Rumours point to new BlackBerry Storm

BlackBerry maker RIM is preparing to launch a successor to its touch-screen Storm handset, according to reports, which indicate that it may appear as early as this week on Vodafone's network.

Known as the BlackBerry Storm 2, the new device is said to address shortcomings in the original smartphone, adding support for Wi-Fi networks and an overhaul of its touch-screen user interface.

The original Storm, launched almost exactly a year ago, was the first BlackBerry to feature a touch screen in place of a keyboard, and was regarded as RIM's answer to the Apple iPhone.

However, although the device featured tactile feedback to prevent accidental hitting of the wrong on-screen option, it was criticised by many users for being clunky and unreliable.

The first rumours of a second BlackBerry Storm surfaced in May, and eventually led to an admission from RIM that such a device was under development.

However, a spokesperson for RIM refused to confirm or deny reports that the Storm 2 is about to launch, despite sources such as The Guardian reporting that it will go on sale this month with Vodafone, and even quoting tariffs of £30 (AU$52) a month.