The BlackBerry Storm, the first BlackBerry to feature a touch-screen like Apple's iPhone, will be available later this fall, according to Research In Motion, Verizon Wireless (exclusive U.S. carrier) and Vodafone Group (Europe, India, Australia and New Zealand). Pricing is expected to be announced as the companies get closer to launch.
The phone features a "clickable" touch-screen that "responds much like a physical keyboard", yet also supports single-touch, multi-touch and gestures, similar to the iPhone. The Storm will operate on Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network for high-speed data downloads, but lacks any Wi-Fi connectivity. That seems like a big mistake in my book.
Sure, EV-DO might be faster than the UMTS or HSPA networks offered by AT&T Wireless and its iPhone 3G, but the ability to access much faster Wi-Fi networks makes a smart phone even better. It seems short-sighted to leave out Wi-Fi just because carriers want users to access their mobile broadband network. The company is hindering the adoption of data usage by limiting access to just the wireless WAN. Others may feel that having no Wi-Fi on the device is a sacrifice they're willing to make, but having used several smart phones with Wi-Fi on it, I'd have to say that Wi-Fi is a must-have – when Wi-Fi is available, it makes the user experience that much better and data access goes that much faster.
Other iPhone-like qualities on the Storm include a built-in accelerometer, which lets users switch between landscape and portrait modes as the device is rotated. When in portrait mode, users can type messages with RIM's SureType keyboard layout – when they rotate to landscape, they get a full QWERTY on-screen keyboard.
The Storm features an HTML Web browser that lets users double-tap to zoom in and slide their fingers to scroll/pan, and will support file downloads, streaming audio and video, and built-in RSS support.
On the messaging front, the Storm supports personal and corporate e-mail, text messaging, picture messaging and instant messaging services, as well as access to social networking sites.
More "personal" features include a 3.2 megapixel digital camera with variable zoom, auto focus and flash (unsure whether this can be disabled); built-in GPS with support for location-based applications, as well as the ability to geotag photos, and a media player for audio and video. The device includes 1GB of onboard memory storage and a microSD/SDHD card slot with support up to 16GB of extra storage space.
On the plus side, the Storm will have a removable rechargeable battery, something the iPhone lacks.
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Does it really need WiFi?
The new phone itself is pretty impressive without the WiFi feature from what I've seen so far. I can't lie, though. I am a bit disappointed, but, the problem with many consumers with new phones is, we beg and plea for something, but then, as soon as we get it, we want it to be better. We need to actually appreciate that they have even done something as ground-breaking as this for the Blackbery. And in time, they may come through for us.
First impressions
True, the device may seem better than advertised, but at the moment all we've got are photos and the specs, maybe my opinions will change once we get the device in-house. I'm also a little wary of the click-touch concept for navigation, it seems like they're trying to satisfy too many camps -- those who want an iPhone-like touch interface yet still have to satisfy the clickers out there -- the ones who like their BlackBerries.
Storm
I was all ready to go--without WiFi its no go!!!!
Ditto, I am all waiting for
Ditto, I am all waiting for being Stormed. Now it looks like i have to settle for being Bolded..
i agree no wifi im out.
i agree no wifi im out. staying with my samsung i760
same here...no wi-fi has
same here...no wi-fi has really dampned ny spirits..
agreed.
agreed.
I won't buy without Wi-Fi
I was so excited. I have a phone that's almost 4 years old that still has a 1.2 megapixel camera, mpeg video recorder, can text/picture/video message. I'm told by verizon, when I call about service intteruption, that my phone is "old". I laughed at them last year when I saw a brand new verizon phone that bolstered a 1.2 megapixel camera.
I can't believe that they are not offering Wi-Fi and it seems that another post is correct, verizon only wants you to use their network. Honestly, it sounds more like a form of net neutrality. If they don't offer a standard wireless connection that I can use to get higher speeds on my phone and a better overall experience, I don't think they have my best interests in mind.
will wait for wi-fi
i hope that verizon eventually, but quickly, realizes that wi-fi is a MUST for many consumers.
will wait or go with something else.
No Wi-Fi - you've got to be kidding
People who travel to remote areas must know that the roaming charges for net an phones can reach past a $1,000 per month easily. The best deal about WI-FI on a phone is that at least once in a while youcan get a hotspot and make those calls on a cheaper basis, check internet - and not have to lug a notebook with you which makes you a target for a mugging.
Verizon has really limited ties with overseas carriers anyway and most places you can;t even switch a chip for a month or so during an extended stay so you need a local carrier or some other carrier that is more responsible at true communication - Verizon-- Can you hear me now?