Verizon Wireless this week released a firmware patch for its Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry Storm.

The smartphone, already known for its haptic screen, launched just over two weeks ago.  There were first-day activation glitches because of overload on Verizon’s backend, but customers still lined up at stores around the country to get the phone.

However, it didn’t take long for customers and reviewers to express disappointment.  The Storm was said to be slow and its on-screen keyword was difficult to use.

The current update helps with the speed issue, customers are now reporting.  But only RIM can change the phone itself.

Firmware updates are becoming increasingly common in the smartphone business, where devices are more like computers than telephones.  The Storm’s chief rival, the Apple iPhone, has seen its share.