Thread: Verizon Storm 9550 & Vodafone Storm 9520 Rumored Release Dates

I know I've said this many times, but I can't say it enough. The end of this year really is starting to get exciting. Several big events are supposed to happen by the end of this year. RIM has already officially released the new version of BlackBerry Messenger. And OS 5.0 is expected by years end. None of which are as big as the launch of the BlackBerry Storm 2 (Odin).

Often times the best news comes in the early morning. BerryReview just received some very exciting news from their sources on possible release dates for the Verizon 9550 and Vodafone 9520. Vodafone is rumored to be launching the Blackberry Storm 9520 October 15. That's less than a week from now. While that may not seem likely, many people didn't think RIM was really going to release the new version of BBM this week.

Verizon is rumored to be getting the BlackBerry Storm 9550 on October 25. This too seems realistically too soon, though everyone is hoping the sooner the better. Some Best Buy stores are said to already have the Verizon 9550 even. That would surely reinforce the rumor of an October 25 release.

Now that you have read the good news, time for the some bad news. The sources also report that the U.S. will not be seeing the launch of the 9520. This is very sad for die hard GSM users. How is it that both the first, and second generation of a BlackBerry not be released on a GSM carrier? I'm quite disappointed and baffled by this news. Especially since the device is a touchscreen BlackBerry.

[BerryReview]

I am not quite sure where Berryreview is getting this information from but those dates are virtually impossible to meet.

Yes the hardware is set for Storm 2 but the OS is not. The current OS still has SFI issues and the Vclick mechanism is overly sensitive. Therefore, the phone has not even gone into mass production. Since it take a minimum of 3-4 weeks once a phone goes into mass production until its released I find both of those dates complete and utterly unrealistic.

Oh god I hope they don't rush this one out too!

Originally Posted by Natemz

Oh god I hope they don't rush this one out too!

Anything is possible, especially with RIM. But the phones that have been sent to Best Buy and Verizon are strictly for training only as they do not contain the final OS.

I happen to agree. But like I pointed out, a lot of people didn't think the new version of BBM was being released this week. I too don't want to see the device rushed out either.

Oh and I am definitely interested to know whether or not it's true that no U.S. GSM carrier will be getting the 9520? To have 2 generations of the first and only BlackBerry touchscreen device to not make it to either AT&T or T-Mobile is unfathomable.

Originally Posted by sunkast

Oh and I am definitely interested to know whether or not it's true that no U.S. GSM carrier will be getting the 9520? To have 2 generations of the first and only BlackBerry touchscreen device to not make it to either AT&T or T-Mobile is unfathomable.

That my friend I agree with.

Originally Posted by Natemz

Oh god I hope they don't rush this one out too!

+1 agreed I hope they spend the appropriate time to have a solid release.

I'm still up for november instead of october.
Posted via BlackBerry device

First thing If AT&T or T-Moble wanted it bad enough they would get it worked out. The AT&T network is garbage anyways and would just hold the Storm2 back IMHO. KInda like that I thing good idea bad implementation. They just got MMS, Sheesh :no:!

As for the Speculation on the release dates. Why is the 25th not going to work. As far as anyone knows RIM has it finished up and being shipped. While i'm sure insiders know more I can't see why not still. Maybe someone hasn't been told or someone has been kept out of the loop but it seems feasable to me. With it in the system and all and a training Video seen I think it can be out. We have also seen pictures of VZW branded Odins already. We've seen a poster for Vodaphone too so.

The only bad is if the OS is "not right" from the start. Even if its 5.0.0.288 (I hear that its rock solid) it will be ok. Just the upgrades in memory and hardware will carry it through the first stages. For me the question is what can they do to the Storm 3 thats gonna be better :laugh2:

WoW, is the S2 going to have the BBOS themes, that's kick ass!!!!!!! :crazy::laugh2: But all kidding aside, I agree with you guys. I rather RIM and/or Verizon take their time and get all the bugs fixed before releasing this. I don't think they're stupid enough to rush another one when they've already seen what happens; especially since this is suppose to correct and bring back the "BB touch" to life again. But then again...some people just don't learn first time around lol.

i am glad i am not worried about it being a gsm only device since i never leave the country go big red

I put my money on October 25th. Just my opinion. Anyone want to take bets?

Originally Posted by sunkast

Oh and I am definitely interested to know whether or not it's true that no U.S. GSM carrier will be getting the 9520? To have 2 generations of the first and only BlackBerry touchscreen device to not make it to either AT&T or T-Mobile is unfathomable.

I second that... What are they thinking...

For those of us without an upgrade, any bets on what retail price will be?

Originally Posted by temperamentalman

for those of us without an upgrade, any bets on what retail price will be?

$500

So I'm hearing the Voda date isn't too far off, but probably won't be a October launch. Now with VZW I'm hearing they are coming to Best Buys already. I'm also getting more thoughts on it launching in November over October.

PS: Another Best Buy has a in stock date for it in November, not October.

I spoke to Vodafone in store today and they informed me that the Blackberry reps were in today and they claim that the Storm 2 should be released next week (possibly the start of).

:hail:

Originally Posted by temperamentalman

for those of us without an upgrade, any bets on what retail price will be?

$200-$300