[ImperialX Forums] Apple knows its fanboys are idiots.

About the new Iphone signal issue:

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/201...ppleletter.html

"We have discovered the cause of this dramatic drop in bars, and it is both simple and surprising.

Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong. Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength. For example, we sometimes display 4 bars when we should be displaying as few as 2 bars. Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don’t know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place.

To fix this, we are adopting AT&T’s recently recommended formula for calculating how many bars to display for a given signal strength. The real signal strength remains the same, but the iPhone’s bars will report it far more accurately, providing users a much better indication of the reception they will get in a given area. We are also making bars 1, 2 and 3 a bit taller so they will be easier to see.

We will issue a free software update within a few weeks that incorporates the corrected formula. Since this mistake has been present since the original iPhone, this software update will also be available for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G."

Problem?

Anandtech already discovered this is not true:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3794/...hone-4-review/2



To make matters worse, this issue seems not to be caused by a software issue like Apples says, but a hardware issue.

http://www.neowin.net/news/applecare-says-the-software-update-wont-resolve-the-signal-issue/

"The iPhone 4 reception issue is quickly blossoming into a hardware issue that is on the same scale as the Xbox 360 red ring of death. After finally publicly admitting that there is a known issue that results in signal degradation, which supposedly can be fixed by a software update, Apple has reversed track and said that it cannot be fixed by the Apple software update."

Not to mention all th other faults they have been rolling in with the newly released Iphone 4, its like the xbox360 all over again. Except worse. Guess i'll wait on an Android phone.

Any company that has fanboys are always going to buy the newest product even though it may not be up to par. For the rest of the people who have been enticed over to Apple with colorful reviews and peer pressure just got the short end of the stick with this latest development. I personally find it amusing that they are trying to cover up a hardware issue with a software one. Sure their signal strength bar is skewed so it hides the poor reception of the AT&T network, but every cell phone on its network will do the same thing. Apple is one of the richest companies out there and I think if they are going to issue a recall they better do it soon before they sell their next batch of iPhones that are on back order. They really need to release a CDMA version with 4g capability that can be used on Sprint/Verizon's network and that will make a lot of people happy.

Another hardware problem that I've spotted over at Slashdot from the past couple of days is the phone's face detection not working properly. This means when you put the phone up to your ear when you are on the phone that the screen will not switch off and your ear may accidentally trigger some of the touch screen's buttons causing you to do something unintended like ending the call. Its a hardware issue because they moved the placement of the detector because now there is a front-facing camera there. It may be remedied with a software patch but we will just have to wait and see.

All in all, Apple should've done a lot more field testing than they did. Poor reception and a malfunctioning face detector shouldn't have made it past quality control.

The main problem with all these phones is that because there are 2 different cell networks in place here in the US. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA while AT&T uses GSM. The hardware is different for each so you have to redesign a new phone to make it work for a different network. Also these phones will only get special deals with a certain carrier thus limiting your options if you don't want to switch to a different network. If I had to pick a network though it would be either Verizon or Sprint as they typically have better signal and customer service than AT&T and allow you to roam on each others network for free so you can set your phone up to dynamically choose a cell tower based on signal. Sprint's family data plan is the cheapest right now so I would probably go with that if I did have a smartphone. The Droid X which is coming to Verizon July 15 and the Samsung Epic which is TBA on the Sprint network is basically as good or better than the iPhone in terms of specs and if you want the latest and greatest then that is it.

This is also why I still haven't got a new phone yet. I want one but I know its a good idea to just sit back and wait in case there is something that the developers overlooked. Also trying to decide what network to go with and also what discounted phone to get with that network. So far its looking like get either the Motorola Droid X from Verizon which has a larger user base (more free mobile to mobile) and pay a more costly plan rate or get a somewhat similar Samsung Epic from Sprint which has a smaller user base but at a more reasonable price.

Also your first 2 links do not work.

Whatever happened to using PMs? Trying to call out ImperialX through a topic sure is a dick move.

OT: Nachbar pretty much said everything I had in mind.

Apple had the chance to respond sincerely and with responsibility. They, like Microsoft, chose to use a scapegoat instead. Apple's core consumers already have fierce brand loyalty, so this probably won't have too much of an impact on them. In taking that defensive stance however, Apple runs the risk of alienating consumers who stand on the fence. Being as successful as they are though, I guess they can afford to run that risk.

Welcome to Microsoft's playing field, Apple. You sure have changed over the past 5 years as the underdog to industry bully Microsoft, haven't you?


[size=10]@Nachbar: Lol, GL in your continued search for a smart phone. How's that saying go? Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet? Idk, it was something to that effect.[/h]

Lol. If you've been apart of these forums for more than three months you'd understand the reasoning behind the topic title.

Two words: HTC Desire.

Firstly, chiwa has totally been around this forums for long enough to understand the meaning of your title. He knows more about me than you, just so you know. xD

Anyway, about the iPhone 4. This is one of the most frequently talked topic in the tech community right now so I have a very long response that I've been using ready to be pasted, but I doubt it will be taken seriously here. If my iPad thread showed me anything about F!, it's the antagonism against Apple here, so I'll keep it short in bullet points:

Yes, iPhone 4's external antenna has a hardware issue of dropping bars when it's picked up. No one is denying that, and Apple's letter didn't specifically put down the point either. However, you should also be aware that the majority of users are not experiencing any dropped calls or signal problems. Again, the iPhone 4 has a problem, but AT&T's network should be blamed more than this hardware fault. If they can offer a good network, this shouldn't even be a problem. People in areas of good reception are simply not having any problems.

Look at the iPhone 4's review from the leading tech blogs or newspapers (I'm talking about Engadget, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Ars etc). None of them experienced this signal issue with their review units. Seriously, this issue is affecting only the iPhones in areas where the signal is already weak.

Again, I'm not denying the iPhone 4's fault in design. It's just that it's not a real problem for people in areas of good reception. Also, this problem is pretty much only evident in the United States - again, a testimony for AT&T's failure.

Oh, and I find it funny how much people who paid $299 + monthly fees for an iPhone 4 are complaining about this issue when getting a $29 case solves all the problems. I would never even dream of using my iPhone without a case, even without signal problems. When was the last time you saw a naked iPhone?

I see no further reason to reply more in this thread, because in another year you'll realize how stupid and over-blown this whole problem is. The media likes to attack Apple for publicity.

I find it funny that you have to buy a protective cover, considering the phone costs $1000. Especially so more because the Iphone isn't even justified for the $1000. *You pay for what you get. Not with the Iphone 4 it seems.

This topic isn't even entirely about the Iphone 4. Its about Apples idiots for a fanbase. *cough*,

I do agree that its kind of shitty to have to buy a protective case in order for the phone to work right but it is true that it is something that you should be doing anyways. Most people who spend $500 on a new computer or laptop who don't know much about what they are doing don't get a service plan with it and it bites them in the ass when they get it infected with malware or a component dies within a year later. Also you see PC Gamers who have $1000+ rigs and still don't use a $60 UPS which would save all of their expensive components in case of a brownout or power outtage. Its silly not to protect your investment.

Apple's official statement (not verbatim):

"Well, we know there's an antenna problem with the iPhone 4, but really... if you just hold it a different way or buy a case, it isn't much of a problem at all!"

This isn't the Apple I know. The Apple I know would have recalled the devices quickly and fixed the problem.