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Jim Balsillie Confirms Storm 2 To Reuters

by Adam Zeis on 5 May 2009 04:28 PM
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Storm 2 Coming...

We pretty much knew this was solid news, but on Monday RIM's Co-CEO Jim Balsillie made the news "official" during an interview with Reuters. Balsillie said that sales of the Storm are remaining strong, and with the next generation storm RIM hopes to continue to stay strong in the consumer market.  No specs, release date or any other news came along with the announcement, but at least we know it's coming. When more details emerge we'll be sure to give you the scoop. If you have any requests of what'd you like to see in Storm part deux, drop them in the comments. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

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110 Comments

Posted by kvlk Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

dear RIM...fix storm I before you go on and make storm II

thanks,

Storm I user from day 1

 
 
Posted by shaydakiss23 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Ohhhhh God. You dont know what you just started. lol.

I personally just want them to build on what was already a success with the Storm 1 (which gets 2 thumbs up IMO). Don't do anything crazy like taking away surepress and adding a sliding keyboard!

Storm 1 was innovative. IT HAS A HUGE FANBASE REGARDLESS OF THE OTHERS WHO DON'T PARTICULARLY CARE FOR IT. You did well, RIM, dont let us down by making this device a stranger to current, happy owners.

 
 
Posted by Jesson Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

....also been a Storm fan since day 1.

 
 
Posted by shiftybizz Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Dear RIM...

Thanks for abandoning all your loyal Storm I users.

Love,
A Storm I User

 
 
Posted by RobUM2011 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

All I ask for is a screen that clicks consistently without "paper behind the battery" or screw adjustments; more memory; and a fix to the dust issue.

Even if nothing but those things change, I would be happy.. although I always like to see cool new designs as well...

 
 
Posted by Faulk_Wulf Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Wait, what? Didn't the Storm JUST come out? Doesn't it still have issue with most of the Blackberry apps and require some OS optimization to function as well as other devices?

@A previous comment -- I wouldn't take away sure-press, accelerometer, or the land-scape/portrait mode. But I would certainly hope for the addition of a slide-out keyboard. It's what could make the Storm more then an iPhone clone.

Though I understand I am biased in that I find pure touch-screen phones to be substandard devices. I had a Glyde and tried a friend's Instinct. I have never regretted leaving them behind.

 
 
Posted by Tommy6404 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

First off I would LOVE to see WiFi on it. I go all the time to a starbucks, on campus, and just at home where my wifi is very powerful and the service on the phone is alright, but doesn't stand up to the power of the WiFi near by.

The second thing would definitely be a better OS, RAM, or processing upgrade, whichever of the three makes the current storm run so slow with everything. It seems to be a powerful gadget, but it is SO SLOW!!! Speed it up PLEASE!

Third, I know this will probably happen, but it never hurts to give a great phone a even better camera. I love the one on here, but a 5MP would be even better :)

Lastly this is a personal thing, but I for some reason would like the idea of a trackball or a actual keyboard on the phone... make it still a touchscreen, just maybe add one of the two to it. I think without the trackball/Keyboard look, it is not a blackberry. I would be perfectly fine settling for one of the two. It would make web browsing so much easier on the storm if there was a trackball on there.

Anything else would just be perks upon a already good phone. The service is good, the capabilities are outstanding, and showing off the phone is the best. But the #1 issue is making sure the phone is FASTER!!!!

 
 
Posted by Socialmuse Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Did you just ask to change the Storm into a Curve?

 
 
Posted by Faulk_Wulf Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Why wouldn't you ask them to change a Smart Two-Four into a Mini Cooper?

The 5mp camera was obviously a bit tounge-in-cheek. Maybe a 2mp or so. But the rest are simply features the other BB's have and hell even most other smart phones.

If the Curve has all of this, then all the Storm has is a larger screen. Big screen but no functionality is no win in my book.

 
 
Posted by a74jase Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1011 days ago

Hey Tommy . . Get a LAPTOP.

 
 
Posted by BlankET Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

This is what the Storm 2 should have:

Critical items:
1. Larger screen with higher resolution.
2. Faster processor.
3. WI-FI
4. No dust issues under the screen (although I have yet to experience this).

Not so critical items:
5. Improved browser.
6. Higher resolution camera.
7. Make it lighter.
8. Better external speakers (they are not so bad already)

I love my Storm, but if #2 had these changes, I would upgrade at full cost.

I really think that Storm 2 will be the iPhone killer, but that's iPhone 2.0, and not the new one coming out this summer. Time will tell how those will compare.

 
 
Posted by gtstang462002 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

So you want a bigger phone that is lighter...

 
 
Posted by BlankET Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

You can still make the screen bigger. If you can reduce the unused part at the bottom of the screen, and increase the screen size at the expense of the ares where the physical buttons and ear phone are. You can still make the button the same size.

 
 
Posted by Tommy6404 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I got the dust under the screen (I for some reason am around a lot of dust a lot). I thing a lighter phone would be cool too! Its good, but it sometimes seems not bright enough or it doesn't get bright when you want it to... it seems to sometimes have a mind of its own (the lighting, not the phone lol). And the upgraded external speaker would be much appreciated. the current one is okay, and loud, but it is very sketchy, especially since it has all the media capabilities it does... I lost my headphones, so I use the speaker sometimes, and a lot of the times it'll be fine for one song, and then the next one will hurt my ears so bad I have to turn the thing off!

Oh yeah, one more thing since mentioning it,

MAKE THE PHONE TURN ON IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES!!!

Jesus, if you were in a life or death situation and your phone was turned off and you needed to use it, you would be completely screwed!!!

 
 
Posted by shaydakiss23 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Ummmmmm... Howbout:
1. Options
2. Screen/Keybard
3. Backlight Brightness/Backlight Timeout/Automatically Dim Backlight

PEOPLE, LEARN YOUR PHONE BEFORE YOU GO COMPLAINING ABOUT IT. YOU'RE ASKING FOR THINGS IN A STORM 2 THAT THE STORM 1 ALREADY HAS.

This is what bugs me about ppl complaining about the Storm.

 
 
Posted by Frank2029 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

the processor is fine...

it needs more RAM. like the bold. and the OS is a piece of crap.

 
 
Posted by cmgeek Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I would like to see a better camera. 2mp is ok, but the picture quality is terrible. I'd like the phone to be a little lighter too. It feels like a roll of quarters. Oh yeah, and fix storm I. The OS is better with the leaks, but I feel bad for the other 1.5 mil people that don't know about them.

 
 
Posted by gtstang462002 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

it has a 3.2MP camera already.

 
 
Posted by Fed_up_with_Storm Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Didn't I just wait in line only a couple of months ago to buy this on release date?

I don't know who is calling the shots here, but someone is forgetting a couple of things.

1. Don't abandon loyal users. I been holding on to this thing ONLY because of my anticipation of an new official update. I'm so glad a battery pull application managed to release before new official update.

2. If this is truly happening and VZW does not release an official update before the end of the month. I'm going into the store, demanding my money back and UPGRADING back to my curve.

3. VZW.. So what are we taking away from this? Don't pressure a company to release an unfinished product and THEN take your sweet ass time fixing it. No one is helpful in the store and the only thing that you have been able to do for me is switch it out for a new phone which I returned immediately because the colors were off and yellowish.

I'm completely fed up with this phone. Yesterday I decided I was just playing myself by holding on to it. Yes I know there are unofficial LEAKED versions of the update, but I shouldnt have to do this.

We've given VZW ample time to release a new update..

This new phone is a smack in the face. I'm not sureprised though.

AT LEAST iPhone is constantly being updated, the applications work and there are tons of them.. And that is not to say anything back about the BB. I love my BB.

But unless someone fixes this s***, I will lose SERIOUS amounts of respect for both companies.

This is not how you treat loyal customers.

 
 
Posted by Justin Dorfman Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Here is what RIM needs to do to make a come back (no particular order):

1. Wi-Fi B/G/N
2. Bluetooth 3.0
3. Webkit Browser + Gears for Offline Support (So important, big reason I returned my Storm)
4. Trackpad
5. Mobile Fingerprint Sensor for Authentication
6. Built in 16GB Flash Memory
7. Mini & Micro USB ports for charging (Even though the EUC is pushing micro for the standard. A lot of U.S. phones are pushing Mini USB)

 
 
Posted by sbaran Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I wouldn't mind seeing a slide out, full QWERTY keyboard and a smoother functioning touchscreen. Other than that I had no complaints about the Storm 1. I just miss having an actual keyboard. The option would be nice.

 
 
Posted by J Moore Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I suspect this will be the improved GSM version of the Storm.

 
 
Posted by jmaverick Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I am not asking for much I love my storm and have had it since the day it came out. The only two things I would like to see is.

1) a trackpad like they are showing on the new 8520

2) Wifi Just to shut up those $#@ I phone users ;-)

 
 
Posted by jmiles3bb Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I don't have too many problems with the current phone. Here are the things I think would be nice to have in the new version though:

1. Wi-Fi (seems everyone already hit on this one)
2. 5+ MP camera
3. Much more application memory
4. Generally faster
5. Better browser (may not be an issue if Firefox for mobile devices comes out by then)
6. Compatible with the LTE network that will be coming soon to take advantage of the faster data
7. A coupon for a discounted upgrade to everyone who bought the current Storm. We put up with all the problems, why shouldn't we get something for our troubles?

 
 
Posted by PCrumpler Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Cheers! Sounds like a plan to me!

 
 
Posted by jarmor Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1012 days ago

Ya know...it was a choice to get the current storm or any phone for that matter so why should you be entitled to get a coupon to get a discount?

Will that theory work if I brought a jaguar and then an ungraded version came out the following year...I get a coupon also, right?

 
 
Posted by jmiles3bb Wednesday, May 06, 2009 1012 days ago

A Jaguar... really... that was the best example you could come up with? A few hundred dollar device or a $30k+ luxury car?

Also, notice I said a discount without specifying an amount. Why couldn't it be even a $25 off coupon just for being a loyal customer? Places do that all the time.

I bet if you went back into that Jaguar dealership, they'd give you a little better deal for coming back to them. Plus if anything didn't work properly on the Jaguar in the first year, it would be covered under warranty anyway.

 
 
Posted by mxwill Thursday, May 07, 2009 1011 days ago

If a new updated jaguar comes out the next year they don't need to give you a coupon. In fact, you would already have the coupon, sitting in your driveway. Someone goes and gets a storm 2 isn't just gonna keep the old storm for joyrides. Should be a trade-in policy here. Come on jarmor, use your head a little bit, or have you never actually thought about buying a new car?

 
 
Posted by dieseldennis Thursday, May 07, 2009 1010 days ago

the storm 1 is such an troublesome gadget i think all storm 1 users should be able to get a discounted price on the storm 2!!!! ive been close to throwing this thing out and getting a new WM6 based phone so many times! the people that DONT comlain about this probably dont need a PDA. this coupon idea should be extended to telus users too! lets not forget about Canada RIM! remember your roots ok?

dennis

 
 
Posted by Billmanvl Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Everything the Storm already has PLUS...
Wi-FI - A absolute MUST! (Do you hear that Verizon and RIM?)
Flick scrolling
Threaded IM
More robust processor
More RAM
Better camera
More stable OS upon release
and yes...
A slide out qwerty keyboard!

Give me those things and I may never need another phone.

 
 
Posted by angelm1249 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

WOW I currently have the Storm and i still think its a great phone even with its minor glitches...im glad there's a new generation coming soon cant wait to see all the improvements that will come....MIGHT HAVE TO GIVE THE HUBBY THIS ONE AND UPGRADE, LOL

 
 
Posted by BerryUser4Ever Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

DO NOT make a slide out qwerty keyboard!!!!

 
 
Posted by BBUSER10 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I second that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
 
Posted by yellowzebra. Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I third that. It wouldn't even look like a blackberry with a slide out qwerty.

 
 
Posted by Socialmuse Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

The Storm II should basically be a PS3 with a 42in High Def Screen. No Trackball cuz the controllers have the little joysticks and make sure you leave some HDMI ports on the side in case i want to hook up to surround sound. Oh and put a fridge in it so i can keep my beer cold.

Love my Storm....I sleep with it!

 
 
Posted by groovedaddy24 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Do NOT make it exclusive so i can say screw you and buh-bye to Verizon since they show no concerns for their customers.

 
 
Posted by CoolSt0rm Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

the addition of a keyboard. IMO, a touchscreen phone should be fully touch screen. If anything, make the typing easier or better, decrease the distance between the sensors on the touch screen, whatever you have to do to make it better.... but please no slide out keyboard. IMO, again, that's what all the other BBs are for.

I also disagree with the removal of the accelerometer. No way, keep that. Its also what makes the Storm... well,.... the Storm. Improve the OS to make it more responsive.

other than that, upgrade away!

 
 
Posted by YourRIMGuy Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Of course RIM is coming out with a Storm 2 at some point...its only one of their strongest selling devices (3rd most used device in the US according to recent study, iPhone was number 2 and Curve #1). I'm very close to RIM and its confirmed the Storm 2 will remain roughly the same style (no QWERTY). There will however be a hybrid (touch/QWERTY) coming out around Q2 of next year... I think that will take over the market for sure!

 
 
Posted by f-castrillo Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Uhh... you know things get outdated in time. I'm a Storm 1 user, but I also look forward to the Storm 2. And I love the current Storm.

You shouldn't be surprised, especially since the Storm has been selling as well as it has (beaten only by the Curve and the iPhone). When things sell, new iterations follow:

Win 95 -> 98 -> 2000 -> ME -> XP -> Vista -> Win7
PS1 -> PS2 -> PS3
Xbox -> 360
iPhone -> iPod Touch
enV -> enV2

 
 
Posted by pilotnh Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

How about just making it a Storm 1 that works the way it should have from the beginning? A novel idea, huh?

 
 
Posted by piggly009 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

aww scissor me timbers this better be released on exactly Jan 3 2011

 
 
Posted by ez1981 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Other than releasing an operating system that works. A slimmer Storm would be cool, it fit's into my pocket kinda well but it is a little on the thick side. Also maybe ease down on the flash with the camera, I always seem to blind anyone I am trying to take a picture of at night.

 
 
Posted by trevis Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I'm with verizon and they need to fix the first storm before coming out with a storm 2!
No OS update still!

 
 
Posted by EPH1.3 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

Still another who says no slider. In combination with as Surepress screen technology that would probably make the phone even thicker and heavier. Don't do it! Make the screen press more consistent over the full screen area. Add a lot of app memory. Reduce the weight a little - even though I want it to still feel substantial.

 
 
Posted by yvon007 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

This is a brilliant phone but there r some changes that would improve it. change the texting screen to look more like beejive i don't think i've seen a better platform then theirs. If not then allow us to change the font and background color w/ out themes. WIFI please. I know VZW rocks but so does my fiber optic at work, let me bang off that for a while. A media player that plays wma divx. This would make it a lot easier then converting everything. Also, I own a Verizon cell store and sell this phone every day, the biggest complaint is from the ladies in here. They say that w/ their nails they cant press the screen properly so if you can make the screen both press and touch only you would win the best of both worlds. Lastly don't change too much its a wonderful product as it is and designers don't need to go to far out for it to make it better. It was a home run to begin w/.

 
 
Posted by john 2 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

just increase the app memory....why have 1 gig of on board memory only to have so little for apps....

 
 
Posted by Wizard101 Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

here is what the Storm 2 should look like.
http://forums.crackberry.com/f139/omg-storm-2-a-221620/

NO full qwerty keyboard. keep the touch keyboard.

boost the app memory and onboard storage.

 
 
Posted by Michael Motto Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

If RIM decides to keep SurePress(hope they do) then please fix the issue with dust catching along side and under the screen. Rubber along the openings or something.

Also, another thing i would like to see is a more interactive interface. I know RIM wants the Storm to be unique and unlike its competitors, however the iPhone and HTC devices have a very nice interface with fast processors. This is what I would really like to see improved. If they can get a faster and cooler interface, Im all game for the Storm Duece. :)

 
 
Posted by electro_cute Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

I am on my third 1st Generation Storm due to dust issues. While developing the Storm 2 make sure to come up with a solution/design to prevent dust particles from creeping in under the screen. The gaps around the screen being uncovered are a terrible design flaw. This issue alone if fixed will make me want to buy a Storm 2 without a doubt (HD Screen, better camera, and faster OS wouldn't hurt either hehe)

 
 
Posted by robert lozanovski Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1012 days ago

No More Sure Press. It doesn't make typing more accurate just slows you down. Also make the phone learn your typing habits to be more intuitive and predictive to the user. Currently the user needs to learn the phones characteristics and interface is kinda quirky and unpredictable.

 
 
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