WES 2009 is underway in Orlando, Florida as we speak, and PhoneDog is committed to covering the convention for you. Naturally, the week has centered around BlackBerry products and services, leading to some interesting announcements and rumors from various sources. Rest assured that we will keep you up to date on the latest news!
BlackBerry Curve 8520 gets reviewed
The guys at Crackberry have gotten their hands on not one, but two Curve 8520 units and have provided an extensive review of the device. The 8520 is rumored to replace the Curve 8300 series; which is a logical deduction, given the new optical trackball - new technology on a device that may replace the most popular smartphone in the US. From a specifications standpoint though, the phone is definitely a step below the Curve 8900. The full review can be found here, and a comparison picture can be found below. Is it just me, or would anyone else kill for a BlackBerry lineup like that?
RIM co-CEO confirms existence of BlackBerry Storm 2
We reported on Alain Segond von Banchet, Channel Sales Manager for RIM in the Netherlands speaking about the BlackBerry Storm 2 last month, and co-CEO Jim Balsillie confirmed the rumor to Reuters yesterday. According to Balsillie, the market is "large and untapped" and the current Storm is a success in regards to sales and adoption.
Additionally, a random posting in Charlotte's Craigslist page lists the launch date as June 3rd:
"June 3rd The Storm 2 will be unveiled, so don't get stuck with the current model, Sell if you have and if You Buy don't pay much."
While probably nothing more than a wild guess by a bored Craigslist poster, the date is plausible, given von Banchet's former statement that "no new RIM devices will launch until the Storm 2." From our original post:
"Where Segond von Banchet appears to lose some credibility, however, is in his statement that the company will be slowing their release schedule, and no new RIM devices will launch until the Storm 2."
With the device launching on June 3rd, it could pave the way for the BlackBerry Tour 9630 to launch shortly thereafter. The most intriguing part, however, lies in the rumor that a new text entry method will come to the Storm 2. Will the Storm 2 build upon the current device, or start fresh?