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iSuppli: BlackBerry Storm costs $4 more than its purchase price to build
In a fiscal climate where profit margin reigns intensely supreme, we've got yet another dollop of bad news to heap upon the parfait of pain that is the $199 (after $50 mail in rebate) BlackBerry Storm. Research firm, iSuppli, estimates that the cost for the components and assembly of RIM's BlackBerry Storm are just shy of $203 -- an estimate that does not include software development and uh, bug fixing costs or those attributed to patent licensing, physical distribution, marketing or anything else in the product lifecycle. The most costly component is the $35 Qualcomm MSM7600 processor that gives the Storm its dual GSM / CDMA personality. Now, $203 isn't that big of a spread compared to the per unit cost of a $175 8GB iPhone 3G, $169 BlackBerry Bold, or $144 T-Mobile G1. However, the lost prophets profits add up quickly when you've moved over a million units globally.P.S. We're not implying that RIM is losing money here (the price is obviously carrier subsidized), only that the Storm is likely less profitable than its peers. But without knowing what VZW pays on a per unit basis, we can't say for sure who's getting the fiscal-shaft.
Verizon touts 1 million BlackBerry Storms sold to date
Well, it looks like the BlackBerry faithful have come out in full force to snag "Verizon's best-selling device," after all. Despite RIM's nightmarish "new reality," of half-baked firmware and broken dreams, Verizon has made it known that the latest 'Berry has grown to a full 1 million units sold between the November 21st launch and the end of January. Apparently the ever-leaking updates have kept enough people satisfied with the keyboardless device to reach this milestone, so we'll just keep our fingers crossed that the updates don't stop flowing and this powerhouse becomes the titan it has the potential to become. [Via CrackBerry]
RIM CEO: Buggy smartphone software is the "new reality"
While our experience says otherwise, we really hope that the practice of launching buggy smartphones hasn't been institutionalized. The Wall Street Journal just published a report about the "bumpy launch" of the BlackBerry Storm -- a handset that WSJ sources say sold some 500,000 units in the first month following its global release. Not bad, but well off the 2.4 million launch pace seen by the iPhone 3G -- the phone the Storm had hoped to unseat as sales champ. The WSJ speculates that the relatively timid response stems from buggy or otherwise "clunky software" that crippled the user experience and performance at launch only to be (partially) corrected later via software updates. An abysmal scenario which echos the buggy 2.0 software that accompanied the iPhone 3G at launch. Now, instead of pleading for mercy at the feet of disgruntled consumers, RIM co-CEO, Jim Balsillie, calls the post-launch scramble part of the "new reality" of making complex cellphones in large volumes. A Verizon spokesman noted that return percentages are measurable in single digits (standard for a smartphone) adding, "The sales and performance of the device have lived up to our expectations." Fine, but when expectations are high that the consumer experience will be poor, somehow that doesn't sound like a victory to us.
New Storm OS 4.7.0.90 leaked, includes QWERTY keyboard in portrait mode
As you know, a new beta OS for the Storm has made its way into the wild. Although we haven't had a chance to give OS 4.7.0.90 the what-for ourselves, those of you who have certainly have a lot to say. The big news for both 9500 and 9530 users is that there is now a QWERTY keyboard in portrait mode -- no more flipping the phone around just for an ill-advised late night tweet! Besides that, users have noted an increase in overall stability (unless you're trying to listen to music -- more on that in a moment) and some visual enhancements (including the older-look application folder and fonts that are slightly larger). Additionally, when the device is locked, the screen doesn't light up every time you bump it -- good for battery life. And as one user noted, the charging issue "which plagued OS version 88" has been resolved. Unfortunately, there has also been plenty of chatter about buggy multimedia players -- at least on the Storm 9500. Users have complained about music and video playback crashing the phone, fast forward not working, and an overall video performance decrease. Brave Blackberry fans can hit the read link to browse the forums and maybe even download the new OS for themselves. More images after the break.
BlackBerry Storm to support Global VZ Navigator in Q1?
While Verizon Wireless isn't exactly following hot on the heels of AT&T with its purported Global VZ Navigator, phoneArena has it that the carrier's BlackBerry Storm will become VZW's first handset to support the software later this quarter. Not that such news is a big shock given the worldly capabilities of this here smartphone, but it's still good news for globetrotters who'd rather not carry a dedicated PND. We're told that the service will go for $20 per month, with Mexico, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom being supported right out of the gate.
Vodafone bringing BlackBerry Storm to India
Not much to say in addition to the information-packed headline, but yeah, RIM's BlackBerry Storm is coming to India courtesy of Vodafone. The handset is expected to go on sale January 15th for Rs 27,990, which -- at $574 using present day conversion charts -- should shut any American up about high phone prices.[Via Cellpassion]
Ask Engadget: Best BlackBerry handset right now?
Make no mistake, the hottest thing going in the mobile realm just now is the Palm Pre, but that's not to say RIM hasn't gained a lot of attention with its most recent outpouring of smartphones. Max has chimed in with this week's Ask Engadget question (which was sent in via ask at engadget dawt com), and it's all about the latest and greatest BlackBerrys. "I'm considering purchasing the BlackBerry Bold, but the news about the Storm and even the Curve has me intrigued. Which would your readers recommend for a new BlackBerry owner, and why? Pros and cons for each would be excellent." We don't need to reiterate just how high the pedestal is on which the Curve 8900 sits (yes, even today) in the minds of the BB faithful, so we've no doubt that it should be included in this conversation. Go on fanboys, defend your dialer below.
4.7.0.85 leaks for the Vodafone BlackBerry Storm 9500
If you're one of those people who likes to live on the bleeding edge of BlackBerry software updates, head on over to CrackBerry to get your latest fix. General consensus in the site's forums seem to indicate that the 9500 Storm for Vodafone is faring a bit better after the update than the identically-labeled Verizon counterpart that leaked a bit back. Unfortunately, from the looks of things, RIM hasn't hit every bug on its first "netbook," but if 4.7.0.83 or 4.7.0.78 just ain't cutting it, be sure to head over to CrackBerry for the full lowdown on how to score another .02 (or .07). Read - CrackBerry Blog post Read - CrackBerry Forums thread
RIM's president calls BlackBerry Storm a small netbook
Clearly, Mike Lazaridis has the chops when it comes to running a business. What he clearly lacks, however, is a firm definition of the term "netbook." To his credit, we still feel the exact boundaries for netbooks have yet to be determined (fret not, Psion Teklogix is hammering out those details), but calling a BlackBerry Storm one is -- how do you say? -- a bit of a stretch. During a recent sit down with RIM's president, CNET Asia heard the bigwig answer like so when questioned about viewing netbooks as competitors: "No, I think I can put netbooks in here [referring to the BlackBerry Storm]. These are netbooks. They are just smaller." Wait, Mike -- don't you think smartphones are more like MIDs or UMPCs? Or do we just have you all wrong here?[Via phoneArena]
RIM calls the Storm "Verizon's best-selling device" -- whatever that means
We're still no closer to determining just how many BlackBerry Storm sales have been reversed by now, but either way, said handset is reportedly Verizon's "best-selling device." Interestingly, it's up to your best guess as to what that really signifies, as the quantity of Storm devices sold remains tightly under wraps. In other words, you could take that to mean it's the bestselling right now (highly probable) or that it has already outsold all other VZW handsets in two short months (not at all probable). In other, more substantiated news, RIM has proclaimed that it sold 6.9 million smartphones between September and November of this year, which -- coincidentally enough -- is exactly how many iPhone 3Gs that Apple sold through in its Q4. So RIM, whenever you feel like dishing out that exact figure that only everyone, everywhere is waiting for, we'll be listening. [Via Silicon Alley Insider]
BlackBerry Storm buyer's remorse? You're not alone!
We tried to warn you, but you just didn't want to hear it. "How bad could it be?" you muttered to yourself, as you handed over a summer's worth of lawn mowing money for a shiny new BlackBerry Storm. Pretty bad, as it turns out. Based on a pile of anecdotal evidence and hearsay, numbers as high as a 50% return rate have been bandied about. The software update certainly helped the situation, but there are still a lot of disappointed thumbs out there. So, how'd it go down on your end?Update: So Verizon has hit up Boy Genius Report to clarify (well, maybe clarify) the situation: "The Storm has the lowest return rate of any of our PDAs and at this point in its life cycle, it has the lowest return rate of any PDA we currently sell." That kinda sounds like doublespeak to us -- if the Storm was really so thoroughly un-returned, couldn't they have said it in simpler terms? -- but that's about all we've got to go on at the moment.%Poll-24086%
Telus Mobility officially launches BlackBerry Storm
If you've been hemming and hawing about pre-ordering a BlackBerry Storm 9530 from Future Shop, you can stop now and ponder on all the time you've wasted. Once that's done, you can saunter on down to your local Telus shop (or, you know, the carrier's website) in order to purchase RIM's very first touchscreen BlackBerry. Nothing too special about this version -- just that it's $249.99 on a 3-year contract, $449.99 on a 2-year agreement, $549.99 on a 1-year deal or $599.99 with no strings attached.Update: Seems we're hearing and seeing all kinds of hollering that while the Storm has launched, it's more of a soft launch and the real meat of the shipping won't get underway 'til January 2009. Telus' online store shows the handset's status as "on backorder" and a tipster's told us the same. Though to appease the masses Telus has kicked the LG Dare and BlackBerry Pearl out for $0 and the BlackBerry Curve for $49. Decisions, decisions, huh?[Thanks, kjb_ninja and RileyFreeman for the update][Via mobilesyrup, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Video: eccentric Peek demonstration highlights the pain of 2-year contracts
Most of the world probably missed this stunt because of how short lived it really was (thanks, NYPD!), but at any rate, we found it wacky enough to pass along. Back in late November, a few Peek faithful donned prisoner uniforms and walked around chained to BlackBerry Storms on the day Verizon launched the touchscreen RIM device. Naturally, Verizon officials were none too pleased, and everyone involved in the protest was asked to leave shortly after they arrived. Thanks to the wonders of YouTube (vid's after the break), you'll be able to watch it over, and over, and over again. Death to contracts... er, something![Via SlashGear]Read - Peek's take on the eventRead - YouTube video of the prank
BlackBerry Storm OTA update now available on Verizon
We're certain it has been a painstaking weekend for you Storm-owning Mac users, but the long-awaited OTA download for the first firmware update is finally available. For those somewhat confused, the update we covered on Friday was exclusively available via the Windows-only RIM Desktop Manager application; now, Storm owners can suck down v4.7.0.75 without a liaison. Early reports are pretty positive, with jkOnTheRun noting that the troublesome lag that came bundled with the handset was now all but history. The 14MB download (plus installation) is said to take around 20 to 30 minutes, so fire yours up and let us know how things turn out.
RIM lowers third quarter outlook, touts Storm sales
RIM no doubt got a boost of confidence from AvianResearch's sales numbers a few days ago, but it looks to be in a bit of a gloomier mood today, as it has been forced to slightly lower its third quarter profit and revenue outlook. Apparently, instead of the previously forecast revenue of $2.95 to $3.10 billion, RIM now says it's expecting to rake in just $2.75 to $2.78 billion, with its adjusted earnings now expected to be 0.81 to $0.83 per share, and not $0.89 to $0.97 per share, as previously forecast. According to RIM's Jim Balsillie, the company is laying most of the blame on "product launch timing, general economic conditions and foreign exchange volatility," but it has nothing but good things to say about the Storm, which it says has "experienced particularly strong momentum in recent weeks." It further added that the Storm's first day of sales drew a record number of new net subscribers for the company, and that it also managed to pull in a record number of weekly net subscribers additions in the last week of the third quarter. Those interested in such things can look for the final numbers to be released on December 18th.[Via mocoNews.net]
The Blackberry Storm - An iPhone 'Killer'?
Like many of you who read TUAW, I use an iPhone 3G as my day-to-day cell phone, mobile email and SMS device and to watch videos, listen to music and generally be entertained while waiting at the doctor's office, in line for a movie or when I need to kill some time. As many of you also know, there's another company out there besides Apple who's had a pretty tight hold on the "smart" phone market until recently, especially when it comes to mobile email and generally taking care of business as a professional on-the-go. That company, of course, is RIM and their device is the Blackberry. As of last Friday, RIM has released a new Blackberry they consider a potential "iPhone Killer" or, at the very least, a serious competitor for the iPhone -- the Blackberry Storm. As a Blackberry user prior to switching to the iPhone, I was of course very interested in seeing if the Storm would, in fact, offer any sort of competition to the iPhone. So, to find out, I got a Storm last Friday and spent the weekend using it alongside my iPhone to see how both devices compare when performing many of the tasks I use on a daily basis. What follows is by no means scientific, nor is it an in-depth review of the Storm. I'll leave that to Engadget. These are just my observations and impressions as an iPhone and Mac user when also using a Storm to accomplish the same tasks.
RIM clears up BlackBerry Storm OS situation
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.
BlackBerry Storm's clickable screen (and the rest of it) dissected, exposed
So you've read our extensive BlackBerry Storm review and, despite feeling disappointment about it not living up to the hype, can't help but wonder just what makes the thing tick click. While we were a bit too squeamish to rip one of ours apart and find out, phoneWreck felt no qualms about turning this week's hottest handset into a pile of bits, exposing (among numerous other things) the Qualcomm MSM7600 processor that's blamed for the phone's sluggish performance. As to how the clicky screen works, it's rather simple: just a plate behind the display (pictured above) with a dimple to push a button on a circuit board. Never dissect your heroes, kids; it just takes the mystery out of life.
BlackBerry Storm shipments delayed due to apparent version glitch
If you're one of the many, many BlackBerry Storm buyers who cleaned out inventories at Verizon stores on Friday, all that time spent waiting in the cold just became a bit more worthwhile. Online orders are being subject to shipping delays and, while you might think this is just another case of holiday supply versus demand, many are calling shenanigans. Supposedly the Storm was set to launch with OS version 4.7.0.82, but due to a last-minute security glitch every last handset had to be downgraded to .65 -- a surely time-consuming task that resulted in many fewer handsets in-store and online for release. Right now Verizon is indicating that orders placed before noon on November 21 should ship on the 25th, those received after noon will ship on December 5, and anything received on November 22 or later will not ship before December 15. That's close enough to a certain major holiday to make BlackBerry-loving kids of all ages nervous. If a Storm is high on your Christmas list you might just want to plan a few extra good deeds on your schedule to boost your placement on the "nice" list -- nobody wants a 7100i in their stocking.[Via CrackBerry]
Switched On: Writers on the Storm
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. What happens when the efficient menu-driven user experience of the BlackBerry meets the discoverable new user experience of finger-driven touch? The answer for the BlackBerry Storm has been that the BlackBerry experience wins, and who loses depends on what you were expecting from RIM's first departure from a physical keyboard. While adorned with a few on-screen buttons and simple gesture support, the Storm is much less of an iPhone-like experience than, say, the T-Mobile G1.The Storm's main advantage over other BlackBerry devices is that it has a larger screen, not necessarily one that is controlled by touch. However, to accommodate the removal of its trademark keyboard, RIM has taken touch-screens into a literal new dimension by requiring users to depress the screen to activate a button on the screen, which lowers and springs back like a giant keyboard key.The screen's ability to respond to presses as a physical button (like the trackpad in Apple's new MacBooks), helps provide a more natural feel to typing on the Storm; the feedback is certainly more satisfying than the solely visual feedback that the iPhone gives. Just because it feels good, though, doesn't mean you should do it.
