It’s no secret that the BlackBerry Bold 9650 is coming to Verizon. The device has been available from Sprint for almost two weeks, yet, it hasn’t even been officially announced by Verizon. It isn’t unlike Verizon to take their time rolling out new devices, however, not even officially announcing the BlackBerry Bold 9650 when Sprint is already selling it without an exclusive is a bit of a departure from Verizon’s usual mode of operation. This kind of makes me wonder if Verizon is waiting on BlackBerry 6, the next generation BlackBerry OS, to become available so that they can release their branded Bold 9650 with the latest and greatest BlackBerry OS as compared to making users upgrade to it.
This isn’t a rumor that I’ve heard, but, more or less me wondering why Verizon is dragging its heels on even announcing the BlackBerry Bold 9650. We know that when released, BlackBerry 6 will run on the 9650 and rumor has it that it won’t be long before the next iteration of of the BlackBerry operating system is ready. Could Verizon just be killing two birds with one stone? Upgrading a BlackBerry device from one OS to the next is a pain, even when done via wireless update. I wonder if Verizon decided that it would be easier on their customers as well as their technical support reps if they just release the BlackBerry Bold 9650 with BlackBerry 6.
I’d say it’s 99.9% unlikely. I’m sure RIM is saving the premiere of OS6 for the “slide” version. The delay on the Bold I’m sure is the PTT.
OS6 looks like its really designed for touch. I can’t image it will be that great on a non touch device and having it first come out on one first will do nothing to spotlight OS6.
What is the processor on 9650?
Waiting on OS 6 and waiting on PTT have both been discussed on BlackBerry sites for a couple weeks, so neither is a unique or new idea.
I’d say it’s more likely that Verizon is waiting for more of their Blackberry Tour 9630 stock to clear out before releasing the Blackberry Bold 9650 unless they’re planning on selling them both side by side which I find highly unlikely because it will just confuse customers.
I also agree with bluehorseshoe. I doubt RIM will release BB OS version 6 with the Bold 9650. It’s probably be released will the Bold 9800 slide.
I’d completely agree with that (clearing old stock of Tours). I know I sold my used Tour as quick as I could after I purchased my Incredible. With the VZW Bold coming out I didn’t want to take the chance of a big price drop on a used Tour (or the fact that no one would want a used Tour after the Bold was released).
With all the talk about the Balckberry 6, when will it be available for those like me who has the Blackberry Storm??
W:
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Your answer though is “never”.