Today we celebrate the launch of the BlackBerry Storm2. So in true CrackBerry fashion, it's only right that we give you a glimpse of another upcoming BlackBerry Smartphone...

The BlackBerry Tour2, codenamed BlackBerry "essex" in its pre-release development, is essentially the BlackBerry Tour with two major updates: WiFi and the optical trackpad. Arguably these should have been included back on the original BlackBerry Tour, but we think simply due to the timing lacked both (Tour was finalized for production before trackpad was slated to get introduced, and before VZW went from not wanting WiFi to wanting it). The BlackBerry Tour2 (device model 9650 I would logically assume) packs both of these into the Tour's standard form factor and hardware. All other specs/features between the two devices appear to be identical at first look, with the exception that the green call key is now flipped -- as we've seen with other new devices -- and the bottom row of keys on the keyboard are slightly less tall, more akin to the Bold 9700. The hardware in this video is the Sprint version, but obviously there will be a Verizon version too with a slightly different look.

We originally were told the release date for the BlackBerry Tour2 would be sometime in late January/February of 2010, but are now hearing production of these is ramping up literally as you read this. I think both RIM and Verizon would like to get the BlackBerry Tour2 into retail channels in time for the holidays and to get it on Verizon's latest BOGO offering before it comes to an end. Keep your fingers crossed. You might not see it until the new year, but what a present it would be if it was here for Christmas!

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