* Update: It's likely there's still more to this Storm 2 screen discussion than easily meets the eye. Be sure to check out this forum thread which sum up some of the thoughts/ideas going on. *
The BlackBerry Storm 2 (9550) has made another appearance thanks to our buddy Salomondrin. This time around we get a good look at the hardware put into comparison with the Storm 9530. Also included in this video is Sal's take/explanation of what we recently speculated about in the CrackBerry Podcast, Peizo technology. Though in the podcast it was more of a theory to potentially explain the whole display doesn't move when powered off but moves when powered on thing, Salomondrin takes the time to show us exactly how he thinks it may be implemented into the Storm 2's screen as well shows us just how much better the method of input appears to be this time around. Check it out! Big thanks to Salomondrin and of course, let us know what ya think in the comments about this screen technology the Storm 2 is potentially making use of. It's still all rumor until RIM makes it officially known as to how it all works and what the display's capabilities are, but the Storm 2 hardware definitely is looking like a solid step forward over the original 9530/9500.Â
from listening to the podcast i didn't really understand the pizo technology, but the sponge demonstration made it "click" for me (sorry, that was terrible).
Sal, buddy, pal. This may be my only chance for a new phone. Would you be so kind as to sell it to me? Just pm me with the info. I just got my old storm so I am stuck with it for 2 years.
I know deep in your heart you would want me to have this phone so I can be 1/100th as cool as you.
Yup it's on his way to us :)
I work there and there's no technological info on it except the "coming soon" and that it's going to be a revolution like the Tour...
(sry for double post, coudln't find the reply button ;_;)
Explain to me how the Tour was a 'revolution' as opposed to a minor upgrade achieved by combining some good features from other BB models into a boring, otherwise commonplace new BB model.
I am soooo in hopes I can type better on the S2 than I can on the S1. At least tis gives me something to look forward to when it comes out. Thanks for the review. Love the sponge. It might be hokey but it got the point across. I loved the post it notes too. Great job.
well that was a pretty good description of the new screen.. i didnt really understand what the real difference was.. or the reason for the change. i'll have to give the new one a shot..
Storm 2 supports double clicking. Meaning if you were to click down on the screen with one thumb, you can click the screen again with the other thumb (and again with fingers if you wanted too). You cannot do this on the Storm 1.
Storm 2 does not have a single button in the middle of the screen like the Storm 1. It also does not have the defect where clicking corners were impossible (w/o the business card trick).
This will introduce a lot of innovative games that I'm sure game developers found to be impossible in Storm 1.
What Sal was demonstrating (and referring to as double-clicking) is not truly double-clicking; it's better referred to as multi-touch capability. Double-clicking, after all, is clicking twice in rapid succession on the same target. This is clicking twice in rapid succession on different targets, and having the device correctly recognize each of the two clicks. This is wicked cool, and should have just the positive effect on increasing typing speed that Sal talked about.
but what about the OS? What should make me want to stick with berry and wait for this to come to ATT rather than switch to the iPhone? I know everyone is excited about the screen, but the screen is useless if the hardware is too
All the commenters here whinging about the dearth of OS coverage in this video might want to view the other videos that Sal has posted in the past (http://crackberry.com/hottt-blackberry-storm-9550-video-again, http://crackberry.com/blackberry-storm-9550-caught-action-yet-again-time...) and other news on the topic previously posted as well.
As far as why you should wait for the 9520 to come to AT&T rather than switch to the iPhone, my opinion is that anyone who doesn't have a clear reason to want a BB would probably be happier with an iPhone. And if, as in your case, one prefers AT&T over Verizon, then it would seem a no-brainer to me: get the iPhone.
(Let the how-dare-you-suggest-that-the-Storm-is-not-superior-to-the-iPhone-in-every-way flames begin!)
By: Working Class Hero | Date:Sun, 08/23/2009 - 19:00
I couldn't agree with you more. I'm giddy and full of joy hearing that the 9520 will be going to ATT. I had an iphone3G and couldn't stand it! Switched to the BOLD. I've been loving it since it came out in Nov. If you want to get things done...BLACKBERRY. If you want to look "hip" and want a UI that a 5 year old can figure out how to use, buy an iphone.
I was thinking about the Onyx...but I'll wait out for the Storm 2! LET THE BIG DOG EAT!
P.S. everyone bitched and moaned about threaded SMS and BBM...well, we already know about BBM 5.0 and the rumor of SMS being threaded as well has been confirmed. That's all I really bitched about before. I could CARE LESS about this whole "the UI needs to be more 'intuitive'" discussion. I don't need it to be flashy, I just need $hit to get done and that's what the berry does...GET 'ER DONE.
Its truly amazing (at least so it seems right now) what they've done to reinvent the screen but I still don't know. Like I said, it looks wonderful and like tmp3150 said, it should really show a lot of people how much their storm sucks (lol good one) but until I see how it performs, and what new features OS 5.0 brings, I can't pull the trigger on this phone. Why not a higher megapixel camera, why no better video recording capabilities. How bout a faster processor. Full specs haven't been released but man...here's to hoping :)
i love seeing storm 2 videos and this video explained a lot. if the storm 2 comes with a good OS, it can really damage the iphone market. Of course until crApple releases the iphone 3gMS next week. (the MS stands for More Speed)
Looks a lot better than the Storm 1 which isn't saying much. I'm not getting his comparison with the iPhone though. I type quite fast with the iPhone especially in widescreen mode. I don't have the issue with dragging by mistake or whatever it is he is talking about. Part of the reason is that the letters pop up very quickly on the onscreen keyboard so you can see what you are typing. On both Storms you have no feedback other than the goofy blue glow underneath your fingers which gives you no feedback. Although the video was really interesting he sure didn't show much of the phone and as much time as he spent talking about the screen and typing its odd that he didn't show any typing. Anyway I expect this Storm will be a really nice improvement and will sell well. More importantly they won't be getting half of them returned like the current Storm. I certainly don't think it will have much impact on the iPhone and RIM better hope that Verizon doesn't get the iPhone any time soon.
where did you hear that? piezo technology in musical instruments has been around for longer than me, and as a musician i have Never heard anybody pronounce it pee-ay-zo.
That does sound like a huge imptovement over storm 1. Keeps the advantages of surepress but eliminates the limitation of one click at a time that limited typing speed. Can't wait to actually have this things in my hands and try to use it, but in concept alone that is a massive improvement.
I'm just ready to order it. A lot more of my friends have a Blackberry so I don't think I'll get anything else. I'm a BB user for life. Seems like these vids are being done in steps. I know you all keep saying early software but I hope to see more vids with new improvements on the S2.
I have Storm 1. BUT know after watching this VIDEO and all that crazy info abt the new tech..... cant wait for the STORM 2.. i will be the 1st one again to get the storm 2. on Eastern Shore MD.... hurry up verizon
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so very cool thanks Sal..
actually lol'd at the sponge demo
from listening to the podcast i didn't really understand the pizo technology, but the sponge demonstration made it "click" for me (sorry, that was terrible).
hahahaha that was awful!!
loved it!
that is sweet
i would like to see him type on the storm 2 instead of using a sponge
Wow, this phone seems so nice. Great review. I wish it was longer and showed the software on the phone.
Sal, buddy, pal. This may be my only chance for a new phone. Would you be so kind as to sell it to me? Just pm me with the info. I just got my old storm so I am stuck with it for 2 years.
I know deep in your heart you would want me to have this phone so I can be 1/100th as cool as you.
I can't wait for the pm
Thanks
Tom
GREAT JOB on the sponge demo! lol.
I waited for this one..can't wait to get it
This phone is going to be sweet.
If your line is the primary line on the account you can upgrade your phone after a year.
I like this new screen technology:P hope this will come to Québec someday!! loll Anyone knows if it's plan to be on Telus?!
Yup it's on his way to us :)
I work there and there's no technological info on it except the "coming soon" and that it's going to be a revolution like the Tour...
(sry for double post, coudln't find the reply button ;_;)
Explain to me how the Tour was a 'revolution' as opposed to a minor upgrade achieved by combining some good features from other BB models into a boring, otherwise commonplace new BB model.
it was a revolution, only for those stuck on sprint without a new bb for a couple of years.
WHen you compare the Tour to the 8830, it was a big leap forward. After all, the Tour was the 8830 replacement.
I am soooo in hopes I can type better on the S2 than I can on the S1. At least tis gives me something to look forward to when it comes out. Thanks for the review. Love the sponge. It might be hokey but it got the point across. I loved the post it notes too. Great job.
well that was a pretty good description of the new screen.. i didnt really understand what the real difference was.. or the reason for the change. i'll have to give the new one a shot..
Storm 2 supports double clicking. Meaning if you were to click down on the screen with one thumb, you can click the screen again with the other thumb (and again with fingers if you wanted too). You cannot do this on the Storm 1.
Storm 2 does not have a single button in the middle of the screen like the Storm 1. It also does not have the defect where clicking corners were impossible (w/o the business card trick).
This will introduce a lot of innovative games that I'm sure game developers found to be impossible in Storm 1.
What Sal was demonstrating (and referring to as double-clicking) is not truly double-clicking; it's better referred to as multi-touch capability. Double-clicking, after all, is clicking twice in rapid succession on the same target. This is clicking twice in rapid succession on different targets, and having the device correctly recognize each of the two clicks. This is wicked cool, and should have just the positive effect on increasing typing speed that Sal talked about.
Thanks for the video Salomondrin. Loved the explanation. Now the waiting begins for the 9520 on AT&T...
Thanks Salomondrin! I'm glad RIM is continuing to innovate and introduce Piezo Technology into the Storm 2.
I'm so glad double clicks (with both thumbs) work in the Storm 2. That is one of the biggest headaches you overcome in the Storm 1.
Great example of the new technology using the sponge!
but what about the OS? What should make me want to stick with berry and wait for this to come to ATT rather than switch to the iPhone? I know everyone is excited about the screen, but the screen is useless if the hardware is too
Nothing should make you, please just go get an iphone and STFU. KTHXBYE!!!!1
All the commenters here whinging about the dearth of OS coverage in this video might want to view the other videos that Sal has posted in the past (http://crackberry.com/hottt-blackberry-storm-9550-video-again, http://crackberry.com/blackberry-storm-9550-caught-action-yet-again-time...) and other news on the topic previously posted as well.
As far as why you should wait for the 9520 to come to AT&T rather than switch to the iPhone, my opinion is that anyone who doesn't have a clear reason to want a BB would probably be happier with an iPhone. And if, as in your case, one prefers AT&T over Verizon, then it would seem a no-brainer to me: get the iPhone.
(Let the how-dare-you-suggest-that-the-Storm-is-not-superior-to-the-iPhone-in-every-way flames begin!)
I couldn't agree with you more. I'm giddy and full of joy hearing that the 9520 will be going to ATT. I had an iphone3G and couldn't stand it! Switched to the BOLD. I've been loving it since it came out in Nov. If you want to get things done...BLACKBERRY. If you want to look "hip" and want a UI that a 5 year old can figure out how to use, buy an iphone.
I was thinking about the Onyx...but I'll wait out for the Storm 2! LET THE BIG DOG EAT!
P.S. everyone bitched and moaned about threaded SMS and BBM...well, we already know about BBM 5.0 and the rumor of SMS being threaded as well has been confirmed. That's all I really bitched about before. I could CARE LESS about this whole "the UI needs to be more 'intuitive'" discussion. I don't need it to be flashy, I just need $hit to get done and that's what the berry does...GET 'ER DONE.
Pretty sweet technology.
Yup it's coming to TELUS, working there and we have some info on it, not much more than : ITS AN AWESOME PHONE COMING SOON.
any word if they will offer a discount on this phone because the first storm was a POS?
All that's needed now on the storm 2 is flash and skyfire and its the death of the iphone in my eyes for good..
very-very nice review, that piezo tech is sick!! hopefully storm 2 will available soon :)
I like this alot! Hope it does well. glad more than one carrier is getting it!
Its truly amazing (at least so it seems right now) what they've done to reinvent the screen but I still don't know. Like I said, it looks wonderful and like tmp3150 said, it should really show a lot of people how much their storm sucks (lol good one) but until I see how it performs, and what new features OS 5.0 brings, I can't pull the trigger on this phone. Why not a higher megapixel camera, why no better video recording capabilities. How bout a faster processor. Full specs haven't been released but man...here's to hoping :)
WOW. I like it, I really like it!
Thanks Sal for a great rewiew.
- CB
i love seeing storm 2 videos and this video explained a lot. if the storm 2 comes with a good OS, it can really damage the iphone market. Of course until crApple releases the iphone 3gMS next week. (the MS stands for More Speed)
Looks a lot better than the Storm 1 which isn't saying much. I'm not getting his comparison with the iPhone though. I type quite fast with the iPhone especially in widescreen mode. I don't have the issue with dragging by mistake or whatever it is he is talking about. Part of the reason is that the letters pop up very quickly on the onscreen keyboard so you can see what you are typing. On both Storms you have no feedback other than the goofy blue glow underneath your fingers which gives you no feedback. Although the video was really interesting he sure didn't show much of the phone and as much time as he spent talking about the screen and typing its odd that he didn't show any typing. Anyway I expect this Storm will be a really nice improvement and will sell well. More importantly they won't be getting half of them returned like the current Storm. I certainly don't think it will have much impact on the iPhone and RIM better hope that Verizon doesn't get the iPhone any time soon.
Thats because, Storm 2 is expected to launch with new OS. No point in showing it with old OS and getting flamed...?? just a guess on my part.
He didnt really type anything with the device. He typed more on the damn sponge than he did on the storm lol
I think i will be getting the storm 2. I love my 8330 but i would like the bigger screen.
Wow Storm 2 actually looks pretty sick
Still yawning. It's gonna take more than this to get me interested in this device.
Good thing it's non-scratch!
It's pronounced "Pee-ay-zo", not "Pee-zo"
seriously guy ? don't be a douche... NO ONE CARES !!
where did you hear that? piezo technology in musical instruments has been around for longer than me, and as a musician i have Never heard anybody pronounce it pee-ay-zo.
I find it funny how he doesn't demonstrate to type a text message. Hmmmmm.....Looks very sleek and clean tho. Nice Aesthetics.
Love the use of the sponge to demonstrate. For you seinfeld fans I guess you could say the Storm 2 is Sponge worthy.
That does sound like a huge imptovement over storm 1. Keeps the advantages of surepress but eliminates the limitation of one click at a time that limited typing speed. Can't wait to actually have this things in my hands and try to use it, but in concept alone that is a massive improvement.
I'm just ready to order it. A lot more of my friends have a Blackberry so I don't think I'll get anything else. I'm a BB user for life. Seems like these vids are being done in steps. I know you all keep saying early software but I hope to see more vids with new improvements on the S2.
I have Storm 1. BUT know after watching this VIDEO and all that crazy info abt the new tech..... cant wait for the STORM 2.. i will be the 1st one again to get the storm 2. on Eastern Shore MD.... hurry up verizon