BlackBerry Tour2 Release Delayed, Called BlackBerry Bold 9650?

According to an email from someone who works at RIM sent to Mobility Site, the BlackBerry Tour2 aka BlackBerry 9650 release has been delayed at Verizon and Sprint.

All final details of the BlackBerryBold 9650  formerly known as the BlackBerry Tour2  are available in the April 27 official announcement with Sprint launch on May 23. The Verizon launch date of the BlackBerry Bold 9650 (Tour2) is expected online June 3 and in stores June 10.

Verizon will not release the BlackBerry Tour2 until the BlackBerry Tour 9630 is updated to OS.5.0.  The Sprint BlackBerry 9650 has issues with Wi-Fi.  The email also revealed that the new BlackBerry 9650 will be called "BlackBerry Bold 9650."

"Some Verizon stores did get the 9650. They were sent back for "updates". Verizon won't release the 9650 until the official OS 5.0 arrives for the Tour 9630. The Sprint 9650's are having Wi-Fi issues and Sprint is working that out. And at the end of the email he states: "it won't be called the Tour 2. It's the Bold 9650."

The name change seems odd, because according to an official BlackBerry Facebook post, the name BlackBerry Tour 9650 was shown using the trademark symbol. The numbering of 9600 BlackBerry smartphones puts it in the "Tour" name family.  BlackBerry Storm's are numbered with 9500. There is a BlackBerry Bold 9000 and BlackBerry Bold 9700.

Previously, the BlackBerry Tour2, also-called BlackBerry Bold 9650 was rumored for an early February release. If you would like to take a Tour of the BlackBerry Tour2, please read the article. The BlackBerry 9650 was spotted in catalog systems and talked about in Sprint stores.Then a file Visual Voice mail was found in early February.

We don't know if or when the BlackBerry Bold 9650 will qualify for the Buy One BlackBerry Get Any Free BlackBerry or Device deal. Then when you buy one BlackBerry Tour2, you can get another BlackBerry or mobile broadband device for FREE. Therefore you could buy a BlackBerry Tour2 and get a free netbook (with a contract.)

Verizon in the past, delayed release dates when a device didn't pass all tests.  When they released the BlackBerry Storm in November 2008, around Thanksgiving, the BlackBerry Storm had many glitches that required and update. After that, Verizon has been very cautious before they release any smartphone.