RIM clears up BlackBerry Storm OS situation
by Donald Melanson 
posted Nov 24th 2008 at 4:06PM
Well, it looks it looks like we can put the first Storm conspiracy theory to rest, as RIM has now come out and said that the supposed delay-causing Storm OS glitch was, in fact, more of a sticker glitch, and that there was never such a thing as an OS version 4.7.0.82. As you may recall, the rumors started flying when some Storms started showing up with a sticker indicating the OS version as 4.7.0.82, while the device itself showed that the OS was version 4.7.0.65. That prompted some to speculate that the OS had to be downgraded at the last minute, prompting the delay, but according to RIM, the problem was simply that "several thousand" boxes were printed with the incorrect version number, which then had to be covered up with the proper sticker. Unfortunately, RIM didn't have anything to say about an actual update for the OS, which could certainly use a little patching up of its own.
Filed under: Handsets, RIM, Verizon Wireless
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Anthony @ Nov 24th 2008 4:28PM
thats what I call bullllllllsh*t! What a nice way to cover up the fact that RIM and Verizon screwed up :)
Kenshinffx @ Nov 24th 2008 4:38PM
again with your "Blame Verizon" crap...
Dude, Verizon doesn't release Software, Verizon buy's phones AS IS.. It's RIM that released the software or chose not to, if anyone messed up it's RIM, not VZW
PH0ENIX @ Nov 24th 2008 5:03PM
Doesn't Verizon rebrand all their phones with their own GUI? I find it hard to believe that Verizon was completely uninvolved in all this or had no knowledge of what happened. They're either not talking or pointing fingers.
Kenshinffx @ Nov 24th 2008 4:28PM
I have no idea why they stated this, I see that there is a version .82 in the device software compatibility...
And when I called VZW I wwas told to update the woftware at www.vzam.com/blackberry to .82
Just do this and post what happens on your device..
Annonymous @ Nov 24th 2008 4:55PM
This is not true i work for Vodafone in the UK and we had to downgrade all storms before releasing it in to the public domain that why we were late releasing it
Anthony @ Nov 24th 2008 4:53PM
It takes two to tango my friend..... RIM and Verizon released this phone. Why release a "buggy" phone? Just called VZW and the REP himself said that they released, and I quote, " a version of the software that worked" because the FINAL software had glitches and needed to be fixed. I am not making this up, this is from a VZW rep. I'll agree with you that RIM makes the software, however, why push out a device is obviously crippled because of the software. I have been playing with mine for 4 days now, and the functionality is terrible. I want to like this phone, but how can you when it takes forever to capture a photo, when you tilt the device it stays in portrait mode, clicking on links is a nightmare. I mean come on now? Release it so that customers can be angry? Delay it, at least get it right. Anyone who owns this phone that can say it was worth the hype needs to go get an iPhone and see what a touchscreen device really should be.
Kenshinffx @ Nov 24th 2008 5:39PM
@PH0ENIX
Yes VZW does ask RIM to rebrand, but not this time. Rim just added on some icons..
Kenshinffx @ Nov 24th 2008 5:47PM
@Anthony
the iPhone is a mediocre phone at best bro... It is a great media device alone, It's a terrible phone..
Any iPhone user will usually state that they prefer having an iPod touch and a normal phone, The iPhone is just another example of how companies like Apple and Microsoft settle buy Selling Low rate as long as they can and updating (what should have been update already) later to extract money from the unsuspecting people that jsut don't knoww any better..
Just because a company can monopolize the market by slinging around money and empty claims, Doesn't mean it's better..
The iPhone has the best Touchscreen yes and the best color but it's because they went with a different type of Technology on the phone Touchscreen than what usual;ly get's used...
ever seen that Email that has a picture of a Rock and an iPhone and it lists the things that the Rock and the iPhone don't have?
Yeah...
Anthony @ Nov 24th 2008 6:30PM
mediocre phone that is the best selling handset in the US, and just surpassed RIM.........I guess all those ppl think its mediocre too. Oh wait, every touchscreen phone ATTEMPTS to be better than the iPhone, and yet they all fall short.
Kenshinffx @ Nov 24th 2008 6:52PM
Yeah okay, You've now proven you're jsut a spokesperson for the iPhone jsut like all the other Fanboys that refuse to accept it...
the iPhone is the best selling device in the world.. And all it takes is ignorant people like you, and a brand name of Apple. Of course they can sell computers for THOUSANDS of dollars more than a Built PC and you'll pay out of pocket with glad tidings because it's Apple..
And no Every Touch Screen phone tries to be what it is, But incorporate a better more "finger friendly" GUI than they used to have whiel staying true to their roots.
Without having to stoop to,
Low 3G speeds
High markets and pricing for repair for 5 minute jobs
No insurance in USA
data plan that is gear towards making you pay the difference for what the phone doesn't cost
No copy and paste
No MMS
No applications that will compete with the software on the phone
No 1900 Band for outside of US ability
No flash, or full Java
No removable or Upgradable battery life
You are an idiot dude. Most $50 dollar phones have those features aside from the internet. Wake up
EricC @ Nov 24th 2008 7:01PM
@ Anthony: Popularity does not have any relation to quality. Just look at all the mediocre and piss-poor "music" acts out there that sell phenomenally well. Doesn't make them better artists (or artists at all, for that matter)...it just means that lots and lots of people have been duped out of their hard-earned money.
Kenshinffx @ Nov 24th 2008 7:06PM
Word
PH0ENIX @ Nov 24th 2008 7:18PM
I'm sure Apple doesn't care as long as the cash keeps flowin' in! :-)
AceXMachine @ Nov 24th 2008 7:31PM
Ditto...Not every touchscreen phone gives two sh*ts about the iPhone. If I want an iPod and a phone in one device I'll duck tape my Zune to my XV6700(soon to be touch pro) and call it a day.
Esteban @ Nov 27th 2008 1:59AM
@Kenshinffx
while i agree with you that the iPhone is overrated, several of the things you listed as flaws really aren't Apples fault. The lack of insurance and the low 3G speeds are AT&T's fault, not Apple's. Also, the only reason that the plans are as expensive as they are is because Apple demands a crapload of money from AT&T for the rights to carry their phone. (Which i suppose is Apple's fault as well, but it is really only AT&T trying to maintain equilibrium and not go out of business.)
No MMS or Copy and Paste is definitely inexcusable, however. Though I will say that most phones do not have a copy and paste. (The only I can think of are WinMo phones and Blackberrys) Also, many phones really don't have the capability to be used anywhere in the world. That is really the Blackberry's main selling point I would say.
Anthony @ Nov 24th 2008 7:20PM
hahaha ok "dude". getting your panties in a bunch I see. Since you want to run your mouth lets have some fun with this.....
1) I've owned a PC (Sony Vaio to be exact) ..... Paid $60 for Norton to PROTECT it from viruses which it NEVER did, and lets just say Vista is nothing to write home about. A powerful PC it was, when it wanted to work. So long story short, it crashed, just like EVERY other PC I have owned. Verdict: PC's suck.
2) Currently own an iMac. I have owned it for 2 years now and have YET to have a single problem with it. It actually works. Does it lack nice features that PC's have such as Blu-Ray, memory card readers, etc? Yes, it does. I have a Blu-Ray player tho, and it doesn't hurt to buy an after-market memory card reader that works. So I will sacrifice features for FUNCTIONALITY. Oh yeah, those viruses, I don't worry much about them. My Vaio ran me $1700, my iMac $1800. So THOUSANDS more I didn't pay.
3) Owned the Razr, Blackberry 8703, and now the Storm. Razr was nice, but as we all know it was buggy as sin. The Blackberry 8703 was a SOLID phone and did the job, I have no complaints. The Storm has potential.
4) Now to your iPhone complaints. Low 3G speeds? I have no issues here. Wi-Fi? I forgot, the Storm doesn't have that! Repair? Last I checked if your covered under warranty, you can go to an Apple Store and have it replaced. If you break it, your screwed, just like with everything else in the world. MMS would be nice, but hey, email a photo, it doesn't hurt. The App Store is probably the best invention of the year, tell me I am wrong? In terms of features such as copy and paste, flash and full java, do you not think they will present at some point in the near future? Or are you the IDIOT here? Data plan is $30, just like my Blackberry data plan (whats your point there)? You can't remove your battery, but when you have battery issued you can just get the phone replaced.... whats the problem there? I get battery life on my 3G than I do my Storm. What phone has a built in iPod? with cover-flow? or text messaging applications that so intuitive? or how about making phone calls? I have never used a device that it was easier to make a call. Lets see.... what about the mobile internet? by far the best on any mobile device I have seen. Ill give it to you that the camera sucks, but hey, cant win them all.
So I am not an apple "fanboy", I am a gadget lover. I like technology. And yes, Apple products work. It is that simple. You pay for what you get. You want to go buy a Dell for $300 or an eMachines computer for the same price, be my guest. Tell me how you feel about them after a few months. I have friends who own Blackberry's (the storm as well), the LG Dare, HTC Touch, LG Voyager....and guess what they all say.....I wish I had an iPhone. So before you open your ignorant mouth, remember what EVERY company out there has been trying to do since June 2007....... find a competitor for the iPhone. Now who's the idiot?
Kenshinffx @ Nov 25th 2008 2:24AM
To comment 1). sony Viaos are overpriced, they always have been.. Microsoft engineered Vista to not be Hardware compatible so no surprises there.. It was a mistake that costed them dearly...
2). Hackers already know that there aren't enough people that can buy or afford an iMac so they don't bother coding Viruses to attack Mac OS.. the lack of viruses says nothing about the build of the system.. Windows is the most widely used OS, so more Viruses are designed for it.. Mac's are designed to work with the Hardware seamlessly too , which is why you install Windows on a Mac it blows and vice versa.. I'm a computer tech Anthony, You are preaching to the choir.
3). The RAZR was buggy because it developed issues during Mass production of millions of Phones (Which just BARELY got passed up by the iPhone last week or so).. That happens with anything in factory... It wasn't because the phone sucked. It just developed problems. Some people will swear a blood oath to the usibility and functionality of a RAZR.
4). Low 3G speeds = If your's doesn't lag then you got lucky.. Wifi = isn't on the Storm, Partially because there aren't enough usable WIFI spots in the USA.. Repair = 5 mins to replace an iPhone battery, yet it costs 150 bucks with labor and the batt is less than that... Ouch! MMS = true, you can live without, but you shouldn't have to. The Apps = The store wasn't necessary. They should've just let people make apps for it.. But now they only approve stuff that wont compete with them. copy paste and features = yeah they may eventually. but those should have been on the phone the whole time. And you can do Flash and Java on another browser already by a NO NAME company.. Which only means Apple didn't want it on the phone yet. Battery = Yes you can't remove the battery, which is like the first troubleshooting step, and the FCC is fighting to get APple to make a removeable Battery because it interferes in troubleshooting. My phone is a XV6800 and I added Slide to unlock and Coverflow and Full browsing that the iPhone can't do with just three simple Apps. Not hard. and available on any PDA.. The Camera = Can't even shoot video or fast moving pics. Pathetic. a $40 phone works better..
You are right, You aren't a fanboy and I apologize for calling you such.. But you have alot to learn. You've been duped just like all the others.. There are plaenty of phones that are comparable to the Precious iPhone, they jsut don't hav ethe name.
Who wants to shill out 5mil to jsut have the phone anyways. ATT&T regrets it alot.
mike @ Nov 24th 2008 9:30PM
that must be why most of the PCs are running OS X...wait, they run windows
well, everyone is "the idiot" besides you, right?
why don't you go back masturbating to your iphone then,
Adrian @ Nov 24th 2008 11:44PM
"1) I've owned a PC (Sony Vaio to be exact) ..... Paid $60 for Norton to PROTECT it from viruses which it NEVER did"
Dude stay with Apple please cause if you are too stupid to BUY Norton you should not have a PC at all
/I had only two issues with Vista so far and those were from companies not making drivers for Vista, but I overcame those by using 3rd parties
Gringo Loco @ Nov 25th 2008 12:28AM
If you need Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware software on your "Sony Vaio" then you need ritalin to prevent you from clicking on those flashing ads that say you are the 1,000,000th visitor.
iPhones are worthless and all of my clients who went from BBs to iPhones have switched back. A lot did switch when the 3G came out and were excited to be able to sync with Exchange ActiveSync but when the battery died after 2 hrs of use they released the BB was the only way to go. I dont work 2 hours a day. My clients don't work two hours a day. So if the phone will only work that long then it needs to be replaced. My 8703e was purchased the day they came to sprint and still works like a charm and lasts 2 days with heavy use before being charged. Say that about your precious iPhone.
As for the sticker explanation; I say it is valid because accidents do happen. The phone is great imho. If it doesnt hold up to the iPhone standards that people have them put them on eBay and call it a day.
This will be one of the first phones to get BB OS 5.0 and as RIM has stated this will be the "Super OS". I can't wait.
Anthony @ Nov 25th 2008 1:50AM
Gringo....... read my comments, I said the 8703 was a SOLID phone, and I had no complaints. My precious iPhone? You guys are hilarious. Haters to say the least. Stay with apple please? Who said I was leaving? And yea, I paid $60 for Norton, add that to the "Thousands" I shelled out for a machine that DOESNT work. Ill put an end to this since you all think I am an Apple fanboy...... the Blackberry BOLD might be the best smartphone on the market. Hows that for an Apple fanboy? The phone is gorgeous, the screen is amazing, and the OS works flawlessly. Thats the point I was making btwn the Storm and the iPhone before douchebags had to get their panties in a bunch. I simply feel there is no touch screen on the market RIGHT NOW that can compete with the popularity and functionality of the iPhone. Is that so bad to say? No. Please dont reply to my comment....get a life or go get laid instead of sitting on your computer worrying about how I feel about Apple.
datniceguy @ Nov 25th 2008 1:20AM
For the record, as a Verizon tech, I thoroughly enjoy my iPhone more than I do the Storm.
And IMO, I saw the launch details and specs for the Omnia today and all I can say is people who bought the Storm will wish they waited for the Omnia. Verizon should've rode that bandwagon instead. Too bad every little 15 year old and their grandmother wants and has a Crackberry and they will never use the full potential of those phones.
Galen @ Nov 25th 2008 10:27AM
the sticker mistake is absolutely plausible...the way this conspiracy theory spread is disgraceful...people accept crap (especially from BGR) like it's truth...i guess people just wanted to believe the storm was supposed to be better.
the PLATFORM is version .82 (complete version: 4.0.0.82)...I don't think this is a coincidence...i think it was an honest mistake...
aside: i really dig the storm...big time. for those who test it in verizon storms and it seems laggy, it's probably because too many apps are running, and people have been banging around on it. with finesse and rhythm (and changing the swipe sensitivity options, keystroke speed, tap speed, etc to your likings) it runs very smooth, very slick. there are times where it lags, and i have had a couple freezes, so an OS update is definitely in order, but nothing major, and nothing that is taking away from my productivity and enjoyment! and my screen layout switches in a matter of seconds...comparable to any other device with an accelerometer, including my canon camera, iphones, etc...
money!
det0n8r @ Nov 27th 2008 12:38AM
I'm enjoying my Storm so far, though I will say the laggy transitions, and slow responding screen rotation have been a bit painful.
Compared to my wife's iPhone, I wish there were more applications (finally got Viigo today) than the few that Verizon offers. I'm sure there will be some good additions soon, but this is one area that RIM has always seemed to be behind on. I could never work on the iPhone until it gets copy/cut/paste, and am impressed with the SurePress feature, which gives it a hardware edge over the iPhone (besides having a removable battery).
My update wish list:
-Transitions settings (to turn them off)
-Browser fixes (div's don't always line up, causes buttons & text fields to not work, go to page could also use some work)
-Overall performance boost, maybe a quality setting to turn down if you don't need you home screen buttons to look so snazzy
-Navigation enhancements (I hate that you have to pull up the keyboard to use shortcuts, maybe more buttons on the bottom, at least a top and bottom in the messages app)
I was also a bit worried that the HTC Touch Pro might have been a better choice, but after reading the reviews, specifically about the low amount of memory, I'm glad I went with the Storm. As far as the Omnia, I'm still not convinced that Samsung is up to par with RIM in terms of a solid business device. All in all, I feel pretty confident about having this device for the next two years.
Bladey @ Nov 27th 2008 7:41AM
I have had my storm for nearly a week now, and the only thing i can fault it on is the slightly laggy scroll of the menu.. thats it...
it does everything else spot on. Apps are quick to open, typing is good.. and i like the click screen alot. works brilliantly when on the interweb so you dont accidentally click on a link while trying to move around the screen. As for small links that are hard to click on.. try cursor mode.. its brilliant.
I just went into a business meeting. My client asked to see an image we were working on. So i sent a message to the office, they emailed me the image (500k jpg) i downloaded it and showed them it on the storms screen (which is fantastic (althought no touch HD)) all in about 60 seconds.
fantastic.
I'll happily say the iphone has it beat on the media front and smoother scrolling, but as a business phone that can do what the iphone does anyway.. i personally prefer it.
If the update fixes that slight lag on the menu scrolling.. i'll be very happy.
No wifi was a concern with me also at first. but on the vodafone plan i have, its got great internet access and fast anyway.. not missed wifi at all in one week.
just my 2p's worth
Ken Williams @ Nov 28th 2008 8:54AM
I gotta come to Anthony's defence here a little. I've been a PC user all my life (20 years in IT) but I changed to a Mac last year and everything he says is right. They just work SO much better and without so much techie fiddling (and I LIKE techie fiddling). The Apple price markup USED to be a big factor but it's really not anymore.
Same with the phones. Used Treos for years. Went to Windows mobile HTC phones which were good ONCE you tweaked the hell out of 'em (Thanks XDA-Developers). Went to an iPhone 3G and it's prob the best Phone/Convergence device I've ever used. Gonna get a HTC Touch or Xperia just out of curiosity but the iPhone has some terrific, ground-breaking functionality. Battery needs charging most nights with heavy use but I can live with that. The odd annoying quirk (No cut and paste - SURPRISINGLY not as annoying as you might think! Only occasionally missed).
So yeah, Anthony, as a 20 year IT Industry (PC/Mainframes etc) and lifelong gadget geek, I gotta agree. The iPhone, and Apples generally, pretty much rock.