Official BlackBerry Storm Press Release

Late last night Vodafone in Europe released details about the new BlackBerry Storm touch device made by RIM. Some early reviews say, it's a BlackBerry that does just about everything the iPhone 3G does. This really cool pro/sumer device will be available in the U.S. by Verizon and in Canada by Telus and possibly others. No pricing or release dates are available yet. Here's an excerpt from the BlackBerry site.

Easy Touch Screen Navigation
With the BlackBerry Storm smartphone, select and type using touch technology—the screen is the keyboard. Typing is easy—highlight the letter on the touch screen and press the screen to make it appear in your message or document. And navigation is a breeze. Like a mouse, your fingertip moves the cursor across the screen.

Flexible Communications
You don’t stay in touch with all the people in your life in the exact same way. Stay on top of what’s happening and be available to the people who need you with high-quality voice and text-based communications options, including:You don’t stay in touch with all the people in your life in the exact same way. Stay on top of what’s happening and be available to the people who need you with high-quality voice and text-based communications options, including:You don’t stay in touch with all the people in your life in the exact same way. Stay on top of what’s happening and be available to the people who need you with high-quality voice and text-based communications options, including:You don’t stay in touch with all the people in your life in the exact same way. Stay on top of what’s happening and be available to the people who need you with high-quality voice and text-based communications options, including:

• Wireless email for your personal/web-based and business accounts
• Advanced phone features such as voice activated dialing, conference calling, speakerphone and voicemail attachment playback
• Instant messaging and text messaging (SMS and MMS)
• Access to social networking sites like Facebook® and MySpace®

Camera and Video Recording
At 3.2 megapixels, you can take sharp, print-quality pictures using the BlackBerry Storm smartphone. You can also rely on the auto focus and auto flash to help you capture the moment.

And when an event can’t be captured in a single instant, use sound and action to tell part of the story with the video camera.

GPS and BlackBerry Maps
The BlackBerry Storm smartphone features built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities. Designed to work with BlackBerry® Maps and other location-based software, use it to help determine where you are and how to get to where you need to be.

Enjoy large, clear maps on the HVGA touch screen.

Multimedia
Whether you want to watch a video clip or tune out the rest of the world by listening to your favorite songs, your BlackBerry Storm smartphone delivers visual and sound quality that keeps up with your needs.

• 1 GB of built-in memory—add up to 16 GB more using microSD cards
• Sync your desktop iTunes® music files using BlackBerry® Media Sync
• Use Roxio® Media Manager to help create your own personal juke box