The BlackBerry Storm2 was originally said to eventually get OS6. However, due to the touchscreen sucking up too much memory, OS6 did not perform very well. Therefore, it was decided by RIM to not pursue releasing OS6 on the Storm2. Nevertheless, we now have a strange build of OS 5.0.0.1015 that has dropped. We're not sure how much higher the next build will go or if we may see builds of 5.0.1.x in the future.



Download Storm2 9550 OS 5.0.0.1015 from:

• RapidShare


• DepositFiles


• HotFile


• zShare


• Uploading

*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur.

The BlackBerry Storm2 was originally said to eventually get OS6. However, due to the touchscreen sucking up too much memory, OS6 did not perform very well. Therefore, it was decided by RIM to not pursue releasing OS6 on the Storm2. Nevertheless, we now have a strange build of OS 5.0.0.1015 that has dropped. We're not sure how much higher the next build will go or if we may see builds of 5.0.1.x in the future.



Download Storm2 9550 OS 5.0.0.1015 from:

• RapidShare


• DepositFiles


• HotFile


• zShare


• Uploading

*DISCLAIMER* - This is an unofficial RIM software release. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk! BB Leaks is not responsible for any malfunctions or abnormalities that may occur.

Looking for a cases that will protect your BlackBerry from scratches, but you still want something that looks cool? This is where a ZAGGskin may be a great option for you. With a ZAGGskin you can pick from one of their hundreds of designs or (what we like the best) is that you can make your own custom ZAGGskin. Checkout our video review after the break.

Looking for a cases that will protect your BlackBerry from scratches, but you still want something that looks cool? This is where a ZAGGskin may be a great option for you. With a ZAGGskin you can pick from one of their hundreds of designs or (what we like the best) is that you can make your own custom ZAGGskin. Checkout our video review after the break.

While we were at the BlackBerry Torch 9800 press event we took the device and put the 9800's webkit browser through an Acid3 test. For comparison, we took a Storm2 and raced it against the 9800. Video after the break.

While we were at the BlackBerry Torch 9800 press event we took the device and put the 9800's webkit browser through an Acid3 test. For comparison, we took a Storm2 and raced it against the 9800. Video after the break.

We have just received word that good 'ol Big Red, Verizon Wireless, will be putting an End of Life (EOL) on the BlackBerry Curve 8530 and Storm2 9550 in preparation for replacement devices.




Here are the exact details:



BlackBerry Curve2 (8530):

The Curve2 is end of life – Final
Shipments August
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand
availability
Device will retire on 8/1, replacement coming in Q3/Q4

BlackBerry
Storm2 (9550):

The Storm2 is end of life – Final Shipments August
Refer to the
“Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand availability
Device will retire
on 8/15, replacement coming in Q3/Q4





This EOL is most likely in preparation for the Curve 9330 aka 'Kepler' and the 'Odin Refresh'. Nevertheless, this is right around the corner and could mean we might see a Storm2 model running BlackBerry 6 on Verizon very soon.



We are guessing the 'Odin Refresh' will be a silent launch, and if the 9550 is going to be killed, it should get a new model number. Either way, are you planning on upgrading to one of the two "refreshed" devices?



- More -



We know it isn't relevant to BlackBerry, but we also received info on other EOL devices on Verizon. Below is the list, just in case you'd like to know.



LG VX8360:

The VX8360 is end of life – Final Shipments Received

Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand availability

Motorola
Droid (A855):

The Droid is end of life – Final Shipments
Received
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand
availability

Device will retire on 6/15, replacement coming in early Q3

Novatel
MiFi 2200:

The MiFi2200 is end of life – Final Shipments
Received
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand
availability


Palm Treo Pro:

The Treo Pro is end of life – Final Shipments
Received
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand
availability
Device for Alltel conversion customers

PCD Rock
(C731):

The Rock is end of life – Final Shipments July

Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand availability
Device
will retire on 8/1, replacement coming in Q3/Q4

Samsung
Intensity (U450):

The Intensity is end of life – Final Shipments
Received

Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand availability
Applies
to all colors

Samsung Smooth (U350):

The Smooth is end
of life – Final Shipments Received
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in
POS for on hand availability

Applies to all color

ZTE AD3700 Global Data Modem:

The
AD3700 is end of life - Final Shipments Received

We have just received word that good 'ol Big Red, Verizon Wireless, will be putting an End of Life (EOL) on the BlackBerry Curve 8530 and Storm2 9550 in preparation for replacement devices.




Here are the exact details:



BlackBerry Curve2 (8530):

The Curve2 is end of life – Final
Shipments August
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand
availability
Device will retire on 8/1, replacement coming in Q3/Q4

BlackBerry
Storm2 (9550):

The Storm2 is end of life – Final Shipments August
Refer to the
“Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand availability
Device will retire
on 8/15, replacement coming in Q3/Q4





This EOL is most likely in preparation for the Curve 9330 aka 'Kepler' and the 'Odin Refresh'. Nevertheless, this is right around the corner and could mean we might see a Storm2 model running BlackBerry 6 on Verizon very soon.



We are guessing the 'Odin Refresh' will be a silent launch, and if the 9550 is going to be killed, it should get a new model number. Either way, are you planning on upgrading to one of the two "refreshed" devices?



- More -



We know it isn't relevant to BlackBerry, but we also received info on other EOL devices on Verizon. Below is the list, just in case you'd like to know.



LG VX8360:

The VX8360 is end of life – Final Shipments Received

Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand availability

Motorola
Droid (A855):

The Droid is end of life – Final Shipments
Received
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand
availability

Device will retire on 6/15, replacement coming in early Q3

Novatel
MiFi 2200:

The MiFi2200 is end of life – Final Shipments
Received
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand
availability


Palm Treo Pro:

The Treo Pro is end of life – Final Shipments
Received
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand
availability
Device for Alltel conversion customers

PCD Rock
(C731):

The Rock is end of life – Final Shipments July

Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand availability
Device
will retire on 8/1, replacement coming in Q3/Q4

Samsung
Intensity (U450):

The Intensity is end of life – Final Shipments
Received

Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in POS for on hand availability
Applies
to all colors

Samsung Smooth (U350):

The Smooth is end
of life – Final Shipments Received
Refer to the “Stock Check” tool in
POS for on hand availability

Applies to all color

ZTE AD3700 Global Data Modem:

The
AD3700 is end of life - Final Shipments Received

While the last OS release we saw for the BlackBerry Storm2 9520 was leaked, this device, along with its brother, 9550, haven't been, lately, getting much OS love. However, today all those 9520 looking to get in the .7xx range now have OS 5.0.0.713!

• Applications: 5.0.0.713


• Software Platform: 4.2.0.323


• File name: 9520_omanodrmjEastAsia_PBr5.0.0_rel1206_PL4.2.0.323_A5.0.0.713_Docomo_Pacific.exe


• File size: 131.58MB

Download OS 5.0.0.713 >>

While the last OS release we saw for the BlackBerry Storm2 9520 was leaked, this device, along with its brother, 9550, haven't been, lately, getting much OS love. However, today all those 9520 looking to get in the .7xx range now have OS 5.0.0.713!

• Applications: 5.0.0.713


• Software Platform: 4.2.0.323


• File name: 9520_omanodrmjEastAsia_PBr5.0.0_rel1206_PL4.2.0.323_A5.0.0.713_Docomo_Pacific.exe


• File size: 131.58MB

Download OS 5.0.0.713 >>

There is a new rumor suggesting that the carrier TELUS will be putting an end of life (EOL) on the BlackBerry Storm2. Said to be effective July 13th 2010, with the Storm2 having not even been on the carrier for a year (only since November 2009). This would be a fairly early EOL for a device whose predecessor is said to be releasing sometime in October.



While we don't always like to touch on too many rumors without evidence of some kind, given the assumption of a Storm3 in the works, we'd like to think this rumor could be true. Hopefully, for further proof, someone will be able to snap a pic of the TELUS inventory showing the Storm2 to become EOL. Could this mean we might see a Storm3 device sometime in the summer? Probably not likely, but it would be nice. What do you think?

There is a new rumor suggesting that the carrier TELUS will be putting an end of life (EOL) on the BlackBerry Storm2. Said to be effective July 13th 2010, with the Storm2 having not even been on the carrier for a year (only since November 2009). This would be a fairly early EOL for a device whose predecessor is said to be releasing sometime in October.



While we don't always like to touch on too many rumors without evidence of some kind, given the assumption of a Storm3 in the works, we'd like to think this rumor could be true. Hopefully, for further proof, someone will be able to snap a pic of the TELUS inventory showing the Storm2 to become EOL. Could this mean we might see a Storm3 device sometime in the summer? Probably not likely, but it would be nice. What do you think?

We've tried a number of different cases for our beloved BlackBerry, but couldn't find a case we felt was 100% protective. We heard many great things about the structural integrity of Otterbox cases, but needed personal assurance so we tested one ourselves. You can read the full review or simply skip to the very bottom to watch a video with stress test, after the break...










Testing the Otterbox Defender on a Storm2 was our choice. We believe this case is standard with any BlackBerry model. Therefore, whether or not you have a Storm2, you should still find this review relevant.








What you get:

There are a total of 3 pieces, which make up the Otterbox Defender case. Two very thick and hard plastic pieces snap together to create the "shell" or primary protective casing around the phone. The third piece includes a silicone skin that fits evenly over the plastic shell. The silicone skin adds an extra cushioning if the phone were to be dropped. It also offers a greater level of grip when holding the phone. However, we found the silicone skin to be a bit difficult when putting in and removing from your pockets. The silicone skin also tended to attract pocket lint and other dirt.








Unlike the iPhone's Otterbox Defender case, you have to manually attach a screen protector on your Storm2. While we opted not to do this (for touchscreen performance reasons) we can't imagine it would be difficult to install. The screen protector also came with a cloth wipe and a squeegee to make sure you press out any air bubbles.



A very durable plastic holster comes along with the case. The phone easily snapped into the holster, but required a bit of a tug to take out. What was nice about the holster is it held the phone with the face closed. This ensured optimal protection while holstered.



Lastly, you also get a nice Otterbox bumper sticker to show your support.






How it held up:

We tested the Otterbox Defender case for a week. Needless to say we did not baby this case. It went everywhere and landed on just about every surface type imaginable.



We threw it on concrete, asphalt, grass. Tossed it down a flight of stairs. Threw it up as high in the air as possible and let it fall, hoping it would shatter, but it didn't. We even had one of our minor league baseball friends throw it at a wall at 87mph, and to our surprise the BlackBerry withstood the carnage.






While we cannot tell you that your BlackBerry will be the slimmest or sexiest phone with an Otterbox Defender case, we can confidently say it will be the most protected. If you're continuously dropping your BlackBerry and frustrated with all the scratches, chips, and cracks on its bezel, the Otterbox Defender will be your best spent $49.99, period.



To get more info, check out Otterbox.com

We've tried a number of different cases for our beloved BlackBerry, but couldn't find a case we felt was 100% protective. We heard many great things about the structural integrity of Otterbox cases, but needed personal assurance so we tested one ourselves. You can read the full review or simply skip to the very bottom to watch a video with stress test, after the break...










Testing the Otterbox Defender on a Storm2 was our choice. We believe this case is standard with any BlackBerry model. Therefore, whether or not you have a Storm2, you should still find this review relevant.








What you get:

There are a total of 3 pieces, which make up the Otterbox Defender case. Two very thick and hard plastic pieces snap together to create the "shell" or primary protective casing around the phone. The third piece includes a silicone skin that fits evenly over the plastic shell. The silicone skin adds an extra cushioning if the phone were to be dropped. It also offers a greater level of grip when holding the phone. However, we found the silicone skin to be a bit difficult when putting in and removing from your pockets. The silicone skin also tended to attract pocket lint and other dirt.








Unlike the iPhone's Otterbox Defender case, you have to manually attach a screen protector on your Storm2. While we opted not to do this (for touchscreen performance reasons) we can't imagine it would be difficult to install. The screen protector also came with a cloth wipe and a squeegee to make sure you press out any air bubbles.



A very durable plastic holster comes along with the case. The phone easily snapped into the holster, but required a bit of a tug to take out. What was nice about the holster is it held the phone with the face closed. This ensured optimal protection while holstered.



Lastly, you also get a nice Otterbox bumper sticker to show your support.






How it held up:

We tested the Otterbox Defender case for a week. Needless to say we did not baby this case. It went everywhere and landed on just about every surface type imaginable.



We threw it on concrete, asphalt, grass. Tossed it down a flight of stairs. Threw it up as high in the air as possible and let it fall, hoping it would shatter, but it didn't. We even had one of our minor league baseball friends throw it at a wall at 87mph, and to our surprise the BlackBerry withstood the carnage.






While we cannot tell you that your BlackBerry will be the slimmest or sexiest phone with an Otterbox Defender case, we can confidently say it will be the most protected. If you're continuously dropping your BlackBerry and frustrated with all the scratches, chips, and cracks on its bezel, the Otterbox Defender will be your best spent $49.99, period.



To get more info, check out Otterbox.com