Research in Motion Launches 'Torch' Smartphone and BlackBerry 6 OS

[KnightWRX]

Everyone should go check out those Vertu phones online. They are piece of crap low-end nokia phones covered with diamonds and the like.

Hilarious post. A Ferrari vehicle is quality throughout. These phones are more like outdated Porsche bodies with 4 cylinder 1992 Ford Escort engines in them.

That's why Ferrari is licensing their branding to Vertu uh ? You obviously don't really have a clue and you're just offended that iPhone is not #1, it's not higher end than anything, it's just a run of the mill smartphone, priced the same as other smartphones and with some lower specs, some higher specs than other smartphones.

Vertus are real status symbols and with the Concierge service, who needs an app ?

The analogy doesn't stand at all. iPhone is a Toyota, same as Android, same as BB. One just happens to be a mini-van, the other a sedan and the last one a sport utility.

 

[inkswamp]

I think you got it backwards. Android phones are like high performance sports cars. In terms of raw performance, they are on top, but like high performance sports cars, they have some rough edges. But they sure are fun to play with.

I have an Android phone in my house that is 10 months old and an iPhone 3G that is 2.5 years old. The speed and performance of the two is almost identical. I've tested various built-in applications and see no significant difference in terms of speed. In fact, the Android phone stutters at weird times. For example, I have 8 cities set up for the Android weather app and 10 cities for the iPhone. The iPhone consistently loads and displays the results faster and scrolls through those cities faster and more smoothly than the Android phone.

If Android phones are "high performance sports cars" as you claim, why is it my 2.5 year old iPhone can keep pace with one less than half its age?

 

[archipellago]

Barely a smart phone? What the heck is your definition of a smart phone???? What's smarter and how?

it's the phone part that's questionable

 

[NetScheduler]

Me not likey

Blackberry devices are designed for professionals. Somehow, I seriously doubt Blackberry designed this phone for people who express themselves with phrases like "Me not likey"

Goo Goo Gaa Gaa to you..
'

 

[ebouwman]

The OS looks as far beyond iOS4 as did iOS1 looked compared to Windows Mobile in early 2007. Makes my iPhone 4 look stale.

I know it's stupid to reply to something on the first page when the thread is already so big, but this really annoyed me!

I suggest then that you buy one and use it for a year...

It look like it's kind of bogged down with too much s***. That's one of the main reasons i like the iOS, it's simple! I bought a BB Storm, man.... such a crappy OS. You don't realize though... it's the little thing like how when you're on the main menu you can tilt it and suddenly it changes, same with when you're getting a call!!!!!

All RIM has done is repackaged they're old features into a smoother looking shell and then they added some features that they had to borrow off the iOS and took to long to get there anyways.

The only NEW thing i saw was that posting to multiple feeds at once and swiping sideways to swipe through to a different app. When you think about it though aren't these already features in other phones?

Also keep in mind, my BB bogs right down while it processes all this junk it does, and this phone looks like it does 20 times as much garbage! My phone an barely change my status on facebook, or format a webpage, or even load the SIMPLEST of websites without slowing down to a crawl. Now they're going to want to have a phone twitter, facebook, and send a BBM at the same time? BB can't even get the simplest tasks to work smoothly on my phone.

I'm sorry this is turning into a hate rant against my phone....

 

[MorphingDragon]

Even from an IT Administrators view this is a very sad device.

 

[KnightWRX]

I have an Android phone in my house that is 10 months old and an iPhone 3G that is 2.5 years old. The speed and performance of the two is almost identical.

The Droid Eris is a low end phone. Always was, never pretended to be anything else. The iPhone 3G was a top end phone when it was released. You can run around claiming that your comparison means anything, but it's blatantly biased to make the Android look bad.

You're essentially telling us your ATI 5770, while only 10 months old, is barely as fast as your 2 year old 4870. No duh.

Also, the iPhone 3G, while still being sold at retail just 2 months ago, is not even getting half the features of iOS 4 nor is it as fast as the current crop of high end androids. Heck, it's really much, much slower in fact, and if upgraded to iOS 4, some units suffer huge performance hits.

 

[Wiesenlooser]

I think it is a fair step forward for RIM. I personally like this formfactor as I also liked the Palm Pre.

But it kind of feels like they didn't go the full distance. The UI, although I admire that they have like their own style with this kind of neon appearance, still isn't doing it for me.

The screen should have been 3.5" minimum. Personally I even think the screen of the iphone (4) is even too small when you compare it to the Galaxy S which manages to put much larger screen into an almost identically sized body.

Then the resolution is way too low for a modern smartphone device. Many Blackberry lovers will stick to RIM for this device, but the torch won't prevent many people considering an iPhone 4 or an android device if you ask me.

 

[eponym]

I actually used a Torch a few months ago (prototype—don't ask) and it was quite nice for a BB.

There is both a soft and physical keyboard. So you can use whichever you prefer. The screen is nice for the resolution and the OS improvements are definitely improvements. It's just a matter of whether or not you like the BB-style OS.

 

[eponym]

Blackberry devices are designed for professionals. Somehow, I seriously doubt Blackberry designed this phone for people who express themselves with phrases like "Me not likey"

Goo Goo Gaa Gaa to you..
'

Demographics like age, eduction and job influencing UI/UX issues is pretty much a myth. Vastly different groups will find the same problems using a device or interface. So if the UI/UX is seriously flawed (and I'm not saying it is), it's not a professional vs mass consumer issue—it's a good vs bad design issue.

 

[Geoff.]

I really like this phone. OS has a nice improvement and it looks sexy. Might be my new phone

 

[Popeye206]

it's the phone part that's questionable

And you can back that statement up with???? Do you even own an iPhone? If not, then you have nothing to say... if so... please tell us why the iPhone is barely a smart phone?

 

[gorgeousninja]

That's why Ferrari is licensing their branding to Vertu uh ? You obviously don't really have a clue and you're just offended that iPhone is not #1, it's not higher end than anything, it's just a run of the mill smartphone, priced the same as other smartphones and with some lower specs, some higher specs than other smartphones.

Vertus are real status symbols and with the Concierge service, who needs an app ?

The analogy doesn't stand at all. iPhone is a Toyota, same as Android, same as BB. One just happens to be a mini-van, the other a sedan and the last one a sport utility.

do you honestly think we believe you?

 

[NetScheduler]

Demographics like age, eduction and job influencing UI/UX issues is pretty much a myth. Vastly different groups will find the same problems using a device or interface. So if the UI/UX is seriously flawed (and I'm not saying it is), it's not a professional vs mass consumer issue—it's a good vs bad design issue.

Well, different strokes for different folks. I buy my employees Blackberries. Their job is to work, not "enjoy their music collection", "look at photographs", "browse the web", or play the "latest game from the App store"...

I have both (My BB is like 4 years old). And IMO (and only mine), the BB is an excellent device to do what it was intended to do - send and receive emails. The physical keyboard is a BIG plus when it comes to long emails. I'm not saying the folks here who say "I can type faster on an iPhone than I can plastic keys" are wrong, - I'm saying that it's not true for me and many others who send a lot of emails.

 

[bocomo]

Agreed - say all you want (younger generation) about electronic media. But experts know that you get a far richer range with a record vs. mp3.

?

 

[NT1440]

So you hate both of your sisters and you use them? That is so wrong.

HA, good catch

 

[mingoglia]

I'm a Blackberry Fan Boy if there is such a thing and I will say this device is a FAIL. At least how it sits now. Very very disappointing. I'm also growing more and more annoyed at manufacturers releasing provider specific phones. I can cut Apple some slack since they only have one product running on one network.... but RIM's integrated with ALL the networks so there's no technology reason as to why they're limiting it... it's all because they're playing the game and the only one that loses is the consumer and the consumer's ability to choose.

 

[wreckshop]

If Android phones are "high performance sports cars" as you claim, why is it my 2.5 year old iPhone can keep pace with one less than half its age?

Why are you comparing old phones? A year is ancient for android. The fastest phone today is a nexus one running android 2.2. Once droid x gets 2.2, it will be the fastest. There are rumors of a 1.5ghz single or dual core powered android phone to come out this year. If not this year, next year for sure. Maybe next year apple might finally make it to 1ghz

 

[nikehair]

The hardware specs on this phone are pretty weak. Kind of say in a way.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Enterprises are increasingly adopting the iPhone due to its advanced business features in iOS 4...RIM is actually losing a lot of appeal, as its third party-based "secure" and "encrypted" services are more and more under the scrutiny of governments. BB's dependability is a great myth.

Hmm interesting point. Funny how just 4yrs ago so many governments wanted security and reached out TO RIM for their BlackBerry. Now you get mis-quoted press stating "we're cutting off all RIM services immediately or at the end of the month" to "we're just cutting off BBM" do to the lack of security since governments cannot VIEW the content of said messages. I mostly blame Engadget and similar sites for skewing this junk from the full truth. Unfortunately so many people do NOT know how the infrastructure works - and a simple solution for ANY government smartphone deployment for Mobile Communications SHOULD be administered where IM chat should be REMOVED before deployment and the IT Policy's (just like GPO's in Windows, not sure the Mac OS X equivalent) to restrict end user from ever installing it. Why the UAE & Indian governments cannot figure this out they shouldn't be using BES in the first place / hire someone that is trained to use it.

Oddly enough Mac OS X Server can somewhat administer iOS4 on iPhone to a very limited extent - but the security on iOS4 is an afterthought ... to put it bluntly Apple has advertised all kinds of security acronyms yet like a child in kindergarten learning how to read, it doesn't understand "The alphabet soup"!! :O Apple CEO should not handle that part of the iPhone introduction; especially without a tool to administer it.

Yes some company's are looking at the iPhone - many only do just that; look at it. Time will tell.

 

[cleggster83]

It look like a samsung slide phone. Its bloody ugly dont u think??

 

[cleggster83]

The hardware specs on this phone are pretty weak. Kind of say in a way.

Yeah. to say they are trying to compete with nokia and apple the specs are too great when other blackberrys have better spec. But i hear that os 6 blackberry has some great features

 

[DeepIn2U]

Some people HAVE to carry a Blackberry because of work, especially those who travel and still have the old unlimited international data plans on their account, this is a great step up for them. I know people that wish their bold had a bigger screen, with a touch interface on top of a physical keyboard, for them this is gonna be very good.

As far as the processor, no its not a 1GHz Snapdragon or Hummingbird, but lets not forget that the processor on the iPhone 3GS is said to be running at 600MHz, with only 256MB of Ram, and quite honestly, the speed difference between the 3GS and the iP4 isnt all that noticeable. The processor on the Torch is said to be running at 624MHz with 512MB or Ram, double what the 3GS has, so if RIM managed to optimized their OS reasonably well, the phone could have a surprisingly "fluid" experience. I'm waiting until I use one to before I come to any conclusions.

VERY well said. Java, even RIM's heavy modifications of it run very efficiently. The fact that RIM rights their own 3G stack, radio stack - shows they know how to make a phone that can operate with quality calls, reliably with efficient data connectivity.

Also I'd like to mention just HOW their webkit engine - not just the browser - is setup. There is a proxy within it.

These guys are NOT doing the monkey dance.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Yeah and iOS is totally secure. Especially since it allows Jailbreaking via a Webpage which is actually utilizing a Font security hole that was originally in OSX that apple... ah you get the point.

BES will allow the Blackberry to remain a player in the Enterprise. Until Apple releases a centralized management tool for the iPhone it will always be something Corporate Security teams shutter at. Just because a CEO who likes new toys says his company is going to adopt something, doesn't mean the Info Security won't do its due diligence to squash it.

BlackBerry has reached out to the consumer market years ago, first with the 7100, then again with the 8100 Pearl - then they found so many consumers purchasing their top end devices; they decided to make them better - under the hood where the important things count.

Regarding corporate Security and Corporate Enterprise - users of 3000 plus in just 1 country in this day & age of global corporate users RIM will survive for quite a long time still.

Also Webkit Engine - the foundation of RIM's browser in BlackBerry 6 surpassed ACID Test 3 100/100 - and at a faster rate page over page than iOS4 on iPhone 4 or 3GS; many youtube videos shows this with early prototype leaks. RIM is the MASTER at perfecting OS builds and resolving bug issues - NO OTHER OS maker on ANY platform comes close - dare I say even OS X.

RIM satisfies:
Multiple Market segments across the world - something NOkia is failing at - distributing pretty much the SAME features (not hardware dependent: 3G) almost to the point of reduced revenue and profits; BlackBerry 6 aims to change this till the end of this year.
Rapid data entry: I can bang out sentences without using AutoText faster than I've ever did on an iPhone - even after 5mths use. Enter a Calendar appointment faster with more information, use the Free/Busy setup on BES or BIS - remotely search my emails on my 9700 with OS5 (gmail); just to say the least.

This device suits my current needs, my former needs for the past 4yrs, and possibly my future needs into the foreseeable future.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Here's where you are right and here's where you are wrong.

The phone itself is nothing to marvel. And personally - I hate sliding phones - they are horrible to operate. The phone while in competition with the iPhone is also not in competition. Let me explain on where some of you are wrong in your thinking.

If a user is deciding between and iPhone and a Blackberry - no doubt the iPhone would win. But there's an assumption there. That the user is comparing.

As someone who went through several blackberries before switching to the iPhone 3GS (yes - even with the iPhone out - I didn't switch for a few years) I can say that it's very exciting when Blackberry releases a new phone and OS improvements. Just like it is when you have an iPhone and see new OS improvements and new features on a phone.

So if you're in the blackberry camp (or if you're forced to be because your company's IT is blackberry not iPhone supportive) then this phone is the next great thing.

Say what to you want. In comparison - perhaps it "fails." - but in the other world of Blackberries - it's a great phone no doubt.

My .02

These .02 cents hold more worth than so many previous page posts thus far. I'm actually happy, and proud as a Canadian with a Canadian technology company that is able to release their products without trying to steal the press limelight during the release of a competitor - Nokia is HORRIBLE for doing this over the past 2 years even with lacklustre hardware releases.

I’ve never been a BB sorta guy although it is an improvement. Personally, I think sliders and mechanical keyboards are fast becoming obsolete.

You're entitled to your opinion. Unfortunately the hard data for WORLDWIDE sales is against you on this - RIM, Nokia still topples Apple & Android ... many of Android hardware include hardware so that they can appeal to both walks of life. This is NOT the first coming wave of screen only smartphones - going back to 2000 Windows Mobile, like Android/Apple now - went insane in the market with touchscreen only & keyboad+touch devices.

Funny enough the Palm Treo did quite well - though prolonging a death - with the hardware keyboard+touch screen device: Not a slider though (Pre release they were dead by then).