Why hasn’t Verizon updated the BlackBerry Storm, undoubtedly the most buggy BlackBerry device ever, since a week or so after they first launched the device back in the fall last year? There have been well over a dozen “leaked updates” most of which have significantly improved performance and user experience since the Storm debuted but Verizon has forced their users to “officially” use BlackBerry Storm OS 4.7.0.75 for much too long.
The leaked OS updates are now up to 4.7.0.113, which is rumored to be the next official update, but other carriers have already officially updated their devices to 4.7.o.122. I wouldn’t have expected Verizon to release every leak that has come out officially, however, one or two more than what they have released would have had a lot of BlackBerry Storm users feeling better about the device than what they currently do.
Better yet, lets get some recalls on this first version and get the Storm 2 out there! I have over 10 of the Storms in peoples hands, and I’m still trying to explain when/why they need to pull the battery out every few days. It’s gotten so bad, that if they are expecting an email and it’s not there yet, they are pulling the battery!!!! VERIZON, get some fixes out, or replace this POS.
I think that RIM should be the one controlling the the updates, it’s their name on the line.
I agree , I am a Rabid RIM Fan, but this is tragic. Here in Australia they have the same issue. Vodafone and Verizon have complete drop the ball and everyday that goes by without a stable workable software updates, losses faith in the maker and the carrier. GET YOUR HEADS OUT THE GROUND VERIZON !!! I WANT TO GET A STORM WHEN I COME BACK TO THE USA !!!!
Maybe we could start some kind of email drive to have get all the storm users to email somebody at Verizon who would listen. Maybe a few thousand emails at once demanding firmware updates would get them going faster. Of course finding someone at Verzion to listen would be the biggest problem.
I’ve been a die-hard BB user for yeeears and I’ve hung in there with Verizon for some time because I’m a bit of an elitist, I want the best service and yadayadayada. I’m starting to look at what appears to be greener grass in other places. I bought my mother the 3G Iphone it blazes, it’s beautiful and it has options, option, options. Why do I torture myself with this Storm. It’s buggy as hell, In truth its been problem free only 10% of the time since I bought it in Jan. I miss my blackberry keyboard. I could wait three years for Verizon to launch the Niagara but why should I if At&t drops it next week. I’ve got the BB drama…i might need to break-up with her
It really is a shame that Verizon hasn’t released any of the OS updates that truly make the Storm much more of a stable device. I’ve tested all of the OS leaks, including .122 which really isn’t even for the Verizon Storm on multiple devices and I can honestly tell you that after about .99 with the exception of .114, RIM has worked most of the bugs out.
People still may not like the SurePress keyboard but that is not because the hardware or software is glitchy. They just don’t like having to click a touchscreen.
There is no question that RIM released the 9530 too soon, however, they have gone a long way to correct many of the software related issues that the Storm had. It’s too bad that Verizon hasn’t offered a stable OS to their BlackBerry Storm users as of yet.
All of your previous comments are correct and I agree with them. We need an OS that is stable, and we need it soon.
This IS the problem. The service provider should NOT be the one with the final say when software updates are released. The service provider should have NO control over the device software. The hardware maker (RIM in this case) should be the one handling what and when their software updates are available for their hardware. After all RIM knows their own hardware and software better than any of the service providers.
Also lets not glaze over that some of the “bugs” that the Storm has could very well be due to verizon “fixing” aka crippling and removing applications and functions from RIM’s software. Again, know the Storm is RIM’s first attempt at a new flagship model but RIM has done better in the past and some of these problems are very un-RIM like. Also history shows verizon has a long piss poor history of playing with device maker firmware making the hardware unstable.
All the more reason hardware makers should control the hardware, including the software and the service providers should provide cellular service.
Come on RIM start selling unbranded and unlocked devices from a few RIM factory stores. Grab control of your hardware and the software it runs, the service providers are NOT helping the RIM brand and reputation. No wifi on the flagship BB Storm is a shining example of the problem in caving to service provider demands over whats better for RIM and RIM customers.
Maybe like myself you should have returned that piece of garbage. I used it for 3 weeks and new it was a disaster.
And look! the Niagra is just around the corner. Why on earth would anyone care about a Storm 2 when a great BB is coming out.
Why does it matter if Verizon officially embraces a leak that’s stable? My phone works with a leaked OS and it still works on Verizon’s network. They even bill me correctly.
I don’t get the obsession with needing to run an “official” OS except to say, “I had it first.” You guys aren’t old-school Linux users are you? 😉
Im not sure what problems you guys might be having with the storm. I’m running on OS .75 and have had no problems whatsoever. I have 15 applications which I downloaded myself and 7 themes excluding the original. Also have a lot of music and movies and yet even when multitasking my phone does not slow down a bit. The accelerometer is very quick to respond. At the moment I’m running 3 apps including my browser to type this and still works blazing fast. I’m not sure why so many people have problems with it but it would be nice to make it even better. I don’t mind waiting on Verizon for the official update. I’ve only had to pull the battery about 3 times since I got my storm which was about 3 months ago. Now I know not all phones will be the same, but so far I’m very happy with it. Hope Verizon does release the update soon. I would hate to see RIM’s reputation get hurt by Verizon not acting quick enough to satisfy their customers.
The problem with unofficial OS’ is that the overwhelming majority of BlackBerry Storm users have no idea that they even exist. Many that do are completely uncomfortable with installing unsupported software on there phone.
You and I and many of the people reading BlackBerry blogs like RIMarkable know that installing the latest leaked OS is simple as pie in most cases, however, we are a small sect within the larger BlackBerry community.
Troy,
I work for a government agency and access private data (nothing cool). As a result, I can’t run any “hacked” or unoffical updates. So I can’t get any of the bugfixes or improvements until Verizon does bless an OS versin.
And I am an old-school Linux user. 🙂
I’ve been running .113 for a few weeks now and love it. Aside from some bluetooth issues, it’s stable. But I’m not sure if I’m going to stick it out. The Niagara is peeking my interest.
As for my other phone for personal use, I’m going with the Pre and give it a run. My contact over a Sprint just confirmed 5/16 as the date. Make sense since Sprint just sent out those emails today pushing the Pre…exactly one month prior to launch. It’s also the last day for shipment for a weekend sale. The rumored 5/17 date for sale looks to be good.