BlackBerry Storm update leaks to the masses
Okay, remember that bit about waiting for a wide release? Yeah, screw that noise. Firmware 4.7.0.75 for the BlackBerry Storm has drizzled out onto the interwebs, and initial reports from intrepid updaters seem to be generally positive. We can't verify the authenticity of this sucker, but if you were counting down the minutes until RIM got around to patching up issues and killing some lag, 75 might be a good start. Good luck, friends.[Thanks, Erik]
Filed under: Software, RIM, Verizon Wireless
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MidnightDT @ Nov 30th 2008 3:38AM
Nice!
This OS update made a huge improvement. Accelerometer now adjusts in under 1 second from turning, camera loads alot faster, programs load alot faster. HUGE improvement. thanks Don
MidnightDT @ Nov 30th 2008 3:00PM
http://crackberry.com/video-os-4-7-0-75-verizon-blackberry-storm
Mike @ Nov 30th 2008 4:17AM
Any body knows if there is a class action suit against Verizon for their unfair Smart- phones data plans?
"Verizon just lost more than 30 percent of its customers!" wrote one irate poster on Howard Forums. "Totally ridiculous. They are even going to make dumb phones require data plans!"
Which law firm will hang the bell?
Justin @ Nov 30th 2008 9:50PM
well don't get a PDA. Simple as that. Why the hell else would you want one? The prices are going to be subsidized better for those of us that aren't cheap. Go to T-Mo for your phone then.
lumberjack7997 @ Nov 30th 2008 4:49AM
deleting VZNav fixes the orientation and lag problems. shitty navi program anyway. this is a good solution, though.
LegalEagle @ Nov 30th 2008 6:54AM
There is no legality issue with it. Its in line with pricing compared with other carriers. And YOU have to agree to purchase THEIR phone on THEIR service. And then you have to sign THEIR Agreement. Unless you go sans 2 year pricing, regardless of that, again you are agreeing to their terms and conditions. So there is no real legal standing on that mark. Now, however, in the future. If they cook up that cell phone users bill of rights like they have been talking "aboot". Then you may have a point. But the stipulations are in place based on their TOS agreement. So you don't have to pay the data plans. Just don't Choose Verizon.
tra la la @ Nov 30th 2008 3:23PM
{defensive mode}
@ Legal
I like how you start out saying that Verizon is in line with other carriers, then end by saying "don't choose Verizon".
maybe it's just me, but that's a little contradiction there, isn't it?!
~~~~
@Mike
if you don't want to have to pay for a service on your cell phone, then either:
a) don't get a cell phone that requires a specific service, or
b) don't get a cell phone
either way, at some point, all devices will require some kind of data plan since more and more people are wanting their cell phone to be able to do much more than just make/receive calls. that ability comes at a price. if you're buying a vehicle and want power steering and seats, you pay more right? isn't that just a comfort option, and not exactly necessary?! even if the vehicle comes with it standard, it's still listed as an option and you still pay for it. it's essentially the same damned thing...
yes, there are still a lot of people who just want the phone for a phone, but they are quickly becoming the minority in this sense.
{/defensive mode}
also, I just did a search for "cell phone bill of rights", and one of the main topics that came up was about not deceiving the customer, and publicly and clearly posting all rates and fees associated with the service. The information for Verizon is made available both online, in store, and given to you when you sign up for service.
The problem is that people expect to be TOLD everything instead of having to read it for themselves. That way any responsbility is removed from them and placed upon the person/people/company who provides the service. I had that problem when I managed a retail store (non-vzw) -- if a customer disagreed with something, it was obviously because they were never told. Even if it was something that a "normal" consumer would never/rarely come across, and even if the practice had been in place for months/years. No matter how much explaining about why something is the way it is, they would still pitch a fit and want something because *they* were never told. So, I would literally take out our SOP (about 3-4" thick of paper), set it on the counter, and ask what they wanted to know. That usually shut them up (mostly because I was being an ass, even though I could have told them anything in that book).
That being said, companies cannot afford to take the time to tell each and every customer everything about everything. We cover the main points, but also make sure the information is available. With Verizon it's called Consumer Clear Disclosure. Do we cover everything anytime something is changed? No, but that's because a lot of stuff within the last few years has stayed relatively the same. Are there some reps who don't cover even some of the more basic stuff? Yes, but that can be said about ANY company.
Matt K @ Dec 3rd 2008 12:47AM
I think the phone is actually yours. You pay for it, they sell it to you at a discount. You put their service on your phone. My question is, can they pull the GPS gimick they are trying: disabling GPS on your Verizon phone until you pay them $10/month to use the useless VZ Navigator. The GPS chip on your phone could be used with Google Maps for free or a third party such as Garmin (mobile for blackberry). It seems shady that in order to use either of those two services, you have to pay Verizon $10/month. It seems to me, as a non-lawyer, to be totally illegal. You are being charged to a service that they don't provide or at the very least, being billed twice (you pay for the data plan (no problem with that) and the VZ Navigator).
Surfboard @ Nov 30th 2008 10:23AM
The lag/freezing when switching orientations seems to be fixed. So happy about that!
Thom06 @ Nov 30th 2008 12:30PM
I installed the update last night and I can say it has made a HUGE difference in speed (moving around the OS, opening VCAST w/ Rhapsody client, switching from portrait to landscape, and a faster camera!). Now I really liked me Storm once I got rid of VZ Navigator, now its even better :). I say do the update, it's worth it.
Matt K @ Dec 3rd 2008 12:53AM
Tom,
When you get rid of VZ Navigator, can you use Google Maps or any of the Google Mobile apps? I was told by Verizon technical support that I would be able to use 3rd party GPS software on the Blackberry Storm ONLY. I just wanted to confirm that was fully correct. Thanks.
Arnie @ Nov 30th 2008 1:43PM
where can i get the update
MidnightDT @ Nov 30th 2008 2:40PM
New OS for the BlackBerry Storm has been leaked on Crackberry.com
http://forums.crackberry.com/f86/os-4-7-0-75-leak-105593/
get it! read the post you can see its legit. Users have reported much improved speed, performance, less lag when loading applications, much faster shifting on the accelerometer, faster browing, etc all good things
MidnightDT @ Nov 30th 2008 2:51PM
http://crackberry.com/video-os-4-7-0-75-verizon-blackberry-storm
shane @ Nov 30th 2008 3:53PM
hmmm click on link and "page interrupted" ???
Mike @ Dec 1st 2008 4:21AM
If what you say is accurate, then when you buy a laptop/UMPC/notebook you have to/must sign for internet service.
A notebook with/without 3g is a device that also requires internet service in your logic, does it?
Sir/madam, you are wrong.
GetOverIt @ Dec 1st 2008 1:55PM
Mike, when you purchase a notebook/laptop or whatever you are not using Dell's internet service that Dell pays for. I garuntee if Dell was an internet service provider they would not let you sponge off their bandwidth just because you bought a computer from them. Or if the way they made their money was through the monthly subscription, laptops would cost much less.
If you don't feel the need to have a data plan......go get a smartphone that Verizon released pre Nov 14. You aren't required to have a data plan on those phones therefore you can get what you want. Don't be a D-bag looking to make a few bucks because you feel like you were cheated in some way.
What do you mean by "unfair" smartphone data plan prices. Let me guess, you are one of those customers that thinks everything should be FREEEEEEEEEE. Just because you have paid your $60 a month for 20 months you should get whatever you want at no cost. THE DATA NETWORK COSTS MONEY TO MAINTAIN AND OPERATE. Why do you think Verizon should eat the cost of that? If you use the network you are costing them money, therefore they charge you a relatively small amount mind you, so you can use that stuff.
If you get your facts straight you would have read that only a select few phones may required data plans in the future. Only phone that have full html browsers on them. The reasoning behind this is customer service, when that customer that says "oh no my teenage son/daughter does need that data plan" then that teenage offspring goes and blow up the bill b/c "oh look at this I can go on the internet" then mom and dad get the bill and it's $400. They proceed to call or go to the local store and raise hell b/c "I was never told of this" or "he/she said they weren't on the internet or downloading anything". Then hundreds of dollars of credits are issued because "oh they don't need that data plan" really did need that data plan.
It all boils down to people not thinking they should have to pay for anything. It should all be free.
Good luck with that class action suit Mike!
Mike @ Dec 2nd 2008 1:08AM
There is a flip side to that coin.
If you buy a new car that is “ON STAR” capable, or “XM Radio” capable then based on your logic, you must sign for both services, do you?
Obviously, your company is the one who want FREEEEE money from customers who don’t need that 3g service.
tra la la @ Dec 3rd 2008 3:26PM
wrong again, Mike. the difference in your example is that the car was built WITH those capabilities, whereas the phone was built BECAUSE of those capabilities.
and do you even know what "PDA" means? let me explain: personal digital assistant (I've also heard "palm digital assistant"). you see... back in the day, people used to have to pay a person to write down their calendar, tasks, keep up with their contacts and emails, do research for information, etc. Some people still do, so don't get me wrong there, but now there are these fancy devices that can do it all for you. Instead of having to worry if the person would get sick, get fired, quit, use the bathroom, be unavailable or whatever, you now have these devices that are always with you.
for this service there is a price to pay. if you REALLY *NEEDED* said service, would you rather pay an hourly wage up to thousands a year, or a month cost of a few hundred a year?
keep in mind that these devices were originally built for business and government use. now they are really starting to saturate the mainstream consumer market, which is why they're all fancy and whatnot now.
bottomline: if you want a cool phone, there are plenty to choose from that don't require extra services. if you *must* have the biggest, the baddest, and the best - be prepared to pay for it.
carl @ Dec 3rd 2008 10:28PM
where can i get that wallpaper that the storm in that picture is using
marc franz @ Dec 5th 2008 1:33AM
we did load the new patch and the storm worked much better until we hooked back up to our company Biz server that has not updated the biz server and everything started to slow down again the screen didnt rotate the keys re acted much slower the camera took much to long to snap a picture etc. doesnt seem ready for prime time yet. Im going back to my 8830 tomorrow.
Rob in Atlanta @ Dec 5th 2008 9:58AM
Matt,
About Verizon disabling GPS unless you pony up extra, I believe you are right. We may a cause of action under the UCC, product liabiliy. Cosumers receive implied warranties that guarantee that the products that you buy are good for the ordinary purposes for which the products are supposed to be used. There may also be cause of action under misrepresentation of the product. Verizon is in the cell phone industry, not the GPS functionality reselling industry.
I'm really hope someone starts a class action. Otherwise, I may file suit in small claims court in Fulton. Someone needs too.
Rob in Atlanta @ Dec 18th 2008 10:09PM
GetOverIt,
Responding to..."I THE DATA NETWORK COSTS MONEY TO MAINTAIN AND OPERATE. Why do you think Verizon should eat the cost of that? If you use the network you are costing them money, therefore they charge you a relatively small amount mind you, so you can use that stuff."
Why don't you get your facts straight about GPS.. it is not a data service that goes through Verizon's towers. The GPS receivers in cell phones use GLOBAL POSITIONING SATELLITES to calculate your position.
Phil @ Jan 3rd 2009 10:32AM
SOLUTION
switch to sprint $99
I did.. and i love it! Everything for $99 no ifs.. ands.. or buts.. or fineprint
Now if we could get the FCC to do the free universal wireless.. well ... that would wonderful.
Afterall .. what do you use that tiny cellphone screen for anyway?.. texting, email, and gps nav?
I have the unlimited package and the most i do is an occasional website for info while im out and i've used the tv feature once while waiting 45 minutes for a seat in a restaurant. And that was just to check football scores. Come on people.. we are being robbed and dont even realize it. Like .. why is text and pic data different from web data.. isn't it all data going through the same network... YES! So why is it priced separately?? The only reason is to make money... what if the cable providers started charging you for texting while on your broadband line at home .. or for email seperate from web browsing.. or maybe charging you separately for each protocol.. ie: web port 80, ftp port 21, etc, etc... sounds crazy right! But yet we accept this from our cell phone companies. And many of you writing comments even try to justify it! My internet access at home is $40 dollars.. and home phone is $30....Thats $70 a month and both are unlimited usage... so dont tell me that the cell phone companies cant lower the price... and dont tell me that the cell phone companies have a higher expense than landline telephone and cable companies. The only argument im willing to concede is that they may not have enough capacity to support all the users. Which is why im NOT against caps on the amount of data you can use on your phone. personally i think the transmission of video should be kept at home and off the cellphones and pda's (i could have just as easily gotten my NFL scores off the web). The time for the consumer being robbed has to end... but we need to be a little more realistic in what these little screens can and should do.