RIM takes another shot at iPhone, touchscreen with Storm2

[AppleInsider]

Research In Motion Thursday officially introduced the BlackBerry Storm2, the company's latest salvo in its fight for smartphone supremacy with Apple's iPhone.

The successor to the original Storm, the company's first foray into the touchscreen market, features several key updates to its predecessor. The official specs highlight the Storm2's new "SurePress" technology, which replaces the mechanical clickscreen of the Storm with an electronic system for tactile feedback. The new technology also allows for easier typing by enabling the user to be pressing two keys at once, which opens up the possibility for multi-key actions such as Shift or Alt - key combinations.

Features according to RIM include:

Capacitive touch-screen with integrated functions (Send, End, Menu, Escape) and new SurePress technology that makes clicking the display practically effortless

2 GB of onboard memory storage and a microSD/SDHD memory card slot that supports up to 16 GB cards today and up to 32 GB cards when available

Built-in GPS for maps and other location-based applications as well as photo geotagging

Removable, rechargeable 1400 mAhr battery that provides approximately 6 hours of talk time on 3G networks and 280 hours of standby time
The Storm2 also now includes Wi-Fi, and displays a full QWERTY keyboard when held in portrait mode, both features that the original Storm lacked. So far, the only announced carrier is Vodaphone, which will sell the Storm2 in time for Christmas in seven European countries, as well as South Africa. Customers in the UK and Ireland will be able to get the Storm2 first through Vodafone, and it will be offered exclusively by Vodafone in Germany, Netherlands, and Spain. It will also be available in France and Italy.



It is not known when the phone will be available in the United States.* But Reuters reported that analysts expect Verizon to announce shortly in time for the holiday buying season.

RIM executive Jim Balsillie reportedly said that the Storm 2 will be a crucial factor in keeping and maintaining RIM's growth in the consumer market.

"Obviously, we want to maintain and extend our leadership, there's no question," Balsillie said.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[teckstud]

No apps
No iPod
No Music store
FAIL!

[iphonedeveloperthailand]

Not impressed enough to dump my iPhone. Maybe next time.

[Squuiid]

+1 fa1l

[iansilv]

I love my iPhone. I mean, I really love it. But I am getting sick of it not having any competition. Apple needs to be inspired to add and develop new features- although I think the 2010 model will be the leap the 3g and 3gs were not.

But seriously- we need some competition- otherwise, Apple can just sit there, and not make it better!

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by iansilv

I love my iPhone. I mean, I really love it. But I am getting sick of it not having any competition. Apple needs to be inspired to add and develop new features- although I think the 2010 model will be the leap the 3g and 3gs were not.

But seriously- we need some competition- otherwise, Apple can just sit there, and not make it better!

What features should they add, and why those features?

[John.B]

Does the Storm2 still use the same sucktastic browser that ships with the other Blackberrys?

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by iansilv

I love my iPhone. I mean, I really love it. But I am getting sick of it not having any competition. Apple needs to be inspired to add and develop new features- although I think the 2010 model will be the leap the 3g and 3gs were not.

But seriously- we need some competition- otherwise, Apple can just sit there, and not make it better!

A first- loving it and whining simutaneously!
Reminds me of an ex.

[justflybob]

Meh.

Move along, move along.

There's nothing to see here.

[Quadra 610]

Hey RIM, we've already seen this movie. Congratulations. You're now maybe where the Pre and Android were months ago. So aside from no apps, no iPod, no music, no games, and the inclusion of a capacitive touchscreen that hopefully won't suck, how exactly are you differentiating yourself?

The priority here isn't even in competing with the iPhone, but rather, not sucking.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by John.B

Does the Storm2 still use the same sucktastic browser that ships with the other Blackberrys?

What I can tell it’s still not using WebKit, so it’ll be slightly improved BB browser over the Storm 1.

[addabox]

Originally Posted by iansilv

I love my iPhone. I mean, I really love it. But I am getting sick of it not having any competition. Apple needs to be inspired to add and develop new features- although I think the 2010 model will be the leap the 3g and 3gs were not.

But seriously- we need some competition- otherwise, Apple can just sit there, and not make it better!

Just off the top of my head, since Apple released the original iPhone a little over two years ago, they've added: third party apps, a robust SDK, the app store, cut and paste, MMS, GPS, video recording, a greatly improved Mail app, Exchange support, push notifications, parental controls, wireless music and movie purchases, Spotlight search, voice memos, a better camera, faster CPU, more memory, and a slew of smaller usability enhancements like more pervasive availability of landscape keyboard. I'm sure I've left a few major improvements out.

Maybe those things aren't on your wish list, or you think some of them "should" have been included originally, but it doesn't seem reasonable to say that Apple has been sitting still with the iPhone, competition or no.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by justflybob

Meh.

Move along, move along.

There's nothing to see here.

I just noticed. Brilliant sig.

[Hudson1]

Originally Posted by John.B

Does the Storm2 still use the same sucktastic browser that ships with the other Blackberrys?

I believe it will have a new browser. What the article failed to mention is the OS is seeing a major overhaul/upgrade with the release of the Storm2.

Unfortunately, I can't get an iPhone for work... only a Blackberry. I've held off but the Storm2 might be the one that causes me to finally pull the trigger.

Like others here *should* do, I'll withhold judgment of the Storm2 until I actually put it in my hand and try it.

[Takeo]

The fact that the screen actually clicks when you press down is kind of interesting.

[ortal]

Originally Posted by teckstud

No apps
No iPod
No Music store
FAIL!

runs on Verizon (eventually)... WIN.
you guys need to understand that even a die-hard apple fan like myself needs to have other options until this whole exclusive ATT deal is over. I love my storm.

[ortal]

Originally Posted by Takeo

The fact that the screen actually clicks when you press down is kind of interesting.

you should see me on my ipod trying to 'click' the screen cause im so used to the storm.

[Maury Markowitz]

Originally Posted by ortal

runs on Verizon (eventually)... WIN.
you guys need to understand that even a die-hard apple fan like myself needs to have other options until this whole exclusive ATT deal is over. I love my storm.

Not to rub salt in that wound, but the situation up here in the GWN really is pretty good. Rogers/Fido has the exclusive now, but that's OK because their service is nothing short of spectacular. I have to drive at least an hour outside of Toronto before I lose 3G. Oddly, my GF's house is one location where I sometimes do.

But if that were not enough, the other two major carriers, Telus and Bell, are both scared crapless that the Olympics meant everyone that visited with a GSM phone would go right onto their sworn enemy's network, Rogers. So they spent the last year moving every major urban location across the country to HPDSA+ In less than one year they did a cross-country rollout of 21 Mbps! The iPhone becomes available from both of them next month.

The good news here is that the switchover from CDMA/PCS to GSM doesn't appear as difficult as the pundits said. I expect the same sort of switch will happen within the next year or two in the US as well. Then Apple has some real room for movement.

Maury

[Gazoobee]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Research In Motion Thursday officially introduced the BlackBerry Storm2 Smartphone, the company's latest salvo in its fight for smartphone supremacy with Apple's iPhone. ...

Personally, I think tech writers and sites like this focus on the "iPhone killer" aspect of the Storm far too much and I think it kind of skews reality.

In my part of the world (Canada), Blackberries are by far the most popular smartphone other than the iPhone, and the iPhone is a fairly recent (this year) development. Far from the popular wisdom tech sites promulgate about the Blackberry being a "business phone," most of the tween, teen, twenty-something smartphone users in my area have long been enamoured of the Blackberry for texting and email.

Out of these hundreds of young, trendy, Blackberry users I see every day almost no one has the Storm because it's generally agreed upon to be a POS. I've been at a couple of parties where everyone brings out their Blackberries and the lone person with the Storm is ridiculed by the other Blackberry users.

The Storm is not and never will be an "iPhone killer."

It may be that if you compare product feature lists, that the Storm most easily compares to the iPhone as a product offering, but the Blackberry Bold, and the Blackberry Pearl are the ones that people really choose when they choose RIIM over Apple.

[satchmo]

Originally Posted by teckstud

No apps
No iPod
No Music store
FAIL!

I wouldn't quite go that far.
It plays music, you can download music through VCast Music (whatever that is), and stream music.

It has over 3000 apps, not quite 85,000, but it would be unfair to say it doesn't have apps.
I'm not switching, but for those who absolutely need keyboard feedback, it's a decent option. Especially if your corporation is BB friendly.

[Shintocam]

Originally Posted by John.B

Does the Storm2 still use the same sucktastic browser that ships with the other Blackberrys?

Yes - although RIM is finally working on a new browser.

The difference here is .... you can download other browsers like Opera, Bolt etc...which are all quite good. RIM just purchased a company that makes Webkit based browsers for mobile devices so soon this will not be an issue hopefully.

[Postulant]

The iPhone killer has finally arrived!

Clicking the display on the Storm2 is practically effortless. OMG... how cool is that? Hands downs this is the best mobile device ever conceived. I read someplace that this phone synthesizes oxygen to charge its battery. Kewl!!!!!

[iansilv]

Originally Posted by addabox

Just off the top of my head, since Apple released the original iPhone a little over two years ago, they've added: third party apps, a robust SDK, the app store, cut and paste, MMS, GPS, video recording, a greatly improved Mail app, Exchange support, push notifications, parental controls, wireless music and movie purchases, Spotlight search, voice memos, a better camera, faster CPU, more memory, and a slew of smaller usability enhancements like more pervasive availability of landscape keyboard. I'm sure I've left a few major improvements out.

Maybe those things aren't on your wish list, or you think some of them "should" have been included originally, but it doesn't seem reasonable to say that Apple has been sitting still with the iPhone, competition or no.

No- I know this- I agree with everything you said. My point is that capitalism and competition promote better goods. I really have no complaints with my 3gs 32gb. And i will probably be amazed with the next revision. But my point is that if they just continue to kick the shit out of every other phone out there without any effort, then they may not put as much in to making it as good as they are able to, just as good as it needs to be to stay ahead of the curve. To be honest, the best thing to happen to us iPhone users would be to have a phone come out that is actually better. How, I have no idea. I just want to see competition produce better goods.

Battery life is excellent- but it could always be longer. Speed is great but it could always be snappier, etc. etc.

Plus I want a front facing camera- that I will probably never use, to be honest.

I'm just not the kind of guy who listens to ATT send their sideways head guy to make videos and tell us to be patient with them- screw em! It's our hard-earned money! We should demand the best and never be satisfied as consumers. that is all.

[webpoet73]

I looked at the Storm 2 on c|net this morning ... and they are not real impressed... but it does run on Verizon. It is quite a pickle on Verizon... for a touch screen phone, the choices are Samsung, LG, HTC, and Blackberry... I don't think there is an app store for the LG or Samsung (other than standard Verizon apps...). HTC run Windows Mobile and I know the Google phones are coming... but I don't want Android or Windows Mobile... so, the Storm 2 is at least a choice...

I am not willing to move to AT/T for an iPhone nor am I willing to move to Sprint for a Palm Pre (though that would mean my fiancee and I could be on the same carrier...)....

So, I guess I just move on with my Env2.

[FlashmanBurgess]

Originally Posted by Takeo

The fact that the screen actually clicks when you press down is kind of interesting.

My wife has the original storm so I can speak from experience. I can't believe this product ever made it past QA. The "Clickable" screen is the worst idea ever. Well not worst idea, but worst execution of an idea. I never gave my wife instructions on how to use my iPhone and she can navigate and find apps and type on the keyboard with no problem what so ever. She is constantly having issues with the Storm in that she can't find the app she needs since all the icons look the same pretty much, and she usually needs to click twice on something, and then wait 5 - 10 seconds before it actually launches. The keyboard is so bad. You type the wrong letter more often than the correct one. Especially the S and D key. I can have my finger directly over the S key and click and the D is what gets typed. Hopefully they've improved all of the shortcomings of the first Storm, and they are plentiful. You know a phone is bad when someone who has just purchased the latest and greatest advanced smartphone (other than an iPhone), constantly asks to use your iPhone for all things other than making a call.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by satchmo

I wouldn't quite go that far.
It plays music, you can download music through VCast Music (whatever that is), and stream music.

It has over 3000 apps, not quite 85,000, but it would be unfair to say it doesn't have apps.
I'm not switching, but for those who absolutely need keyboard feedback, it's a decent option. Especially if your corporation is BB friendly.

Can you watch a movie on it?

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by Maury Markowitz

Not to rub salt in that wound, but the situation up here in the GWN really is pretty good. Rogers/Fido has the exclusive now, but that's OK because their service is nothing short of spectacular. I have to drive at least an hour outside of Toronto before I lose 3G. Oddly, my GF's house is one location where I sometimes do.

But if that were not enough, the other two major carriers, Telus and Bell, are both scared crapless that the Olympics meant everyone that visited with a GSM phone would go right onto their sworn enemy's network, Rogers. So they spent the last year moving every major urban location across the country to HPDSA+ In less than one year they did a cross-country rollout of 21 Mbps! The iPhone becomes available from both of them next month.

The good news here is that the switchover from CDMA/PCS to GSM doesn't appear as difficult as the pundits said. I expect the same sort of switch will happen within the next year or two in the US as well. Then Apple has some real room for movement.

Maury

Agreed.

Apparently, we're due for some competition in this sector over the next 6 months. Should be interesting.

[Postulant]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Can you watch a movie on it?

You can watch movie trailers.

[addabox]

Originally Posted by iansilv

No- I know this- I agree with everything you said. My point is that capitalism and competition promote better goods. I really have no complaints with my 3gs 32gb. And i will probably be amazed with the next revision. But my point is that if they just continue to kick the shit out of every other phone out there without any effort, then they may not put as much in to making it as good as they are able to, just as good as it needs to be to stay ahead of the curve. To be honest, the best thing to happen to us iPhone users would be to have a phone come out that is actually better. How, I have no idea. I just want to see competition produce better goods.

Battery life is excellent- but it could always be longer. Speed is great but it could always be snappier, etc. etc.

Plus I want a front facing camera- that I will probably never use, to be honest.

I'm just not the kind of guy who listens to ATT send their sideways head guy to make videos and tell us to be patient with them- screw em! It's our hard-earned money! We should demand the best and never be satisfied as consumers. that is all.

Well, sure, and I'm not going to go out of my way to defend AT&T, although that's kind of a different issue.

I just think that Apple sees the iPhone as pretty much the lynchpin of its future (which is ubiquitous mobile computing), and I suspect they have a pretty robust long range plan for where they want to take the platform. I doubt that plan is going to be hugely affected, on way or the other, by whether or not a competitor adds this or that feature.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that resistance to adding "this or that feature" is what distinguishes Apple from the competition. Most of the smart phones in the iPhone mold coming onto the market now have a me too, bucket of features quality to them, like someone in marketing took a look around and made up a checklist-- big touch screen, app store, plenty of animations, Webkit based browser, etc. That's competition driven features.

Apple is playing a different game, it seems to me. They have an idea about what they think these kind of devices ought to be for, and why people would want to use them, and how that scenario will evolve as hardware and software services become available.

The drive to innovate and improve is coming from Apple's core philosophy, not from some perceived need to match other manufacturers feature for feature.

A good example of this is multitasking. Apple could enable third party multitasking, but they have an underlying idea about performance and simplicity that mitigates against it, at this time. They'll do it when they think they can make it work well for their customers, and not because other platforms are claiming a competitive advantage.

Obviously everyone doesn't agree with all of Apple's choices, but it's undeniable that their playbook is fundamentally different than most if not all of the other handset makers-- for better or worse.

Having said all that, I still agree with you in the sense that good implementations of possible UI conventions are always useful. I'm sure Apple's design people keep a keen eye out for how anyone else is doing it, and are not adverse to incorporating best of breed solutions to whatever evolution of the iPhone is to come. For instance, their are aspects of the Pre UI that might find their way into a future iPhone OS, in some form, although no doubt thoroughly "Applefied." In that way competition, meaning really excellent variants on the cracking the mobile computing nut, are indeed to be welcomed.

[Morky]

Originally Posted by FlashmanBurgess

My wife has the original storm so I can speak from experience. I can't believe this product ever made it past QA. The "Clickable" screen is the worst idea ever. Well not worst idea, but worst execution of an ideal.

Agreed, I tried it, too - it was horrendous. The claim is that this is now much improved, as they have increased the number of sensors behind the screen (there was just one big button behind the screen in Storm 1). While I have no interest in buying one, I would like to try one to see if they actually made it work.

[Anya]

App World? I lol'd.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Postulant

You can watch movie trailers.

I rest my case

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Morky

Agreed, I tried it, too - it was horrendous. The claim is that this is now much improved, as they have increased the number of sensors behind the screen (there was just one big button behind the screen in Storm 1). While I have no interest in buying one, I would like to try one to see if they actually made it work.

Who cares it if vibrates up a storm (get it)?
It's everything else it either can't do or lacks.

[astrosmash]

When I travel I use a GPS app that records my path (among other things). I keep the app running throughout the day, along with Google Maps, then export the path to a Google Earth .KML file and send it over to my MacBook via Bluetooth. Best of all, that app is free and open source. All of that is impossible on the iPhone.

Like it or not, the messaging and text input on the Blackberry is still lightyears ahead of the iPhone. Even if you take the keyboard out of the equation and look only at the software, the iPhone has a long, long way to go. I've had an iPhone for 2 years now and I still shake my head every time I type anything on that thing. I've typed whole paragraphs only to find that it has replaced every instance if "its" with "it's". It doesn't even have simple spell checking.

Over the term of a contract your smart phone will cost you well over $1000, so the question you have to ask yourself is this: are you spending that money to communicate or to listen to music?

[justflybob]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

I just noticed. Brilliant sig.

Why, thank you!

[souliisoul]

I just finished watching the review ob cnet and it was not good see link below:

http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/...ntMain;compare

RIM need to stick with business sector market, since Storm 2 is slight improvement on the original.

[Postulant]

Originally Posted by teckstud

I rest my case

Dude... the screen clicks when you touch it. How cool is that? The last time I heard clicking this cool was during The Gods Must Be Crazy.

[GQB]

Originally Posted by iansilv

I love my iPhone. I mean, I really love it. But I am getting sick of it not having any competition. Apple needs to be inspired to add and develop new features- although I think the 2010 model will be the leap the 3g and 3gs were not.

But seriously- we need some competition- otherwise, Apple can just sit there, and not make it better!

I understand the 'competition makes the world go round' meme, but I never get the sense of despair I feel from some. Its not exactly like Apple's standing still. Without any serious competition, they've lapped the field.
Is the concern that they're going to pull a 'rabbit and the hare' out of the bag and sit on their laurels?

[paxman]

Originally Posted by astrosmash

Over the term of a contract your smart phone will cost you well over $1000, so the question you have to ask yourself is this: are you spending that money to communicate or to listen to music?

I am spending that money (whatever it is) for a really smart phone that is an integral part of my own little mac ecosystem. It may not be perfect (you win some you loose some) and I may be able to replicate all or most of that functionality using other systems but I'll have to be seriously pissed off with Apple (iPhone) before I'll bother even to think about that option. Still, competition is great as it will make my iPhone even better, quicker.

[dyler]

They want to maintain and grow their leadership? What leadership, they make crappy phones for people who don't understand that the iPhone is now the best device for consumers and business users. RIM does not have leadership anymore and Apple has taken the leadership role in the smartphone world thats why everyone is trying to catch up with them. RIM is now a laggard and they are about three years behind Apple, how is this leadership?