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BlackBerry Storm to take on iPhone

Jayesh Limaye, Oct 14, 2008 1603 hrs IST

Touted as the "iPhone killer", this is the first ever full touch-screen phone from RIM.

The much-awaited BlackBerry Storm was finally released by Canadian wireless giant Research in Motion (RIM) on October 7. Touted as the "iPhone killer", this is the first ever full touch-screen phone from RIM. RIM has said that the Storm will be available exclusively to Verizon customers in the U.S. and Vodafone customers in Europe, India, Australia and New Zealand in the autumn.

This announcement has come within days of the massive hit taken by RIM shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange, after RIM reported a less than expected profit.

The new touch-screen, which also works as a keyboard, supports single -touch, multi-touch and gestures to easily navigate in applications. The haptic touch-screen will let the user distinctly feel the screen being pressed and released with a gentle click, and the experience is said to be similar to that of a physical keyboard or a mouse button.

Some of the other features include an inbuilt accelerometer to auto-orient the screen between landscape and portrait modes when the handset is rotated by the user.

RIM has said that it is very fast and easy to navigate web sites with the Storm's touch-screen interface letting users double tap to zoom in and slide their fingers to scroll and pan.

Mike Lazaridis, RIM's president and co-CEO said "We are proud to introduce the first touch-screen based BlackBerry smartphone together with Verizon Wireless and Vodafone. The BlackBerry Storm is a revolutionary touch-screen smartphone that meets both the communications and multimedia needs of customers and solves the longstanding problem associated with typing on traditional touch-screens. Consumers and business customers alike will appreciate this unique combination of a large and vibrant screen with a truly tactile touch interface."

The Storm will probably launched in India in December 2008, though the pricing and carrier plan details, and details about whether it will be carrier-locked or not are yet to be announced.

USER COMMENTS

israel price hehe

by masacre, palestine, on Mar 29, 2009 01:34 AM, Report abuse Reply

What is the price

by Dipak jain, Mumbai, on Jan 23, 2009 03:20 PM, Report abuse Reply

around rs 28000 or something

by aditya, prasad, on Feb 09, 2009 06:55 AM, Report abuse

i watched the "cell guru " program on NDTV and loved the features of the STORM. I want to buy if I feel it is worth buying. What is the cost in India ?

by ALHAD SABADRA, DHULE, on Jan 21, 2009 11:29 PM, Report abuse Reply

HI WE REPAIR ALL OUT OF WARRANTY PDAs,BLACKBERRY ,APPLE IPODS,IPHONES, AND APPLE LAPTOPS SERVING EAST DELHI,WEST DELHI,NORTH DELHI,SOUTH DELHI,NCR,FARIDABAD,GURGAON,NOIDA PLEASE CONTACT US AT JULIAN JOHN : Preet Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Shahdara, Mayur Vihar, Patparganj and Lakshmi Nagar. Pitampura - Rohini - Punjabi Bagh. - JanakPuri - Rajouri Garden - Patel Nagar

by JULIAN JOHN, new delhi, on Jan 08, 2009 07:15 PM, Report abuse Reply

Good piece of gadget. I also read a lot of iPhone 3g when it was launched. There should have been a comparison between iphone and Storm. I feel that blackberry is loaded for business purpose while iphone is loaded for entertainment purpose.
** Message edited by moderator **

by Rita, Osaka, on Nov 16, 2008 12:20 AM, Report abuse Reply

i AM ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF "THE STORM" I BELIEVE THIS ONE WILL RIVAL SOME CAT 1 HURRICANES

by FERRELL, Washington D.C., on Oct 14, 2008 09:07 PM, Report abuse Reply

so basically it's futile to purchase the storm now from the u.s coz it won't work here on our networks right?

by sido, lusaka, on Nov 13, 2008 01:35 PM, Report abuse

pffft. iPhone is way better

by iphone 3g owner, NYC, on Oct 14, 2008 07:23 PM, Report abuse Reply

you hacven't even seen it yet! lol some people

by chris, houston, on Oct 14, 2008 09:41 PM, Report abuse

I don't think so. iPhone is only provided by ATT which sucks. Owner of iPhone 3g

by Bill, Corona, on Oct 15, 2008 02:42 AM, Report abuse

the iphone isnt better then my current blackberry, i think you need to read spec for spec , iphone vs. storm, then tell me whats better. steve jobs sure knows how to jedi mind trick the simple minded i see

by grundyman, philadelphia, on Oct 15, 2008 06:16 AM, Report abuse

hell yeah...iphone 3G....so awesome!!! especially because of at&t's 45% coverage for US population for it's awesome 3G network compared to Verizon's 85% 3G coverage!!! Damn you're an idiot!!!

by bob, san diego, on Oct 17, 2008 10:49 AM, Report abuse

What a phone

by Sandy, Pune, on Oct 22, 2008 02:43 PM, Report abuse

how can i get one working in India? Can't wait till 2009 for Vodafone to introduce it.

by Abhijit, Mumbai, on Oct 20, 2008 08:48 AM, Report abuse Reply

This phone is pretty cool and my dAd is thinking about getting it.

by lauren, ny, on Oct 19, 2008 12:12 AM, Report abuse Reply

is there anyway that someone an unlock the storm and can it be used for tmobile???

by alex, Apple Valley, on Oct 15, 2008 03:41 AM, Report abuse Reply

im no pro, but i doubt it cause verizon dont use sim card

by grundyman, philadelphia, on Oct 15, 2008 06:19 AM, Report abuse

you can not unlock the storm for use with Tmobile because it does not support a SIM card. It is programed over the air with the user info. All these comments about how you can get one from verizon and switch SIM cards is a bunch of crock because verizon does not use SIM cards at all. Trust me I have been with Verizon for YEARS NO SIM CARD!

by David, Parker, on Oct 15, 2008 07:26 PM, Report abuse

No, you cannot use the storm on Tmobile. Contrary to the other posts on this page, the storm does in fact support a SIM card, just as the 8830 RIM supports a sim card. Mobile phone companies are moving this direction to allow users to use their phones overseas where GSM networks are king, especially in Europe. You cannot use it in the U.S. on your GSM network (Tmobile) because they bandwiths are different. The GSM bandwith that the storm supports are those used by carriers in other markets, not by domestic markets.

by You don't know , Washington, on Oct 16, 2008 12:40 AM, Report abuse

If you people knew anything about cell phones, you know that the storm is also coming out for vodafone, which is a gsm based company..you will probaly be able to unlock their version of the storm...secondly the storm from verizon has gsm capabilties to allow you to use it as a world phone..thats why it has several hardwares for multi frequencies.

by Eric, Cornell, on Oct 17, 2008 09:22 PM, Report abuse

eagerly waiting for it... fantabulous phone... wht price? let me know

by chetan, ahmedabad, on Oct 17, 2008 11:26 AM, Report abuse Reply

I will not switch to Verizon for this phone. I like the phone and all, but I was with verizon for over 10 years, with data plans and options totaling over $130 a month, even with a discount!

by Smitty, Cincinnati, on Oct 17, 2008 05:54 AM, Report abuse Reply

Will this phone be for T Mobile all so? i hope so!!!

by Bert Jackson, Columbia, on Oct 16, 2008 11:58 PM, Report abuse Reply

are there any planes to relese this on the Orange network in the uk?

by Simon Travis, london UK, on Oct 16, 2008 08:18 PM, Report abuse Reply

I hope I'll be able to get it on Cingular...I like it so far.

by Ashley, Somewhere, on Oct 16, 2008 04:28 AM, Report abuse Reply

Are you joking? YOU HAVE THE iPHONE! Oh, and it hasn't been Cingular for years, it is At&T

by Mike, Osprey, FL, on Oct 16, 2008 07:42 AM, Report abuse

Omg I love dat phone I want it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:p

by michelle, el paso, on Oct 16, 2008 04:45 AM, Report abuse Reply

verizon does not have gsm... wtf

by soappix, atlanta, on Oct 16, 2008 02:58 AM, Report abuse Reply

Why didn't they make the phone WiFi?

by Steve, Los Angeles, on Oct 16, 2008 01:54 AM, Report abuse Reply

Why have the copied the iPhone layout e.g. The icons on the home screen, Keyboard vertical/horizontal position Just do something different!!!!!

by Dan, Leeds, on Oct 15, 2008 07:26 PM, Report abuse Reply

they didnt copy the iPhone. their icons are similiar to the Bold's icons and such. and the iPhone doesnt have a "clickable" touch screen. iPhone doesnt have a SureType keyboard in vertical position, even though a lot of people hate SureType, and ive never used it because i own a iPhone. and some other touchscreen iphones have the horizontal keyboard, the storm has a acceleromater in it. i think this phone is ALMOST completely original.

by josh f., UTah, on Oct 15, 2008 11:19 PM, Report abuse

Why have the copied the iPhone layout e.g. The icons on the home screen, Keyboard vertical/horizontal position Just do something different Just do something different

by Daniel Gibson, Leeds, on Oct 15, 2008 07:25 PM, Report abuse Reply

What is the deal with WIFi. with Verizon you don't need WIFI, you can acess the net at anytime and anywhere you don't have to be in a wifi area

by alex, huntsville, on Oct 15, 2008 12:26 PM, Report abuse Reply

CALL Research in Motion in Waterlo, Ontario, they are next door to the Raytheon Electronis building who makes EVERYTHiNG data related for warplanes and such..... When you reach R.I.M. demand to know where an how fast you can get this model 6500 Storm. Tell them your life depends upon it. If you are persistant, you too can own the GPS-WiFi model and hold the best phone on planet earth that is in the less than $1000. category. I swear to you this phone is by far the very very best of anything of its nature. The new BOLD model is top notch as well, but is a button type phone. If you want the BEST touchscreen, buy this STORM and you'll be 3 steps ahead of everyone. If Telus does not offer the GSM/SIM model, then by a SIM model from the U.S.A. The SIM unit can be used with any sim card in any country worlwide. BE INFORMED !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace !!!!!!!!!!

by Christo-Morph, Naples, Fla. - Waterloo, Ont., on Oct 15, 2008 12:15 PM, Report abuse Reply

Wifi is for slow internet like att. Not needed for verizon and its not like its on the road anyway!

by Anonymous, los angeles, on Oct 15, 2008 12:04 PM, Report abuse Reply

Blackberry Rules .... #1 phone/PDA/Comm. Tool and is ready and available for CDN users, although you might have to buy from the US market if you want the model with GSM and that is easily unlockable. This STORM is wayyyyy better than the iPhone and will outlive it 3 fold at least. This is the #1 touchscreen phone with a better GRYO and Ergonomics than anything Apple sells. It does not come with all the 'cool ' games and doesn't support some useless features, so if you want a Media Toy, the iPhine or iTouch are for you ...... if you want the nicest 3G touchscreen and best typable unit ..... you need to try the " STORM " ........ It is a phone you will love and reply on for years to come. I Promise.

by Christo-Morph, Naples, Fla. - Waterloo, Ont., on Oct 15, 2008 11:50 AM, Report abuse Reply

Canadian freaking company, but not available in Canada. WTF?!

by Jeasca, Brampton, on Oct 14, 2008 06:54 PM, Report abuse Reply

Sure is. Coming to Telus in 1 month ;)

by Steve C, Calgary, on Oct 14, 2008 08:27 PM, Report abuse

Don't panic ..... this phone is for sure the Iphone killer and will be available in 2009 through Telus. NOT Rogers .... but you can get one from the USA and make it workable on any Quad band SiM network. I have used the phone for several days and it works with SIM from Costa Rica, and my sim from Verizon, and also my rogers sim. Current price seems to be about 400-500ish USD unlocked. If you get the first model, unlocked, you might miss out on a few apps ...... No bigie ...trust me.

by Christo-Morph, Naples, on Oct 15, 2008 11:14 AM, Report abuse

I swear this phone has a wayyyyyy better GYRO setup and is 5x beter than an iPhone .... this is like a Panasonic Toughbook of 3G smartphones compared to the Apple phone which you all know must be handled with care to last. To get this phone in Canada, be patient, sign up for the 3 yr. plan and get it cheap if you have an upgrade with Telus overdue. Once unlocked, you are free, unlike the Apple phone you can use this worldwide with any SIM worldwide, and NOT be throttled like MaCintosh makes you with the iPhone. The sweetest deal since Motorola introduced the flip phone. ENJOY another RIM product, and F.Y.I. investing in Research in Motion right now will make you about 15% profit per year or MORE !!!!!!!! Buy R.I.M. Stock.

by Christo-Morph, Naples, on Oct 15, 2008 11:32 AM, Report abuse

I think its going to be tyte but hope it not like the DARE OR LG VU becuase those suck. Also I wouldn't spend $700 on that phone when I can get an iphone for $300.

by jim, stockton, on Oct 15, 2008 10:28 AM, Report abuse Reply

can anyone in canada find it in the market... I really can't wait to have one! surely it's fantastic!

by susung, Asia, on Oct 15, 2008 08:40 AM, Report abuse Reply

will it cure my genital warts

by graham bell, saskatchawan, on Oct 15, 2008 06:46 AM, Report abuse Reply

like i give a damn

by graham bell, saskatchawan, on Oct 15, 2008 06:45 AM, Report abuse Reply

I have Alltell and i cant wait until verizon takes over. I want this phone so so so so bad.

by Brittany, Killeen, on Oct 15, 2008 05:04 AM, Report abuse Reply

I likey! ;-)

by Jake, Grantville, on Oct 15, 2008 04:30 AM, Report abuse Reply

wishing to get my hand on one.what a tool.

by E. Scott, Cayman Islands, on Oct 15, 2008 02:08 AM, Report abuse Reply

When does it come to the US?

by bsl130, Sacramento, on Oct 15, 2008 01:09 AM, Report abuse Reply

Me wanty :)

by Eric, Charlotte, on Oct 15, 2008 12:38 AM, Report abuse Reply

The iPhone doesn't have a video, which puzzles the mess out of me. This opens the door for me to check out the Storm and get rid of my Pearl. I hope they've eliminated those stupid memory issues that the Pearl has. I'm cautiously optimistic.

by Eddie, Des Moines, IA, on Oct 14, 2008 10:35 PM, Report abuse Reply

You can get applications for video.

by Ritchie, Edmonton, on Oct 15, 2008 12:31 AM, Report abuse

I cant wait!!!!

by Alec Stewart, Davenport, on Oct 15, 2008 12:20 AM, Report abuse Reply

i can't wait .... i will be the first one in line to grab this

by Tommy, Richmond, va, on Oct 14, 2008 06:40 PM, Report abuse Reply

listen people: It has NO WI-FI!!!!

by nana, tonka, on Oct 14, 2008 10:10 PM, Report abuse