BlackBerry kicks up a Storm with rival to Apple’s iPhone

Does this look familiar? The makers of the BlackBerry today announced a new model that is set to rival Apple's iPhone.

Named the Storm, the phone features a large screen instead of a keypad for the first time — just like the iPhone.

The traditional BlackBerry is already hugely popular among email-addicted executives and managers.

On the new version, users will be able to scroll through and select text by dragging and tapping the screen, which is springy rather than the rigid glass screen of the iPhone.

Another difference is that Storm users will be able to record video and download additional applications, games and programmes. It also allows users to copy and paste text between messages and documents and to switch between a full Qwerty keyboard or BlackBerry's SureType keyboard, which has two letters per key.

Jim Balsillie, head of Research in Motion, which makes the BlackBerry, said: "This clickable interface is like an engineering marvel, it is revolutionary."

The Storm is expected to be in the shops by Christmas, although the price is not yet known.
It will be available from Verizon Wireless in the US and from Vodafone in the UK. The phone will work both on Verizon Wireless's network and on Vodafone's.