The industrious Boy Genius has apparently unearthed more juicy tidbits about that rumored
BlackBerry touchscreen device. Word from BG is that the new iPhone-ish handset is now internally dubbed the "Thunder," and will come to Verizon and Vodafone as an exclusive device. The phone will reportedly have four physical keys (send, end, menu, and back), sport a hybrid CDMA EV-DO Rev. C / GSM HSPA radio, and
could come equipped with a 4G LTE component. Outside Waterloo's labs, the device could be known as the BlackBerry 9500 -- though it's possible that designation could change. BGR has included a self-made mockup (above) of what the device may look like, but as of now, no one has laid eyes on this mythical creature.
posted May 13th 2008 12:42PM
If the real thing looks close to this mock-up it looks awesome... too bad verizon is getting dibbs on it first :(
Sucx alot cause now its 3g iphone or BB900 or (wait a few months)BB9500
I have the LG Voyager, but this looks very interesting because I'd like something with a better web browser.
yah sure you like your voyager, but you just always wished it had frickin capacitive touch. and that it could play with bluetooth like a real phone. ultimate sadness
What do you mean "play with bluetooth like a real phone"? My bluetooth works great. So does my friends LG Venus.
As for the touch screen it's just fine and good enough. I just wish I could play flash games on it (without replacing other programs) and download games from people besides Verizon. There's a crapload of games I'd buy but they're not available. Even games listed on their website sometimes aren't available.
NOTE TO APPLE:
Its OVER.
sincerely:
Verizon Wireless.
haha, you won't have the slick interface or easy to download/transfer movies and music... until I actually see the device, my vote stays with iPhone
Based on what?
A rumor and unofficial mockup of what the device *might* look like?
What about what it really looks like? The software? And here's the most important one, What it's actually like to use and live with...
It's far from over, if anything it's only just begun!
I wouldn't say "It's over" just yet. Verizon will probably cripple the bluetooth as much as the iphone.
Shame to see this going exclusively to verizon.
Note to Verizon:
I'm tired of your crap network dropping my phone and (especially) data calls as soon as peak hours hit. I'm tired of your junk phones, ridiculous restrictions, sky-high rates, and terrible customer service.
It's over.
*drooooooooooooool* yes baby!
Ownage with that comment Flashpoint!
it only has a chance if it's multi touch
This sounds very hard to believe verizon has came out with every other blackberry in memory many months after the gsm crowd now blackberry comes out with this and it goes to verizon first? I just left verizon because of this and if this is true im gona smack my head on the wall and LTE? wernt they saying not till like 2011?
This sounds very hard to believe verizon has came out with every other blackberry in memory many months after the gsm crowd now blackberry comes out with this and it goes to verizon first? I just left verizon because of this and if this is true im gona smack my head on the wall and LTE? wernt they saying not till like 2011?
Iphone is trash bb inerface rocks i hope the fixed the memory issue though
Now I'm feeling stupid for leaving my Blackberry 7290 to get an 8GB iPhone (which I unlocked personally).
I am NOT going to Verizon Wireless, but I'll get a Thunder when it hits the GSM market (and gets unlocked). I'm stuck using my current SIM card because my business pays for unlimited calls and data.
According to a certain "other" website...This is a LIFETIME exclusive to Verizon, hence no GSM.
The article says it's packin' both...
pffft...I don't know about everyone else but as long as it's a verizon device I don't see it beating the iPhone
Well, don't forget it's NOT a Verizon device, much like the iPhone is not an AT&T device. We're talking RIM vs. Apple here. As far as the networks, there is no question the VZ netwrok is superior to what AT&T currently has to offer.
As long as VZ doesn't cripple the device features somehow, I'm anxious to see it!
According to Consumer Reports, in the US, Verizon Wireless has the best customer satisfaction rate... Granted it is CDMA, but still, a phone should first and foremost be able to perform as a phone well.
queue the anecdotal replies about service...
"Thunder"? Campy, but I bet the suits will like that...
Business guy 1: "Hey what phone is that?"
Business guy 2: "It's da Thunder! In yer face!" ( strikes WWF wrestler pose )
Business guy 1: "My kids bought me this iPhone, I like it..."
Business guy 2: "Oh hell no, iPhones are for people that for Libertarian and drink soy milk! THUNDER!!!" ( Does the "gun show" body builder pose )
epic....epic fail
libertarian != wrestling
your avatar suits you.
Thats the worst thing ive ever read, and ive read a Fox And Friends article.
I would love to hold Thunder in my hands and wield it like a God.
That's what she said...
too bad thunder only follows something...
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
This show needs to make a return to TV.. or movies.. or somewhere where I can watch it.
"Can't have the lightning without the thunder."
does it hide your thunder thighs?
apparently not arrested development fans...
What you really need to know at this point:
"BGR has included a self-made mockup (above) of what the device may look like..."
Verizon exclusive...about time!
@taylor
pfffft what? verizon > at&t and i'm a current at&t customer. i switched thinking at&t has improved but am going right back to verizon as soon as this contract expires in a year.
with the news that verizon is going open to all manufacturers and the fact that it'll provide 4g, which is actually mentioned in this article, thats more than enough news to have me switch back to verizon.
All CDMA phone manufacturer's! At&t has always been open to all GSM Manufacturers. I'm sure this is going to be an awesome phone if and when it becomes reality I'm sure many people will buy it. Will it compete with iPhone? Probably never. Oh, and at&t is going LTE the same year as VZW.
at&t is going LTE 2 years after VZW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thunder
Thunder
Thunderphone HOOOOOOOOOOOOO
owned
iBerry?
if someone steals this phone, they would be stealing your thunder.
Epic Win. Lmao.
Yeah , yeah, I'll give it to you. Nice one.
So I guess "Thunder" makes the Iphone "Lightning" since it came first. Personally, I'd go with "Lightning".
Is that a 'Cars' reference?
Heck yeh! iPhone Lightning can do serious damage when it strikes. Thunder is nothing but a bunch of useless noise, much like the RIM Thunder or any other non-iPhone smartphone. Cover your ears and it's like they never even existed.
So now is the end of Apple? Every handset manufacturer thinks they can duplicate OSX. WTF are they thinking. Does any handset manufacturer even design their own OS? Don't they just slap on an OS like a cheap coat of paint onto any hardware they happen to have lying around at the time?
I agree with woot, though I do like the look of "thunder" it definetly purrty. I like that other companies are pushing to improve upon what Apple has introduced to the market years ahead. The more other companies get on this bandwagon, the better chances we the people can actually get a device that does what the hell we want it to do... and maybe more.
That's a mockup BG made, it might not look anything like that.
Oh I can see how the commercials might go.
announcer:you might not see the clouds in the sky indicating a storm but there is one in your hands:{we see the actress walking across the room
sitting on the couch with her cat}:announcer:introducing the new Blackberry
thunder bring a better rumble to your life.
Dorky Looking Guy with Black RIMed glasses: " Hi... I'm a blackberry"
Slacker Douchbag : "and I'm an iPhone and I'm far more smug even though I cannot be used on corporate email at this time, but heck, who has time for a job when you got a fancy toy like me?"
@ Taylor, Your right i would hate seeing the BEST current handset manufacture make a device on America's BEST wireless network by far. No one is close on data speeds/coverage, customer service, committed to growth, making sure handsets work instead of putting them out and pissing off their customers. Go buy a Ipod touch if you like a touchscreen stop drooling over your sh***y Iphone that has spotty coverage and dailup speed internet when you are outside a wifi hotspot. You talk like the Iphone has sold so many more than any other phones. Funny how Verizon still gains more customers and loses less quarter after quarter. Not even your beloved Iphone can make a dent in that.
Begin requisite phrase to be uttered when your phone's been ganked, or when this design is swindled:
"Somebody stole my Thunder"
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh..... yeah..
J
I was caught
In the middle of a railroad track (Thunder)
I looked 'round,
And I knew there was no turning back (Thunder)
My mind raced
And I thought what could I do? (Thunder)
And I knew
There was no help, no help from you (Thunder)
Sound of the drums
Beatin' in my heart
The thunder of guns!
Tore me apart
You've been - thunderstruck!
THUN-DER...na na na na na-na-na
(repeat)
I am waiting for the ultimate device (TM).
Basically it's a triple display device. Think of it like the DS lite, except it has a full size wide display on the outside, and two wide screen LCD's on the inside. The inside bottom display is wide and depressed in slightly, so that you can snap on/overlay a (third parties can join in here) keyboard or game controller on top of the LCD. The keyboard or game controller will have to be fairly thin obviously so you can still close the phone while it's on top of the LCD.
The outside display is so that it can be used as a phone like the iPhone and will also have the video conferencing stuff etc.
The inside displays lets you use it as a PDA (with the keyboard overlay) or a gaming device (with a game controller overlay -- these will be thin enough so you can carry around different controllers in your pocket for different types of games).
Don't worry about battery life .. the screens are turned off when not in use. And of course it would be as thin as the iPhone or DS lite considering tech will have had a couple years advancement since the iPhone was designed.
It should also cook you dinner, get you laid, and have a year of battery life.
Right...because the screen is going to be the biggest hit on the battery life...not the 6 devices you have crammed in there
It's on CDMA Network yuck no thanks.
Without its main advantage: the keyboard, why would I buy this over the iphone or other competing devices with more advanced software?
This phone looks like nothing I've ever seen before.
SO ORIGINAL!!
This phone will change everything!
Have you seen a picture of the "Thunder" somewhere?
Or are you jumping to conclusions and comparing this Boy Genius mock-up to the iPhone?
hehe fanboys crack me up.
Why doesn't BlackBerry just buy 10 million iPhones and put a BlackBerry sticker on it. That Thunder might as well be a carbon copy of the iPhone.
I like BlackBerrys and I think the Bold (9000) is about as good as a BlackBerry can be. At least it's not pretending to be an iPhone. All the loyal BB users will upgrade since it has a keyboard. What BlackBerry user is crazy enough to upgrade to a BlackBerry without a keyboard. If that was the case, they might as well just buy an iPhone instead.
Apple will most likely never make a handset with a physical keyboard, so RIM is safe in that respect. But for RIM to make a touchscreen BB makes no sense at all. RIM's president said touchscreen keyboards are crap, so he thinks his company can make a virtual keyboard that doesn't suck. Maybe it will use voice input or something. If they can somehow make a compact slide-out keyboard for the Thunder, more power to them.
"That Thunder might as well be a carbon copy of the iPhone."
You've decided this based solely on someone's mockup?
"What BlackBerry user is crazy enough to upgrade to a BlackBerry without a keyboard. If that was the case, they might as well just buy an iPhone instead."
You make this mistake often. RIM, like every other company, doesn't simply target existing users. One would think you knew that already since otherwise Apple would never have gotten into the cellphone market to begin with. RIM can certainly attempt to compete with Apple with an identical form factor if it wants to (that is, assuming this wild speculation is even accurate). Hell, they may be even better than Apple at it though I wouldn't personally count on it.
"Apple will most likely never make a handset with a physical keyboard, so RIM is safe in that respect."
There you go again assuming that specific companies own specific niches. Who says RIM isn't safe even if Apple DOES offer a real keyboard? Apple doesn't know jack about business needs.
"But for RIM to make a touchscreen BB makes no sense at all."
It makes more sense than Apple adding Exchange support to the iPhone (by your reasoning). If a touchscreen keyboard IS superior as Jobs claims, then it makes perfect sense for other companies to migrate to it. Meanwhile, Apple doesn't play in corporate markets so adding corporate features is nonsense. Of course, everyone but you realizes that companies like Apple and RIM like to expand into new markets. You seem to think that companies like RIM are obligated to stick to their base awhile Apple puts them under.
How's your Newton working, Steffen?
The iPhone won't be beat with a spec sheet. The reason the iPhone has made such a big impact on the cell phone business is not because of its hardware. It's all about hardware/software integration and ease of use. Phones have had web browsers on them for years, but it wasn't until the iPhone that people actually started using them. Same for multimedia capabilities. After firmware 2.0 is released, RIM's only "advantage" in the market will be 1) a physical keyboard for those hardliners who are unwilling to change, and 2) existing market share. This "Thunder" removes advantage #1, and as for #2, market share is already significantly eroding, it's only a matter of time.
"Phones have had web browsers on them for years, but it wasn't until the iPhone that people actually started using them."
That appears to be true but I don't believe it's because Apple did a better phone browser. The iPhone is the first large-screen, soft-keyboard phone that works acceptably well and it's the large screen that caused that to happen. Apple was far from first to market with a large-screen cellphone and I've used web browsing on phones for a long time before the iPhone.
"Same for multimedia capabilities."
I disagree with that. The iPhone is the best at that so far but the demand for multimedia on smartphones preceded the iPhone. iPhone has the advantage of integrating with iTunes but that's an artificial advantage Apple maintains through it's iPod market stranglehold. If Apple supported 3rd party media players in iTunes then all cellphones could have multimedia as good as the iPhone.
"After firmware 2.0 is released, RIM's only "advantage" in the market will be 1) a physical keyboard for those hardliners who are unwilling to change, and 2) existing market share."
I disagree with that too. We don't know the full impact of 2.0 yet but the additional Apple features alone won't close the gap. Physical keyboards aren't for "hardliners unwilling to change", they are for people who prefer them. The Apple keyboard is the best soft-keyboard but it isn't as good as the real thing. It's good enough for many.
"This "Thunder" removes advantage #1, and as for #2, market share is already significantly eroding, it's only a matter of time."
You're assuming that RIM can't compete with Apple unless it is spotted an insurmountable lead. While, I am no RIM fan, you are displaying your prejudice.
"The iPhone is the first large-screen, soft-keyboard phone that works acceptably well and it's the large screen that caused that to happen. Apple was far from first to market with a large-screen cellphone and I've used web browsing on phones for a long time before the iPhone."
You contradict yourself here. Error aside, I disagree that it was the large screen that made the web browsing "mainstream". It was the fact that the web pages render and function virtually identical to that of a real web browser. This coupled with the extreme intuitiveness of their multi-touch implementation is why mobile Safari accounts for a huge share of mobile web traffic.
"The iPhone is the best at that so far but the demand for multimedia on smartphones preceded the iPhone."
Of course the demand was there. It was full featured, easy to use solutions that were not.
"Physical keyboards aren't for "hardliners unwilling to change", they are for people who prefer them."
Maybe I was a bit harsh on this point. I agree, some prefer physical keyboards. It's a trade-off. Just like the tiny keys of the Blackberry are a trade-off versus a full sized keyboard. I happen to be of the camp that believes a full multi-touch screen is a better trade-off for a smartphone. I'm rarely typing anything more than a few paragraphs at a time while on the go, and the larger screen with customizable layouts serves me much more than physical keys.
"We don't know the full impact of 2.0 yet but the additional Apple features alone won't close the gap."
The features announced and demo'd at the Apple SDK event more than close the "gap". Sure, they may not have been proven just yet, but everythign points to their implementations being at or above RIM's current (or future) solutions.
"The Apple keyboard is the best soft-keyboard but it isn't as good as the real thing. It's good enough for many."
Agreed. And neither is a Blackberry keyboard. Its all a matter of trade-off. I'd argue its good enough for MOST, not many.
"You're assuming that RIM can't compete with Apple unless it is spotted an insurmountable lead."
I assume RIM can't compete because Apple, in one generation, has leapfrogged RIM's accomplishments since they began in the cell phone market. Additionally, the Bold doesn't seem to fall far from the tree (or is it bush?). It's very difficult to compete with Apple. They have decades of OS/hardware/software experience to leverage, all culminating into this phone. They also have a huge fanbase (I'd say more devoted than RIM's) and tons of marketing prowess.
"While, I am no RIM fan, you are displaying your prejudice."
Having an opinion based on past, present, and future analysis of the iPhone versus RIM's offerings is not prejudice.
Predudice: an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed without knowledge, thought, or reason.
Hey! Chris M! Whats up?
Thank God its a mock up... looks kinda fugly..
Now we talking:)
Mohsin @ May 13th 2008 1:21PM
Is that a 'Cars' reference?
I was thinking the same thing, I mean thunder does come after lightning after all, lol. ChaPow
Any ways, Verizon's nextwork is crap, I have an iPhone no dropped calles, Wife has a work Treo with Verizon. She uses my phone at home because Verizon either drops the call or there is no service. Plus the Treo running mobil windows is crap anyways and we'll be getting her an iPhone as soon as the new model is released.
That is a huge mock up.
How not to copy the iPhone, part #37:
* black fascia
* chrome bezel
seriously, this is the second iClone that has been on this site TODAY. These guys are stupid, because what does Apple do in June ? Brings out iPhone 2.0 that has a gold bezel (or whatever) and all of a sudden all these iClones look like yesterday's technology.
Can't they see that by aping Apple's design they are in fact just handing their design fate to their main competitor ?
Reid: I have no clue why you think Verizon customer service sucks or too many dropped calls. Maybe you're living in East Bumblefuck or Kalamazoo? I get great reception and I would say I've only ever had 2 or 3 dropped calls in the 5 months I've been with them.
Their customer service is excellant and has always helped me.
I think they should have gone with "Thumb-der" myself.
Interesting they did not show a GUI... Hopefully Blackberry is not sticking to their standard buttugly interface.
IT'S A MOCKUP MADE BY BG, NOT RIM!! IT WILL MOST LIKELY NOT LOOK LIKE THIS. THAT IS WHY THERE IS NO GUI!!!
Dear Steve Jobs,
Hey pal, got a second?
I just read on The Engadget that BlackBerry's about to clean your clock with a device called "The Thunder". How embarassing is that? Your phone could be out-speced, out classed and out powered by a phone inspired by an Australian Chippendales dancer. You know, it's one thing to continue to offer a sub-par product that I pay large amounts of money for in order to look like i subscribe to Italian Vogue, but it's quite another thing to be embarassed by a product with such an inferior name.
I know iPhones are out of stock and that means you're about to roll out yet another one of my favorite things, but can you please step out of the headshop in Cupertino long enough to create a phone thats ahead of the curve long enough to keep me from using your device as an ironic paperweight? Oh by the way, good look on the HBO content. I look forward to watching episodes of Real Sex next to mormon missionaries on my morning BART ride. Toodles.
- Overprivledged Libertarian Apple Consumer
Good Concept, maybe nice design. But they killed it by taking it to VERIZON. Some people just love being bitched around, That is why people still stick with the high rates of Verizon, their Crippling phone techniques, False Data package limits, and many more annoying things. And you know WHAT? PEOPLE STILL FREAKING GET VERIZON. Honestly, can a Verizon user please tell me what is in Verizon that I can't see? And I mean this Honestly, no sacarsm.
Best service in my area, unlimited mobil to mobile with all my Verizon friends, best customer support in practice and also apparently in published reports, and oh - it's cheaper for me than TMobile! 20% discount ftw...
But those are all valid reasons, with the second one perhaps being an exception.
YES! Finally someone with a brain speaks the truth! I agree SFM!
I hate my BB 8830, I also hate the iPhone. They are both garbage. I am forced to have a BB for work so I guess I'll bite. Not having a touchscreen on my 8830 just sucks. I miss my Sprint Mogul.
I'm actually kindof excited. Verizon's phone lineup right now is pretty terrible unless you want the voyager, (which i don't). I'll be looking forward to what it really looks like though....
Is it just me or does that look like the BB Bold with a photo shopped touchscreen?
Nice! I like the Blackberry interface....now with touch! Oh sweet!
TouchBerry?
or CrackberryTouch
Yall are gonna like this:
http://blackberrythunder.net
No...actually it sucks.
sorry to say but sucks it is
:(
@Flashpoint
"NOTE TO APPLE:
Its OVER."
haha, ya. apple sauce. apple cider. apple jam... apple butter ....
Now if only Verizons service didn't suck. Most reliable network my anus!!!
... coming up next: Sprint gets the 'Blizzard'...
The design of the portrayed device is not sexy. the idea of the four physical keys is excellent, but not necessary. the contours are not appealing, it should look better than or equally as beautiful as an Iphone, with the same quality build. If they do this, they can continue growing successfully.
Idk about this thunder, it looks nice but no real specs camera? tactile feed back MMS when this phone is released if it doesn't hit on everything the iphone missed ill be disappointed. Btw i have a 8bg iphone (locked)but i do miss shooting video, and recieving mms never really sent them. and blue tooth 2.0 would love to hear my music through a set of BT headphones.
I'll stick with rogers, thanks.
http://shanejonas.com
Dear Apple,
Thank you for saving us money by setting the standard.
Love,
Verizon
owned !!
I was excited when i first looked at this and was almost willing to stick with verizon but then i realized I don't like the iphone because of the lack of keyboard. Touchscreens are not practical, for business i will be sticking with the 9000