RIM clears up BlackBerry Storm OS situation
By Donald Melanson 
posted Nov 24th 2008 4:06PM
posted Nov 24th 2008 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.
Excuse is just a cover up!
Go back to the drawing board and fix all the bugs and glitches.
The way I see it, the Storm's physical makeup seemed pretty good and relatively solid. At first I was worried that a clickable screen would be an eyesore or prone to damage, but they pretty much nailed it.
My problem with the Storm is how much of it can be improved with Firmware updates.
The accelerometers seemed to be laggy, the scrolling via fingertip was terrible and I wasn't impressed with the on screen appearance either.
So how much of this can be improved with new Firmware? Is it the accelerometers and the lack of screen tuning making it seem weak, or is the software just not tight enough? Is it possible a new firmware could blow us all away?
I'm hoping all it takes is a new firmware...the commercial that runs currently makes it seem so smooth, actually playing with it myself makes it seem to laggy :-(
I want this phone, but not before an update to the OS. Otherwise, I'll just buy a curve.
I concur... just a cover up... the software so glitchy and lagggggggggggggy... i'm shocked people talk so little about it....... or even go deep into it in their reviews... i got the storm and i'm so desperate for the updates to fix some shi+
http://admiralh.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/why-the-blackberry-storm-is-no-iphone-killer/
if your not up to speed about this, just read that
Verizon & RIM are going to point fingers at each other... & it's going to be exciting for us to watch
So they misprinted *all* those stickers, eh?
I'd like to hope that RIM didn't decide that subpar performance, terrible loading times, and glitchy software in general wasn't suitable for their flagship device launch, and that they really *did* roll back to prerelease software.
@Winnie, the reason nobody's talking about it (compared to some of the issues with the iPhone) is just that. Nobody. They're not selling well, and it simply hasn't generated the interest of the iPhone. Or the G1 for that matter. The 'me-too' crowd is buying them, but that's about it. They're (miserably) trying to create a buzz by sending 20 units to each store, but the truth is, it's just not that innovative. Tactile feedback is neato, but doesn't make up for the (from what I've read) horribly-designed UI.
^ Oh I see....
I regret getting the Storm but i guess i could have done worse
i feel more ashamed of all the Blackberry fanboys trying to cover up all the bad press, even on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:BlackBerry_Storm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlackBerry_Storm
Too bad a sticker can't fix the memory overflow issues that RIM has for the 4.5.0.xx operating systems for the Curve and Pearl
the commercial portrays such a different GUI experience than the actual product -- it's tantamount to false advertising
NICE
Maybe someone who has a Storm can help me with this concern: I noticed on the close up photos of the bottom of the screen that there seems like a lot of room for pocket lint, dust, and dirt to get caught underneath the screen. Am I being paranoid?
Nice, and SOOO PROFESSIONAL?
-Professional-
LOL, wtf?
C'mon. Make it 3 for 3 with Photoshopped GNR reference!
Bad move...RIM...even alot of reviewers have said their units had OS versions above .62. I'm sure regardless of this PR move, there will be an update soon.
They have a lot of work to get to get this thing up to speed. I like the Storm a lot, but it can be really slow at some points. I know it is software issues because the email programs and Documents To Go is marvelous.
But I thought it was a feature.
*cough* sorry its not apple :(
Snort. Yeah, that's real believable, guys.
Nothing to see here, just move along!
I'm confused. If they had to put stickers on the boxes wouldn't they be the .65? If they were mislabeled. What was originally on the boxes? It seems like (from this paragraph, which I could be mis reading) RIM put the stickers on the box in order to say they had to put stickers on the box. I dunno. Strange. Still would like to play with one though.
"sticker glitch"
Sounds a little like vista capeable type deal, whats up with people and these sticker mess ups. Looks like a little time to check stuff could go a long way before public releases.
I refuse to read anymore stories that don't include a picture of Axl.
Why the shortage then? I smell BS coverup. It doesn't take all day to cover up a sticker. I would have just mailed the stickers along with the phones to the stores and advised all employees to cover the incorrect versions. It's not rocket science.
I absolutely agree. This seems like a bigger issue. I find it difficult to believe that some boob associate couldn't be entrusted with the task of placing some stickers on some boxes. There's something fuzzy about the whole thing...
Can't anyone get this touch/click/smartphone/wifi/quad band/copy-cut-paste thing right?
Check out the comments at Endaget Mobile on this same article for possible additional insight:
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/11/24/rim-clears-up-blackberry-storm-os-situation/#comments
Something is definitely fishy here, and no one is telling the truth so far. Sooner or later I expect VZW and RIM will be pointing fingers at each other. Let the good times roll...
Blackberry forums have all sorts of comments, but what is most notable are the comments of the actual owners that are confirmed owners...
none.
Blackberry forums need to either get an admin, or have their admin fired. There are no comments, at least this morning, with regard to complaints.
I want to hear from legitimate blackberry owners. not plants and goons. but they can't even respond as a company.
I will not buy a phone from a company that can't even defend itself in a timely manner on its own website.
So the best excuse they came up with in terms of holding back thousands of units at launch is because....of a misprint..... on stickers. Really RIM.... be more creative at least with your excuse at least.
Coincidentally, I predict the next firmware WILL be called 4.7.0.82.
Why? because whats the next logical number after 4.7.0.65? 4.7.0.82! duh.
BTW the demo Storm at my local Verizon was had serious lag. I even turned it off and on, but same thing...
Was it just me?
I think anyone that's gone within 10 feet of the phone has confirmed that the reports of the lagginess are not at all exaggerated.
I've seen a lot of products lately with these type of delays. ie: The Sansa mp3 player I bought last year has a delay when switching songs (unlike any ipod), and my replacement Nokia phone is extremely slow as well. It's a shame because the Blackberry Storm sounds pretty cool... but I will never buy another product that is sluggish.
I played with the blackberry storm for the 1st time today, and let me tell you i was very disappointed. I had high hopes for this phone, was gonna be a early xmas gift to myself. The software on that phone is terrible, i mean its like they didnt even test the software before releasing it. The OS seems like an early beta or something. The phone lagged so bad at times i thought it was froze, and the accelerometer is the slowest i've ever seen. I m willing to give the phone a second chance if they release an update that cleans up the bugs and glitches. But judging from the statement RIM made, who knows when the problems will be resolved. Guess i ll be sticking with my voyager(which i've outgrown) or maybe i ll go for the Bold on AT &t
Of course it is a cover up! It is s sticker COVERING UP wrong info. In other news, I'd hate to be the sticker sticker for RIM - must be a crap job.
I called VZW today to ask about conditions on which I could return my BB storm due to how absurdly sluggish it is. They said an update will be released within 1 to 2 weeks. Right now, the lag is so bad that I am honestly considering not waiting 2 weeks, but I will be checking the bberry website in the meantime.
-Angry Bryan
^^^ +1 because your signature of Angry Bryan made me laugh (that's not to say that I am not totally compassionate to your frustration. The premium you paid should warrant you better quality).
I would return it to avoid the restocking fee and get it later to see if it's been fixed:
http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=99884
Seriously, they just want you to wait until the time has passed and you can't return it any more! Return it now while you still can. In two weeks they'll say, "Oh, you had to return it during the first 14 days. Sorry."
Had my storm for business on vodafone uk now for about 4 days. I've posted before about it, but just thought i'd go over it again.
First few hours with the storm was very very disapointing. Great taking it out the box.. felt great. good quality etc. Turned it on and it was... as everyone says... shockingly laggy.
However, the os seems to get faster and faster the more you use it. and now its really really nice to use. the only thing that is a bit laggy now is the os scrolling menu.. but even thats not bad. I'm sure its a software issue as you can scroll around google maps very very smoothly. i've opend big jpgs, big pdfs, and big excel docs.. and its all smooth to view.
All the apps work nicely.. there is no lag at all on typing, and going from port' to landscape is smooth.
Its not crashed once at all either which makes a change.
I honestly think that there will be an update pretty soon, but just to polish stuff off.
when i first opened that calculator it took ages and there was horrid lag on the numbers.. but second time around it opens calc up in about 1 second and there is no lag at all in typing..
all this points to some sort of memory management/cache issues.. but once it opened a couple of times its great.
at least only 2 week wait, not bad
last time when I tried iphone (ver 2.2), it still sucks as much as 1 year ago
Thanks Mike, again, for your never-insightful anti-Apple blather.
You need a new schtick. Seriously.
It makes me laugh to read of all the flaws and faults and lack of this and that in the iPhone , the BB storm and HTC's touch pro and Diamond (Ok I've never seen an HTC touch HD).
I have bought what I belive is the perfect smartphone.
So far, I have had it for 2 weeks of intensive use and the only fault I can find with my Samsung Omnia (once I have installed MS voice command) is the size of the start button which is a bit small.
Do yourself a favor and get yourself an Omnia.
I cancelled my order for the HTC touch HD after I was disappointed and I had to return my old htc touch pro (which in my opinionis an akward , annoyng, and frustrating device) and an employee of my mobile provider suggested to me to get the same handset as he was using, i.e. the Samsung Omnia, and boy, was he right!
I love this little thing.
go to best buy and buy it, no waiting
Nice try...we can't possibly think that this is just that simple of a mistake when they have been working on this thing for so long and have been back to the drawing board a million times already...
I believe this as much as I believe Elvis is alive and in hiding as I type...
I just found this - check it out:
http://evidentlyeverywhere.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/connect-to-internet-with-a-macbook-pro-via-a-blackberry-bold-3g/
I am not sure if it is because I have never had a chance to see the iPhone or use it, but I am not bothered by the momentary delay in the BB Storm. I received my phone last night and even after reading the negative reviews I was very excited to try this bad boy out for myself. I suspected many of the flaws discussed in the reviews featured here and elsewhere would be pretty obvious, but in all honesty...it wasn't all that bad.
When I first used the phone it was a bit much to get used to, it took me a good 10 minutes to get used to the clicking feature of the screen and using the wizard was a real pain. The screen would flip horizontal sometimes because of the way I hold the phone (sort of slanted). Also trying to hover over the item I want was a task, but once I got passed it, it was fine. Next I backed up all my data from my pearl, and restored it to the Storm which was SO easy (and excuse me if this is no big deal for all you regular BB users, but it was for me!)
I ran the Desktop application upgrade and after the upgrade it performed and removing the VZW Navigator and Visual Voice Mail, the phone has been pretty quick. Sure it has a delay between that fade transition, but honestly, it doesn't bother me (of course that is not to say it wouldn't bother others). So far I am enjoying my Storm, but it would be great to see new updates and patches for the phone to address the bugs and quirkiness its presented. Regardless, I think users should leave it up to people to make their minds because if I had listened to all the reviews I read before buying, I probably would be stuck with my BB Pearl (which is a good phone, but QWERTY is a must). So make the decision for yourself!
I had an iPhone before I picked up my Storm. I loved the iPhone but hated AT&T's network. I honestly don't see what all the complaints are about regarding the Storm. My iPhone lagged at times too and I had the latest software on it. The accelerometer on the iPhone sometimes would take its time switching between Portrait and Landscape, no biggie.
I'm very happy with the Storm and it's just getting better. On Crackberry.com there's a thread with all kinds of tips and I become more impressed with this thing the more I read and play with it. I think people just need to seriously use it for a while to see how good it is. When I first got it, I thought it was slightly less impressive than the iPhone but I'd deal with it. The more I use it, the less I miss my iPhone. I type better on the Storm than the iPhone, the email is far superior and the Verizon Network makes it a much better phone. I would suggest that anyone interested in getting one really use it for a while before making a judgement.
Yes, all very interesting. That is, only if you're a psychopath in training.
Riiight, it never existed. AND the Earth is flat.
A sticker is causing a massive shipping delay???? Yeah right.... I believe that one.
How long does it take to re-sticker a box when you are packing it in another for shipping? About 10 extra seconds.
How long would it have taken to come up with a better lie? About 10 extra seconds.
the sticker mistake is absolutely plausible...the way this conspiracy theory spread is disgraceful...people accept anything (especially from BGR) like it's truth (including engadget, see http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/22/blackberry-storm-shipments-delayed-due-to-apparent-version-glitc/).
...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...
It is still mysterious why storm shipments are being delayed (i haven't actually confirmed this, but many from the online community who ordered one are claiming this...). ...there is a click screen issue on some devices (anybody know what the heck this is, and if it's localized????). mine works fine, but who knows...maybe a lot of models have this hardware malfunction, hence the delay....search the crackberry forums for this...a lot of users are now sticking cardboard in the battery cases...that SUCKS. or, maybe verizon just wants to wait for a "pending" OS update, since .65 hasn't had the warmest reception, before shipping new units.
aside: i really dig the storm...big time. for those who test it in verizon stores 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!
I bought my Storm on launch day. We all know how awful of an experience that was. Was 40-50 people back in Washington, DC's L Street location. A corporate sales guy was assigned to that store that morning to smooth things over with an anxious crowd, handing out free coffee and assuring everyone in line would get a Storm. He claimed 200 units. The actual number was closer to 130. No cards with numbers were handed out, no vouchers, no nothing. It was absolute mayhem once the "6-8 allowed inside at a time" rule was ignroed and everyone was brought in. I was on several paper lists and signed my name into the visual television sales queue and even though I made it to the front of the visual queue, it was at that time that all the sales reps were instructed to use the paper list (which version of the FOUR that were floating around the store, no one knew). Two guys in line with me got their phones within the hour that the store was first opened by just grabbing the next available rep at their counter. It did not help that people were buying Storms 2, 3, 4, even 5 at a time. It was a combination of these individuals buying multiple Storms that kicked off the initial system lag that was the catalyst for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic VZW store network to be brought down to painstakingly slow speeds. Schedule as follows:
7:50am - I arrived in line
8:00am - DC L Street store opens under 6-8 person limit guidelines
8:30am - store admits as much of the line as the store's capacity can handle
9:30am - store reports stock depletion (false, in order to get people to leave the store as things were getting very heated)
10:10am - finally assured that I would be getting a phone
11:25am - activation for my phone begins
1:00pm - finally leave store. phone still not activated. no payment tendered. left for work
1:50pm - received call from store explaining that system was up again just barely to process my phone
2:00pm - arrived at store only to find that system crippled again. brought girlfriend with me this time to wait until system was up again
3:30pm - girlfriend left with no phone still
6:35pm - received call from store saying that system was up again and ready to be activated and paid for
6:50pm - arrived in store. activation begins
7:15pm - store system denies my personal check 3 times. had to call girlfriend to use her credit card as i was waiting for bank to send me my new card and waiting for my first credit card in the mail (both came the following day on saturday)
9:00pm - phone browser and email set-up finally operable
It took me the ENTIRE operating day from open to close to receive my working Storm. My expectations were through the roof. I helped myself to some Storm accessories while the store was packed with people about to explode. I felt bad for those as early as 8:30am being informed that they werent getting a phone that day and that they would have to order online (even though verizonwireless.com was practically crippled the entire day)
[i'm sorry. i've read every forum on every post on every major tech blog site regarding the Storm since August and i haven't commented until now]
Intially the Storm was slow, but not at any point in time was the phone ever BUGGY as people incorrectly mention. I'm posting now when I've had the phone for four straight days instead of some f*cking pre-madonna that played with the in-store model for 5 seconds. I know he or she waited in line for as long as 25 minutes just to play with the model (that was the case at DC L Street) so those posters were speaking out of some unreasonable anger.
The Click Through tech gets some getting used to, but you find it pleasurably useful once you realize it's nice to be able to highlight the link you want in a grouping of multiple ones in close proximity, before actually selecting it by depressing the screen. The zoom is a little finicky and zooms when you dont want it to at times, but the system is learning, or rather i'm learning the system. Having a mouse cursor is also helpful in those first hours when learning to navigate the browser. Needless to say, although Safari on my second gen iPod Touch has crashed very few times, the Storm's browser has not crashed on me at all. Not even once, with higher than average usage in a 18 hour per day period.
The accelerometer is also very sensitive and needs a calibration feature on the next build. It seems that the only way to make the phone return to portrait is to have the phone positioned in a very specific limited 3D position (perfect right angle but then tilted slightly back, as if you were looking down at it from a reasonable distacne away from your head). The slightest degree of tilt to left or right will bring up landscape mode. This could use some fixing, but at least I know how to return to portrait (and it is NOT by shaking it).
I find the UI delightful. I like being able to pull my instant messanger programs out of their folders and put the one or two i want on my home screen, along with a dedicated Engadget button and Gizmodo button (I already mentioned i read at least these two) that launch the browswer and navigates directly to one or the other website. The screen's sharpness and color vividness wipes my iPod Touch off the floor (I know all about the yellowish tinge in comparison to the 3G iPhone) Interesting is that the screen protectors available for the Storm retain the vividness and sharpness of the screen as if there was no protector, unlike the protectors available for the iPhone and iPod touch that are much more textured and can make the images a bit grainy and dull in color. Only drawback is that the Storm screen protectors are very prone to smudging.
Everyone that has a Storm has been saying the software is speeding up as they use the phone. Part of this lends itself to the idea that we are all just learning how to navigate the phone better and more efficiently. I cut out a lot of the fat on my phone when I did the backup thing with my computer and was able to remove VZ Nav and Visual Voicemail and that helped things move along also. The Office suite handles those kinds of attachments very well. Rendered a 47 page doc with images and tables embedded with no problem. The keyboard dictionary is learning my typos better and better. OH! And a thing to say about those who complain about the Storm keyboard and it being prone to typos. LEARN HOW TO TYPE. Don't cry and gripe about how the iPhone always corrects your upsetting lack of grammar and mobile typing skills. BlackBerry's are business devices first and foremost and don't need to pander to a college kid texting errors.
For those of you getting this phone shipped, it will be worth the wait. Those that say they want to return their phone simply don't have the patience to experience the qualities of this phone. Those that are going back to the Curve are going to get that pre- iPhone internet browsing experience again. The Curve/Bold design is so solid: physical keyboard and trackball, but for those that are willing to try this out (for longer than 20 min!), this is the phone to get if you're serious about email and network reliability.
For the one or two people that said they already had a blown pixel on their Storm, you're so totally completely full of $h!t.
I have a Storm, just got it the other day, I am I very happy with it. It does sometime get stuck in portrait or landscape mode after unlocking the screen, but otherwise is very nice. There is some lag when flipping, but that is only a few times. There have been some mentions that removing VZ Nav helps it lag less and I have already removed it. That said, I will look forward to any new OS update to smooth out the occasional lag.
You won't find user vomments on the RIM forum because Storm owners can't register. The device number required for log in/registration is 17 charachters and the Storm's ID # is only 16, so I keep getting refused. In first using the Storm the Browser was impossible to use - I kept getting the camera turned on and then the entire device would lock-up in the camera mode and I couldn't even turn the it off. The key board options sound nice but in practice are a pain the butt - the second guessing of what you want to type gets old fast. I'm happy that Verizon has a 30 day return policy and, as small business owner, we have a good relationship with them. If RIM doesn't get their software sorted out I'll bring my Storm back on day 29 and go on to a device that will get the job done. In their rush to get to market for the Christmas buying season RIM may have screwed up big time if they don't get this crap fixed. Also, their desktop software crashes on start up and I'm all current on my XP OS, so I have no idea what's going on there, either. This is my first and probably last BlackBerry purchase because I am simply not impressed.