BlackBerry Storm OS 5.0 firmware officially released

The long-awaited firmware update for the original Verizon BlackBerry Storm 9530 has arrived, and OS 5.0 brings with it the promise of greater stability, new flick-gestures in the Storm's browser, and other usability tweaks.  Early user feedback suggests that the new software makes the Storm a whole lot more usable, with noticeably reduced delay between application changes.

You can download the new firmware – OS 5.0.0.328 - from here; you'll also need BlackBerry Desktop Manager in order to install it to your Storm.  Let us know how you get on in the comments: initial criticism of the Storm was widespread, so we're keen to hear how this might change your opinion of the touchscreen smartphone.

[via Crackberry]