While the software will be coming out with the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and the Storm 2 9550/9520, it isn’t clear when older BlackBerry devices will be privy to the upgrade.
At the very least, we know you won’t have to wait longer than January 1st, 2010.
The official statement from RIM is as follows:
“The roll out process has begun for BlackBerry Device Software 5.0 with the recent beta release of BlackBerry JDE 5.0 (BlackBerry Java Development Environment 5.0) to BlackBerry Developer Zone at www.blackberry.com/developers to prepare the BlackBerry developer community for pending device software releases. As can be expected, BlackBerry Device Software 5.0 will follow before the end of the year, as referenced in the “RIM Launches BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0″ press release that was issued at WES 2009 (http://press.rim.com/release.jsp?id=2309).”
Just out of curiosity, what device do you have and what OS are you currently running?
The BlackBerry Storm 2 has been somewhat confirmed for a late November launch date. Like we’ve said before, the Storm 2 is expected to launch around the same time as the Storm 1 last year (late November). This launch date is set to coincide with the holiday consumer blitz. The November release date will definitely be used as a benchmark, but the device will be held back a month if RIM thinks the device isn’t quite ready.
Also of note, Salomondrin, a YouTuber who has been leaking video of the BlackBerry Storm 2, posted a video that runs us through the new touchscreen interface. From the video, we know that:
When the device is powered off, the touchscreen glass doesn’t move.
When the device is on, the touchscreen glass moves up and down like the SurePress technology.
There is still a distinct pressing feeling a la Storm 1.
You can feel the screen click down on multiple points on the screen, indicating multiple contact points.
The video reviewer and the community think the prevailing theory here is that the technology behind the touchscreen interface is piezo electricity. The technology is demonstrated in the video as being similar to a sponge with a touchscreen layer on top. The idea is that the sponge is in reality a layer of piezoelectric cells forming a multiple contact touchscreen. While all of this is still in the air, it’s definitely a solid argument.
Be sure to check this video out soon because it’s going to be pulled from YouTube any minute now. This is a prerelease device review so it’s important to take it with a grain of salt.
While the outside will likely not change by the time it comes to market, the software will for sure. The reviewer is using an outdated OS, and the device he’s using doesn’t even come with WiFi.
Even though the OS is outdated, the responsiveness of the device is incredible. The reviewer can bounce back and forth between the homescreen and the icon page with almost no latency.
Another interesting feature is how the memory is broken down. There is Device Memory, Application Memory and Media Card memory. On this reviewer’s device, there is 149.9 MB of application memory (nothing to boast about), 1.8 GB of internal memory (couldn’t more of this have been used for apps?) and 14.8 GB of Media Card memory.
It was good to see the device have the new BlackBerry Messenger with the QR code system, but again, the reviewer is using an old OS.
Again, the device is much more responsive. The reviewer describes the typing experience as easier, but doesn’t go into details about the underlying technology that is replacing SureType.
Verizon is bringing back the Buy One Get One promotion but this time you don’t have to get a free BlackBerry as your second device. Your second device can now include a netbook or mobile broadband device to complement your BlackBerry.
The promotion applies to the BlackBerry Tour, Storm and all other BlackBerry devices on the Verizon network. The deal starts today and ends on the 10th of October.
Personally, I say don’t take the bait. Verizon is scrambling to offload their BlackBerry devices in preparation for the Back-to-School and holiday season, when we’ll be seeing a plethora of new devices hit the market. While many of these new devices will be carrier specific, and may not apply to Verizon, there are some great devices in the pipe.
It all depends on how often you replace your BlackBerry. If you can afford to replace your device every six months, then go for it. But if you’re looking for a device once per year, then I really suggest you wait. Verizon will almost certainly be getting the BlackBerry Storm 2 around the holiday season, so save your money.
The BlackBerry Storm 2 seems slated to release around the same time that the BlackBerry Storm 1 launched last year. According to a BGR source, a leaked roadmap for the device pegs a launch date around October or November.
I’ve heard that the BlackBerry Storm, while a big disappointment from the Internet, was actually well received by your average consumer. It had one of the lowest return rates that Verizon has ever seen.
Let’s hope the Storm 2 is everything the BlackBerry Power Users have wanted in a touchscreen device. The expectations are huge.
