Thread: Rumor: Storm 2 Refresh Not Dead?

We've received a little tip from an insider at RIM which let us know some pretty cool rumors. Obviously with any tip not accompanied by a screenshot of the "About" screen or an actual picture of the device, it needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Companies like RIM throw around so many different ideas and concepts that something that's for sure one day may completely change the following week. Disclaimer done we can get into it. The biggest part of what we've heard so far is the fact that what we thought we knew about the Storm 2 Refresh being canceled isn't exactly accurate.

The BlackBerry Monarch

According to our source, RIM has been working on this Storm 2 refresh device and will name it the BlackBerry Monarch upon release. Apparently they decided to not release it until it was ready to be a BlackBerry 7 device. It will look exactly like the Storm 2 and will feature the SurePress technology. The BlackBerry Monarch will join the 9850/9860 as the second touch screen device in RIM's lineup. If this ends up being accurate, I feel this actually a really good idea in the part of RIM and here's why.

There is a market out there for this device. If you're a BlackBerry Storm I or Storm II owner, odds are you either LOVE your device or HATE it. I personally have friends that thought the SurePress idea was brilliant and they loved it. On the other hand, I don't think I could ever use a phone with a screen that clicks.

For RIM to give the customer two choices in touchscreen technology is great. If you loved the SurePress technology and want a device with BlackBerry 7 then you'll be able to own one. If you don't want that but you still want a touchscreen device, then you can go for 9850/9860. The Storm series' biggest flaw was the fact that it was compared to the iPhone and other Android devices that blew it away in terms of specs. It was at a disadvantage before it ever came out. When the hardware is not strong or fast enough to run a touchscreen OS on top of all that, guess what? Your phone is going to flop.

By keeping this quiet and making another touchscreen device, the 9850/9860, RIM has ensured it will have enough time to make sure BlackBerry 7 runs well on this device as that is the most crucial part of a device being accepted and liked.

RIM is also doing away with the Storm brand completely. The name BlackBerry Monarch will draw people to at least give it a chance. A Storm III device would've immediately been greeted with obvious comparisons and cheap shots to the first 2 devices.

The BlackBerry Volt

Our source also confirmed prior reports that the future 9850/9860 all touch device will be called the BlackBerry Volt. While I might not be the biggest fan of the name, I am a huge fan of the fact that RIM wont be calling it the BlackBerry Torch 9850/9860 as that would've been way too confusing.

So there you go, you are all caught up with the latest rumors in the BlackBerry universe. Hopefully it stays this way and RIM decides to go with the Monarch and keep the Volt name.

• What do you think of the idea of another BlackBerry touchscreen named the Monarch? Do you like the name Volt for the future 9850/9860? Let us know in the forums!

That's what I don't get the most, would be calling the 9850 the Torch as well.

I love the name Volt for a new BB!

To be honest, I never met anybody that has the Storm and loves it...
When I heard it came out I had high expectations, but it fell short of it...
I would love to see a new one come out, but with a screen that has less resistance when using it. it feels like it's a device where typing takes to long. I agree there is a market and therefor they should build it.
The line up would be a great one. Torch 2, Bold 4 (okay, Bold 99**), new Curve and a Storm / Volt. A device for every kind of user. This would surely get RIM back on track. This company is far from done.

I agree Poita, The idea of releasing that line-up will get some attention back on RIM (in a positive way). Like it or not, a beefed-up Storm WILL sale big time. SurePress technology is loved by many (to include myself) if under the hood is stacked that will be one hell-of-a phone. And yes I will jump on it day one. Because the truth is, the only problem was getting the OS right(which makes the phone I know), other than that I think the concept is very good if done in a timely manor bcause everyone know what's coming out VERY soon on the other side. So let's do it!!!!!!!

i missed ma storm II, n sure the SurePress feature, this rumors make my day, can't wait ^^

Originally Posted by awill300

I agree Poita, The idea of releasing that line-up will get some attention back on RIM (in a positive way). Like it or not, a beefed-up Storm WILL sale big time. SurePress technology is loved by many (to include myself) if under the hood is stacked that will be one hell-of-a phone. And yes I will jump on it day one. Because the truth is, the only problem was getting the OS right(which makes the phone I know), other than that I think the concept is very good if done in a timely manor because everyone know what's coming out VERY soon on the other side. So let's do it!!!!!!!

I agree but they need to start adding front facing cameras on at least 1 device. then you can use skype, and whatever the playbook uses to video chat. It needs to be integrated like last year. what if bbm had video capabilities?

Originally Posted by 36dbldz

I agree but they need to start adding front facing cameras on at least 1 device. then you can use skype, and whatever the playbook uses to video chat. It needs to be integrated like last year. what if bbm had video capabilities?

This NEEDS to happen and soon... Unfortunately it's not going to happen soon... the only reason I think this hasn't happened yet is RIM might want to wait for the QNX powered devices to put a front facing camera on them. Why? Beats me... maybe the concepts they have drawn up require certain specs to have front facing cameras and the BB 7 devices just dont meet them...

I'm probably in the minority in saying that I HATE touch screen devices. They always look so dirty with all of the finger prints. With that said, at least RIM has done it right by including a physical keyboard on the Torch instead of a virtual one like the iPhone. I hope they continue to do so with any future devices.

Originally Posted by DownForce

I'm probably in the minority in saying that I HATE touch screen devices. They always look so dirty with all of the finger prints. With that said, at least RIM has done it right by including a physical keyboard on the Torch instead of a virtual one like the iPhone. I hope they continue to do so with any future devices.

You could get that screen cleaner thing

You can clean the screens?

I hate typing on touchscreens, the only thing thats attractive about them to me is the fact that they have large screens and thats awesome... which is why to me the torch is the perfect device...

Originally Posted by 36dbldz

I agree but they need to start adding front facing cameras on at least 1 device. then you can use skype, and whatever the playbook uses to video chat. It needs to be integrated like last year. what if bbm had video capabilities?

I've been harping at RIM from the day I heard that no front facing cameras were going to come with the new devices. I mentioned in the iMessage/BBM comparison video that how cool would it be to be chatting with someone on BBM and then click a button to invite them to video chat. This would be HUGE!

The storm with front facing camera WOW what a thought. Rim has been good to me I just wish they could really catch up with it's competitors but the truth is I don't see it.

Originally Posted by Poita316

To be honest, I never met anybody that has the Storm and loves it...
When I heard it came out I had high expectations, but it fell short of it...
I would love to see a new one come out, but with a screen that has less resistance when using it. it feels like it's a device where typing takes to long. I agree there is a market and therefor they should build it.
The line up would be a great one. Torch 2, Bold 4 (okay, Bold 99**), new Curve and a Storm / Volt. A device for every kind of user. This would surely get RIM back on track. This company is far from done.

I have a Storm and I LOVE IT....for sure the 9500 sucked pre OS5, but after OS5 it became a much better device....currently I have a 9550 and I love it even more....it has Wi-Fi…and that already tops the 9500….not to mentioned the gain in memory it has….and about SurePress….personally I think it’s much better than the Torch, because you can at least highlight on the screen before you actually select anything on the screen….the Torch’s screen can be annoying at times, because as soon as you touch it you are committed to the selection….I wouldn’t go for anything other than a touch screen….and if indeed a beefed up Storm is on the way I will be one of the first ones to jump on it….

And Joe….it is like that Bee Gees song!

Originally Posted by balashi

I have a Storm and I LOVE IT....for sure the 9500 sucked pre OS5, but after OS5 itbecame a much better device....currently I have a 9550 and I love it even more....it has Wi-Fi…and that already tops the 9500….not to mentioned the gainin memory it has….and about SurePress….personally I think it’s much better than the Torch, because you can at least highlight on the screen before you actually select anything on the screen….the Torch’s screen can be annoying at times, because as soon as you touch it you are committed to the selection….I wouldn’t go for anything other than a touch screen….and if indeed a beefed up Storm is on the way I will be one of the first ones to jump on it….

And Joe….it is like that Bee Gees song!

This is exactly what I'm talking about... I couldn't disagree more with this but that's why this idea of RIM having two touchscreen phones would be genius... cuz we dont have to agree! Certain people can have one type and others another type... win-win

The Storm is a pretty nice device with a host of love it or hate it features. Very truly said by people that you can only either love your storm or outright hate it. A storm with a better processor, better camera and the OS -7!!! I am interested.

If the Storm refresh ends up coming out as the Monarch, then I highly doubt that it will have SurePress on the device. That has been a moniker of the Storm line.

I for 1 luv my 9550. I hate regular touch screens... way too much accidental touches and mistakes. If the Storm3 has a better user experience, ie, if its fast and smooth like the 9900, then it'll be a proper contender in the market.

I see your point and you're right. It WILL be a win win across the board, simply load each device with serious under the hood stuff and I think RIM is back in the game for-sure

Originally Posted by AgentBlackBerry

This is exactly what I'm talking about... I couldn't disagree more with this but that's why this idea of RIM having two touchscreen phones would be genius... cuz we dont have to agree! Certain people can have one type and others another type... win-win