The iPhone Killer (as RIM makers like to call it) is just around the corner and Verizon will be the first to get started with the new and innovative BlackBerry Storm.  This is RIM first entrance into the scary but ever-so-popular world of touchscreens and is officially named the BlackBerry 9350 Storm.  Details of the Storm are somewhat slim, but we do know that it is a global phone  (includes SIM card), and will feature an 8GB SanDisk microSD card pre-installed.

BlackBerry 9350 Storm

RIM is continuously putting out new devices that are making great hits on the market.  While the iPhone is continually gaining ground, BlackBerry needs to stir up a storm to shake that ol’ apple tree.  No pun intended.  Anyways, we certain that the BlackBerry Storm/BlackBerry Thunder are all the same, and thus, BlackBerry needs to decide which weather pattern it will go forth with.

Either way, I think the storm might give the apple tree a run for its money.  Let’s see some friendly competition, shall we? 

As Q2 results are released, Motorola stands atop the podium with a gold medal in hand for total U.S. sales.  This news is just in after posting a third place ranking worldwide.  While handset sales overall shot up 5.3 percent in Q2, Motorola supported a 26 percent share.  Check out the handset results in Q2 of 2008 below.

Q2 Handset Results for U.S.

According to RCRWireless (and Strategy Analytics!), there are three things one must know about the Q2 results for handset sales in the U.S.  The bullets are below:

1.  Overall, unit sales reached nearly 42 million, up 5.3 percent over the year-ago quarter, supposedly stemmed from healthy replacement rates

2.  Motorola Inc. held its #1 position with nearly 26 percent market share, with LG Electronics Company earning the silver medal for second in sales 

3.  Research in Motion (RIM, aka … BlackBerry!), surpassed some expectations by gaining a double-digit market share for the first time ever, selling 1 in 10 handsets sold in the U.S.  Of course, it did have a successful push in the consumer market (business people) — which allowed it to retain customers and attract new ones.

According to Strategy Analysis, RIM is ahead of the industry standard to transition from feature phones to smartphones.  Its BlackBerry Curve has been its big seller, and RIM is only expected to expand its line-up and be a superior provider for smartphones.  The biggest differentiator for RIM compared to other devices is its WiFi ability.

Source: Strategy Analtics 

Predictions for Q3 Results

After some research and analysis, I am confident in saying that the results won’t alter too much from Q2 to Q3.  Motorola will reign and RIM will continue to edge its way to the top with Apple. 

You know the drill.  A new cell phone gets introduced to the market and it is claimed to be “the most innovative and technologically advanced cell phone available today.”  And with the race to smartphone supremacy, all manufacturers are putting their best product forward.  So here we are with the upcoming release of two new, hot phones.

BlackBerry Bold Release Date Postponned

It’s been rumored that Research in Motion (RIM) is delaying the release of its iPhone contender phone, the BlackBerry Bold, to mid-August.  Initially, the Bold was going to be released in July by AT&T, but there’s been talk that the BlackBerry Bold is having potential complications with battery life, software issues and overheating problems.

RIM has yet to confirm any of these statements, but analysts are predicting that it could noticably set-back second quarter earning for the company.

LG Dare Brings the HeatThe LG Dare hits Verizon Wireless stores today and its touchscreen abilities have made this a highly anticipated phone.  It is quite noticeable that LG and Verizon took some time to think out the design and software for this feature-phone.  Here’s a quick pro/con list that will give you an overview of the LG Dare, so you can make your own opinion on whether this phone is up to the task of giving other smartphone’s a run for their money ….

PRO CON 

  -  Feedback while typing -  Two phone menus

-  Handwriting recognition -  Trouble with QWERTY keyboard 

-  Video recording/editing -  HTML; but not very good

-   3.2 megapixel camera -  Standard external design

Race to Smartphone Supremacy

I think this is an ongoing battle between all manufacturers and service providers.  While I think LG did a good job in creating the LG Dare, I believe it will be no competition for the Apple iPhone or the BlackBerry Bold.  The ultimate race will continue with BlackBerry and Apple and for the time being, Apple has pulled out ahead.