Following on from the Apple press conference on Friday, it seems that Apple have ruffled the feathers of rival manufacturers, by trying to implement them in the issue of reception problems.
You may recall, that during the conference, Apple's CEO Steve Jobs came out to defend the iPhone 4, amongst growing criticism of the iPhone Death Grip, where holding the iPhone 4 in a particular way can lead to signal going from full bars to no bars in a matter of seconds. One response from Apple to this problem is to admit to a flaw in the software algorithm that calculates signal strength, which has been dealt with by a software update that was rolled out via iTunes last week. Despite going on to say that less than 1% of all calls to Apple Care regarding the iPhone 4 related to signal problems, Apple acknowledge that where problems exist, encasing the handset in a case, or Bumper can help, so promise to be giving out free cases and Bumpers for the iPhone 4 up until 30th September. What happens then remains to be seen.
During the conference Steve Jobs also pointed out that other handsets can suffer from reception problems, highlighting the BlackBerry Bold 9700, HTC Eris and Samsung Omnia. This has drawn some short comments from RIM co-Chief Executives Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, who are quoted in a statement:
“Apple's attempt to draw RIM into Apple's self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple's claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public's understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple's difficult situation. RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM's customers don't need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity.”
Harsh words there, but entirely merited. For Apple's part, the offensive continues, with new pages added to their website, detailing tests they have run on various smartphones, showing how they can also lose signal. There is also a glimpse at Apple's state of the art testing centre, where the iPhone 4 would have passed trough testing before release.
The whole issue surrounding the iPhone 4 is starting to get a little tiresome now. However Apple dress it up, the fact remains that the iPhone 4 does suffer signal reception problems when held in a certain manner. No matter how Apple dress the situation up, with confusing marketing speak, and by trying to drag other manufacturers into the situation, it remains the position that the iPhone 4's innovative antenna design is a design flaw. A better solution than a free Bumper is required. That said, the iPhone 4 in many ways is actually a really good phone, with excellent battery life, and the retina display is amongst the best display available on a mobile device. It's just such a shame that the quality of the device has been compromised in such a basic manner.
4:38 pm
Death of the iPhone mr Jobs. I am a lover of my 3g iPhone but its grown tired and I will be replacing but I wont be going near an Apple phone again. Yes they have the app store but the end of the day the others will catch up and they dont try to cover their mistakes by confusing customers and drawing other manufacturers into their mess unjustly. I think it just shows up Apple completely. There are better phones on the market and the simple fact is a phone is a phone and should have no problems with calls so Apple have seriously messed up on the main functionality. Also FaceTime? What is the point. It needs wireless, it needs another iphone4 user its just a gimmick which we have seen before years ago remarketed under Apple. Rant over
6:36 am
I cannot understand all the big problems. I mean really almost every smartphone has some connections problems if it isn't properly in the hand. But I still think Apple should do something for the best smartphone ever. But I guess they will rather make an iPhone 5 to earn some more money.
12:25 pm
Adam - I agree that the whole fiasco has cost Apple a lot, but the hold of the App Store shouldn't be underestimated. There are still many apps available on the iPhone platform that are yet to be ported to Android or other platforms. Although the iPhone 4 has issues, the 3G S running iOS4 is still a very good device. Agree with Facetime though, video calling across handset types, networks and platforms has been available for years. It just doesn't have mass consumer appeal.
iphone 4g schwei - All smartphones do have issues if the antenna is covered, but the iPhone 4 is unique in the way it makes the casing part of the antenna, removing it from inside the device to make more room. Inspired idea, but in reality it is a big Achilles heel on the device. Although other handsets can have this problem, the issue on the iPhone 4 is much more noticeable, and the way Apple have tried to deflect the issue by implicating other manufacturers and handsets is pretty low.