thursday, 2:23 PM 

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that RIM is going to release a touch-enabled device. The touch-screen device, known as the Thunder, will be an exclusive to Verizon Wireless and Vodafone. According to sources familiar with RIM's plans, it should be available in the third quarter of this year. The phone will be able to run on U.S. networks, as well as on networks in foreign countries. RIM did not explain if this means it will be a dual-mode CDMA/GSM phone or not. It did say that the Thunder will be able to access 3G networks. RIM says it has worked to improve the battery life, browsing experience, and processing power of its devices. RIM did not provide any more specific information about the Thunder.