The tech blog Engadget showed the packaging for the new touchscreen-operated BlackBerry 9530 - RIM’s first device with no physical keyboard.  Now called the Storm in the U.S. market, the phone will be released on Verizon Wireless later this year.  The 9530 will operate globally with a removable SIM card.  It will also include an 8GB SanDisk microSD card, stereo headset, travel charger and USB cable.

It appears that the device may be marketed as the Thunder in Canada through Rogers and in Europe through Vodafone.  Pricing or final release date are not yet finalized, although prior rumors has the phone pegged for a mid-October launch in the U.S.

Tags: 9530, Blackberry, RIM, Rogers, Storm, Thunder, Verizon, Vodafone

RIM’s new BlackBerry mobile communications device, code named Thunder, is now slated for an October 13th release on Verizon in the U.S., and it will be called the BlackBerry 9530, according to the BoyGenius blog.

The Thunder device is unusual in that it will be the first BlackBerry with no physical keyboard.  Users will enter data with an on-screen virtual keyboard with haptic feedback.

Neither RIM or Verizon have confirmed this rumor, or provided any other information.

Tags: BlackBerry 9530, haptic feedback, Thunder, Verizon

Two blogs dedicated to following developments for the RIM BlackBerry line of mobile phone and messaging devices, BlackBerrySync and Crackberry.com, both released details on RIM’s as yet unreleased new device, code named “Thunder”, also known as the 9500.  Unlike past BlackBerry interfaces, which have all used physical keyboards, Thunder will use a touch-screen interface, optimized for text entry.

For example, the Thunder will provide haptic feedback.  When you press on the Thunder’s screen, you will hear an audible click and feel a buzz in your finger where you actually pressed on the display.  This is different from the Apple iPhone’s multi-touch interface, which provides no physical feedback.

When you hold the Thunder in landscape mode, it will display a full QWERTY-style keypad, but you can also hold it in portrait mode for a BlackBerry SureType keyboard. Further, you can change the screen and keyboard orientation at any time, even in the middle of typing a message.  The Apple iPhone offers no landscape keyboard, making it more difficult to use for text messages.

UPDATE: Well, not so fast… Engadget says the Thunder has problems

UPDATE: Well, maybe it’s great and maybe it isn’t, says Crackberry.com

UPDATE: Crackberry.com shows real pictures of the Thunder’s on-screen keyboards

Tags: Blackberry, BlackBerry 9530 Storm, haptic feedback, landscape keyboard, Thunder, touch interface