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Verizon Officially Announces the BlackBerry Storm2!

by Kevin Michaluk on 26 Oct 2009 07:01 AM
94
 

Verizon BlackBerry Storm2

Here it is Storm2 chasers... the press release we have all been waiting for! And it looks like you won't have to wait long now to pick up a BlackBerry Storm2, with availability scheduled for October 28th - this Wednesday. As previously posted, Verizon Blackberry Storm2 pricing comes in at $179 on a 2yr contract after a mail-in rebate, but there's no mention of a BOGO promotion or upgrade incentive for Storm1 users... at least in the press release (if any of these promotions do exist, could be they'll roll into action in the near future). If you haven't done it yet, be sure to check out our BlackBerry Storm2 Review. Press release below.

As for why the Verizon press release was delayed beyond RIM/Vodafone's announcement of the BlackBerry Storm2, no official reason was stated, but judging by the looks of the press release the official argument might be that they were waiting for the release of OS 5.0 for the Storm 9530, so original Storm owners were taken care of prior to the Storm2's launch.

Press Release

A Powerful New Storm Rolls Onto Verizon Wireless' Network on Oct. 28

New Operating System for Existing BlackBerry Storm Customers

BASKING RIDGE, NEW JERSEY and WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 26, 2009) - Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry(R) Storm2(TM) smartphone will be available in Verizon Wireless Communications stores, online at www.verizonwireless.com, and through business sales channels beginning Oct. 28. The BlackBerry Storm2 with BlackBerry(R) OS 5.0 evolves the BlackBerry(R) touchscreen platform with hundreds of hardware and software enhancements - including new SurePress(TM) "clickable" display technology and built-in Wi-Fi(R) - delivering the exceptional multimedia experience and communications capabilities customers have come to expect from their BlackBerry smartphones.

Key Features:

  • Smooth design and premium finish with sloped edges, chrome accents, glass lens and stainless steel backplate 
  • Large (3.25"), dazzling high-resolution 480 x 360 display at 184 ppi 
  • Capacitive touchscreen with integrated functions (Send, End, Menu,
  • Escape) and new SurePress technology that makes clicking the display practically effortless 
  • 3G and global connectivity support for making phone calls in more than 220 countries and accessing data in more than 185 countries (with more than 80 destinations in 3G) 
  • Network Connectivity: EV-DO Revision A; UMTS/HSPA (2100 MHz); and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM networks 
  • Supports Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) 
  • 256 MB of Flash memory 
  • 2 GB of onboard media storage and a microSD(TM)/SDHD memory card slot with a 16 GB card included

Software Updates on BlackBerry Storm2:

  • Features BlackBerry OS 5.0, which includes typing accuracy and selection improvements, as well as usability and visual enhancements such as inertial scrolling, spin boxes that make it easier to set dates and times, gradient shading on buttons, and more use of animation 
  • BlackBerry Browser is improved with faster JavaScript and CSS processing as well as support for Gears and BlackBerry Widgets 
  • Customers running BlackBerry(R) Enterprise Server 5.0 will gain the ability to set follow-up flags, manage e-mail folders, access remote files (Windows Shares), forward appointments, view calendar attachments, and more

Additional Features and Specifications:

  • 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, Image Stabilization (IS), flash and video recording capabilities 
  • Premium and easy-to-access phone features, background noise suppression technology, loud distortion-free speakerphone and face detection (proximity sensor) that prevents accidental clicks and blanks the screen while the customer is on the phone 
  • Media player for videos, pictures and music, plus support for BlackBerry Desktop Manager for both PCs and Macs, and BlackBerry(R) Media Sync, for easily syncing Windows Media(R) Player music with the smartphone(i) 
  • 3.5 mm stereo headset jack and dedicated volume controls 
  • Bluetooth(R) (v2.1) capable with support for Secure Simple Pairing, hands-free headsets, stereo headsets, car kits and other Bluetooth peripherals 
  • Built-in GPS for maps and other location-based applications, as well as photo geotagging; and Verizon Wireless' VZ Navigator(SM) service is pre-loaded 
  • V CAST Music with Rhapsody 
  • Access to BlackBerry App World(TM), featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones, with categories including games, entertainment, IM and social networking, news, weather, productivity and more Support for Verizon Wireless' Mobile Broadband Connect tethering service
  • Removable, rechargeable 1400 mAhr battery that provides up to 5.5 hours of talk time or up to 11.2 days of standby time

Pricing and Availability:

  • The BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone is available beginning Oct. 28 for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan. Customers will receive the mail-in rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Data plans for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone begin at $29.99 when added to any Nationwide voice plan.

New Operating System for Existing BlackBerry Storm Customers

  • Existing BlackBerry Storm customers will be able to update their handsets to the new BlackBerry OS 5.0 software via Web software load (www.blackberry.com/update), BlackBerry Desktop Manager, or from Verizon Wireless' download site (www.verizonwireless.com/storm). The software is available today. 
  • For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers can contact their Business Sales Representatives at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.

 

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94 Comments

Posted by BB4Casey Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Bring it on!

 
 
Posted by Cruiz1022 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

:-D !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
 
Posted by aperture_disaster Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Thats awesome i look towards getting my paws on one

 
 
Posted by idesmond Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

decisions decisions... sigh

 
 
Posted by phixion Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

..to how this device does. I'm excited for those who've been waiting.

 
 
Posted by S_E_P_35 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

UPGRADE TIME!

 
 
Posted by garment69 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

No pre-orders being taken?

 
 
Posted by CarBob Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Thanks Kevin. This is great news for Verizon customers. Any info relative to Bell Mobility?

- CB

 
 
Posted by grundyman Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

does anyone else see this on verizonwireless?

 
 
Posted by Licoeur Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

http://news.vzw.com/news/2009/10/pr2009-10-24.html

 
 
Posted by grundyman Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

thanks licoeur, i just called them. what kind of black magic is this there pulling off? they didnt give people time to get things straight. i could of had my current storm on ebay by now

 
 
Posted by KillerTruffle Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

After talking to a Verizon rep myself on Friday, he had stated that all he knew was that the Storm2 would be out "sometime next week." He said they only tell the store reps around 2 days or so before the actual launch date (apparently they don't trust them?). The way he talked, this sounded like somewhat standard practice. Still seems odd tho, because I'm sure I've seen ads for other Verizon phones quite a while before release.

 
 
Posted by Terrahawk Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Come on VZW, was that so hard =)

 
 
Posted by Strichnyne Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

I will be there at opening to get mine. Anyone know of any protective cases to get for it?

 
 
Posted by JFrost1117 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Now, here's hoping I can get it from Wirefly or something for the low.

 
 
Posted by kigs Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

RIP Blackberry Storm model

iDon't want a Storm 2

 
 
Posted by bubbles_80 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

I want it now!

 
 
Posted by Se7enth Sinn Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Just called Verizon and no pre-orders are being taken lol. nice job

 
 
Posted by S.Trooper Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Hmm, think not!

 
 
Posted by vlkers7171 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

droid or storm2....i love blackberries but the droid looks tempting. i may keep my allegiance to BB though. We'll see. I'll do a hands on.

 
 
Posted by elgrant Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

But there should definitely be an upgrade incentive for Storm1 users. Maybe not a free Storm2, but a reduced price at most.

They should consider it. Anyone have that kind of power on here to shoot them the idea.

 
 
Posted by crazy4bbtour Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Hasn't anyone figured it out yet? VZW just wants this device to go away.... An early morning press release 2 days before the device suppose to launch....Launching the same day as the head people for vzw and motorola having a press conference for the Droid.

Its all making sense now. Announce the device today so no one really talks about it. Launch it on the same day the "device of the year" will be announced and dont mention this device.....

Sorry to say it but the Storm gave VZW a bad rep so it's old news to them....

Nov. 6th is when i'm getting a new device....

 
 
Posted by phkhmh42 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

you've got it all wrong the reason that VZW did not officially announce the storm 2 until today was they wanted to make sure that all storm 1 owners had the opportunity to upgrade to the 5.0 s/w. So they can reduce the amount of customers with the storm 1 that try and talk there way into a storm 2. VZW hates returns just as much as any other retail store. They loose money on equipment returns no matter what the reason for the return. And they have 2 year contracts on the equipment to help reduce the amount of cost to the customers instead of paying almost $500 for the full retail price.
Because despite the issues with the original .75 S/W and the fact it took 6 months for VZW and Blackberry to get a s/w they could agree on. The original storm really isn't a bad device. I've enjoyed my Storm and I bought it on the first day it was launched. The main problem is customers expectations due to the hype of the original storm. Everyone wanted it to be an iPhone killer but RIM was not designing the Storm to be an iPhone killer they were designing a touch screen blackberry to give people that are a little more multimedia oriented a device that fit there needs.

Was the storm 1 everything that everyone expected it to be. no not for everyone. Is the storm or storm 2 designed for everyone defiantly not. Not everyone needs/or can get comfortable with a full touch screen Blackberry. And I'm sure the Droid will have the same issues. People will buy the device because of all of the hype and then find out after they buy it that this really wasn't the best device for them.

 
 
Posted by Jesson Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Well said...

 
 
Posted by crazy4bbtour Monday, Oct 26, 2009 836 days ago

if that were he case, this 5.0 software couldve been released back on Oct. 18th and then the original release date of the 21st would be the date the storm2 wouldve came out. it's all marketing and just trying to please all of the bb fanatics with this device but still keep the hype on the Droid. im not saying the Droid wont have any problems, im speaking from a marketing perspective. they just want the device out and move on. since when has vzw released a device 2 days after it was announced? the storm by far was a disappointment from what i wanted it to do that i can do on my Tour. All im saying is Vzw has taken their eggs outta the basket of the storm series and is moving on. the theory of waiting for the os to be released why its coming out the same day they are going to announce the Droid is foolish!

 
 
Posted by jbhang10 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 836 days ago

if they were moving on why did they come out with the second model?? ummmm when you move on doesn't that mean you don't invest anymore time in it?? But you sound like a know it all so no need to reply..

 
 
Posted by Digital Monday, Oct 26, 2009 836 days ago

If the 5.0 OS were ready earlier for the Storm 1 I am farily confident that's when it would have been released. Verizon wanted a good 5.0 build for the Storm 1 prior to Storm 2 launch. My guess is that the initial delay from an October 14th Storm 2 launch is because that was assuming that the Storm 1 OS 5.0 would be ready around October 1st, giving them about two weeks to get Storm 1 owners installed, comfortable, and significantly happier. Some would be less salty for an "upgrade" before they were due, and others would be so excited with the OS they would be energized to buy the Storm 2. Regardless, by the time the Storm 2 launched, the word of mouth from current Storm 1 owners would be considerably better than it would have been had the Storm 2 launched before or at the same time as the Storm 1 owners getting OS 5.0.

Word of mouth needs to be good before they launch version 2, otherwise the product isn't going to do very well. But if all those previous Storm 1 owners are happier, then less new people will be hesitant to buy the Storm 2. At least, that's my take on it.

 
 
Posted by lovemytoys Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Will the wi-fi addition to Storm2 help me? I couldn't hold signal and dropped calls on original Storm. Will calls be made via wi-fi, which I have?

 
 
Posted by paulmike3 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

wifi is data only. no calls.

 
 
Posted by lovemytoys Monday, Oct 26, 2009 836 days ago

for your help!

 
 
Posted by phkhmh42 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

the Wi-Fi is really only for data use. Now I'm not sure if you had Skype or vonage you could download there programs to use a VoIP.

The 5.0 S/W on my storm 1 seems to improved my 1XEV signal so I would try that first

 
 
Posted by lovemytoys Monday, Oct 26, 2009 836 days ago

I'll upgrade to 5.0 on my original Storm and see if it works.

 
 
Posted by sliznut Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Droid or Storm 2? I'm honestly perfectly happy with my original Storm with the 5.0 software. I think the Droid is going to be VERY tempting to get me away from RIM. Not sure what I would do with BBM though!

 
 
Posted by Tito71 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Why why why Rogers is not going for it...

 
 
Posted by BerryGuy25 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Give it time, nothing has been announced for Canada just yet...but as Canadians, looking back at the Storm 1 release...we won't be getting the phone until late November or early December. Correct me if I'm wrong but Storm 1 released on December 10th 2008 for Canada.

 
 
Posted by Tito71 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Rogers never had the Storm 1 (and it's ok) but what about the 2, Bell and Telus will but only interested in Rogers's point of view in this matter (GSM with Rogers 3G)

 
 
Posted by chriscook.sv Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

How many units does each verizon store get? I.e. what place in line do i need to be to get this phone?

Now that it's out im a bit torn, but the DROID is just really hard on the eyes... i really dont like the looks of it. I know that looks are not everything but if im carrying it around all the time it better be awesome inside and out.

I think the strorm2 may just meet the challenge this time.

 
 
Posted by jbhang10 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 836 days ago

I spoke with a verizon employee this morning. They are not expecting a line for this phone. So as long as you get there when it opens you should be golden. Expecting more sales after phone is released by word of mouth that it is MUCH better from the original.

 
 
Posted by S2wannaB Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

I've never bought a phone on launch day but am excited about the Storm 2. If it is available online also-which is the best way to get it if you don't necessarily want to wait in line. Is it much slower through internet order? Is it a better deal than online? If they run short on stock, do the online orders take a back seat to in store customers? Just a lot of questions. Some of you have did this before and know the ropes-maybe you can help me out with your experiences.

Thanks

 
 
Posted by sandyscandles Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

The way I read the pricing is it is $279. before the rebate. So the initial cost will be $379.00 and then we will get $100. in a rebate card. Did I read it wrong or did I miss something?

 
 
Posted by chriscook.sv Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

The BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone is available beginning Oct. 28 for $179.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement on a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.

It will be 179 w rebate

 
 
Posted by S2wannaB Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

$279 before $100 rebate-=you pay $179

 
 
Posted by sandyscandles Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Sorry I looked at it differently but I got it now Thank you

 
 
Posted by NY-518 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Much luck to all who are awaiting the S2. I have such a bad taste in my mouth over the S1, I wouldn't bite on this phone if it were free.

In any event........Hope it's a hit!!

 
 
Posted by gregmar Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

VZW has a BOGO offer going right now till Nov. 6th. So I would think if they start selling the Storm2 on Oct 28th, then the bogo should apply

 
 
Posted by JerichoSET Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Some of the "leaked" information referenced the BOGO offer for the Storm2. I am hoping this is the case and they haven't rethought the idea. If I can't get the Storm2 on the BOGO deal I think I will go to the Tour. I do prefer the size of the QWERTY keyboard on the Storm2 in horizontal mode, though.

 
 
Posted by losp310 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

Never had a problem with the storm 1, you just got to know how to use it. And now with the new release of OS 5.0.0.328 for the BlackBerry Storm 9530, it feels like a new phone.

As a user of the Storm, I use it to control my Bang & Olufsen home theater sytem with my AV/shadow app from Unify4Life. Can't wait to upgrade to the Storm 2 on the 28th!

Thanks BlackBerry for continuously work hard to make are lives easier!

 
 
Posted by google123 Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

this just seems so,.....meh.

 
 
Posted by 2005CTS Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

So I am eligible for a new every two upgrade. Does that mean I would get an additional discount or just the same $100.00 rebate for a new customer?

By the way - my Storm1 running the new 5.0 is so much better than the original. Almost like a completely different phone. This will help Verizon keep many of the Storm1 owners happy for sure.

 
 
Posted by JerichoSET Monday, Oct 26, 2009 837 days ago

I was wondering the same thing regarding the "New Every Two" deal. I would think it will be $100 off the phone when you purchase it and an additional $100 with the rebate. That would make the price $79 for the phone. Now, if you can also get the BOGO that would be a VERY sweet deal!

 
 
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