more patches will come and when Storm II comes out they will have a decent device!
@ Storm Trooper:
Where are any apps for the Storm and the iPhone has nearly 10,000?
I got the Storm on Friday. Have to tell you, coming from Treo 650 and Treo 700p, I like the Storm. Bluetooth is excellent. Screen size, resolution, color, brightness is amazing. Form factor is great, feels great in the hand. Phone app works as expected.
It’s got it’s issues, I don’t love the virtual keyboard, the media player is good..but could be better, had 2 resets so far.
Overall, happy with the purchase. It’s a steal at $99. I hope everyone who wants one get’s it soon.
@ bluehorseshoe:
What are you talking about the entire buggy Storm slipped thru QA!
@ Sauce:
Totally ignore this moron Likeabite as he NEVER even owned an iPhone or a BB and spins more than a convicted politician! He is a FANBOY that bought NOTHING!
He just likes to attack and attack and call everyone stupid and other names. He is a total moron!
Software 2.2 for the iPhone added significant feature, not a bug fixer.Missing features? The Storm lacks WiFi and 10,000 apps that are on the iPhone, here is a few MISSING features!
Just like the iPhone.
@ Like-To-LIE
Stop the relentless attacks or I will expose you again and again. You NEVER owned a BB or an iPhone. You NEVER owned even and iPod, a Mac, or a Nokia phone. You are just a name calling FANBOY that LOVES something he doesn’t even OWN. I finished wiping the floor with you on the other post, I can continue here if you like. Either keep it civil or shut up!
I checked my tracking number and mine will be here tomorrow. Yeah, RIM has some bugs to be worked out but why all of the bashing of the Storm? So what if they released it to soon. Like any new phone the upgrades will come. It was still a strategic call to let it come out and I think that the majority of the 100,000 plus customers that do actually have it in their hands are happy and outweighs the ones that are unhappy with it. I too was considering an iphone but when you look at the record of RIM/BlackBerry and what they are capable of, is what swayed me towards the Storm.
24 hours…..and perfect thus far. Delete VZ Navigator…trust me….its a different device without it..no doubt. Wait for the fix or until google maps, but its so much smoother without it.
I bought the storm on the release date(7:12am to be exact). I have had a few issues with the phone but i kinda expected that. I cant think of 1 smartphone that has release without bugs in it. That is what the updates are for. Yes we can blame RIM or Verizon but we as consumers did nothing but complain (including myself) that they were taking too long to release the phone. just my thoughts.
Verizon and RIM are calling the pot kettle black… they were making fun of at&t and apple for the activation problems, etc on the iPhone 3G launch day… they had activation problems also but the capacity was no where near as large as Apple/AT&T’s. the BB Storm OS has a lot more bugs then the iPhone 3G at launch. nice one Verizon wireless. and first off, Verizon turned down the iPhone the first time. effers.