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A Look Inside Apple's Wireless Testing Facilities

My first question on a tour like that would've been:

Please show us the facility usage log.

Black out everything except the iPhone 4 tests if you must, but show us how many times the antenna was tested and in what situations.

And since the claim is that the antenna testers knew about the problem, but didn't think it mattered, show us that in the log as well.
 
bushbaby said:
Having your calls drop, your battery drain from date connectivity issues so it's dead at noon, call inference from the proximity sensor problem are not minor. There are minor issues affecting some phones as well: the white balance camera problem, a loud hissy speaker, loose home buttons.
Click to expand...

Just like everything, there are factories where thousands of these are made in a day. A few are bound to be defective. Considering 3 million were sold in 3 weeks, 1% of that is 30,000. Knowing these folk bought iPhones, I'd assume they're fairly web savvy...at least savvy enough to post in forums.

If each forum has 12 angry customers, you have 2,500 fourms "on fire".

I'd love it if these people could deal with Apple, and stay out of my way. I don't give a **** who's phone is doing what. I can sympathize, but this has gotten out of control.

I emailed Steve Jobs almost 10 years ago about my G4 Cube case being scratched, and he put a rep on it. I called applecare and got an iMac lcd replaced for free (after 2 weeks of calls) even though it had less dead pixels than are considered acceptable. Point being, to all you defective iP4 owners, take your problem to Apple. Work with Apple to fix it. Don't take no for an answer, and stop throwing tantrums in public. You might not get instant gratification, just FYI, but be patient. You have a full year of applecare. You can still get it fixed or replaced down the road. Apple takes good care of it's customers, but you have to give them time to figure it out.
 
kdarling said:
My first question on a tour like that would've been:

Please show us the facility usage log.

Black out everything except the iPhone 4 tests if you must, but show us how many times the antenna was tested and in what situations.

And since the claim is that the antenna testers knew about the problem, but didn't think it mattered, show us that in the log as well.
Click to expand...
If class action suits go forward on this issue, I suspect that is exactly what will happen. It's just not the kind of presentation that is media friendly; you'd lose your audience in a hurry.
 
kdarling said:
My first question on a tour like that would've been:

Please show us the facility usage log.

Black out everything except the iPhone 4 tests if you must, but show us how many times the antenna was tested and in what situations.

And since the claim is that the antenna testers knew about the problem, but didn't think it mattered, show us that in the log as well.
Click to expand...

Good points - but you didn't honestly expect Apple to address them during the publicity stunt that they had on Friday, do you?

In fact, the big take-away from the "rf test facility distraction" should be "with all of that expensive technology, how could you have produced a phone that drops calls if you touch it?"!

It's encouraging, though, that the usually pro-Apple press is coming down hard on Apple after the press conference.

How could the press not, when Apple said both "there's no problem" and "here's a free bumper to fix the problem". Both statements can't be correct!
 
Veri said:
Let's try that one again. What are the advantages of juxtaposing two unshielded antennas on a handgrip? A trade-off implies that you're losing out in some way but gaining in another. I'm not asking for the advantage of an external 3G radio antenna, I'm asking for the advantage of an antenna which is:
  • external;
  • unshielded;
  • juxtaposed with another antenna; and finally
  • on the handgrip area for left-handers.
IOW, it's trivial to see what you're losing by choosing the latter three. But what are you gaining by choosing this combination?
Click to expand...

A better signal to noise ratio, and a bigger battery.
I told you several times, but your pattern is quite clear: ignore everything not supporting your bashing attempt ... :rolleyes:

Lot of people like you joined the form in june 2010 ... :rolleyes:
 
kdarling said:
My first question on a tour like that would've been:

Please show us the facility usage log.

Black out everything except the iPhone 4 tests if you must, but show us how many times the antenna was tested and in what situations.

And since the claim is that the antenna testers knew about the problem, but didn't think it mattered, show us that in the log as well.
Click to expand...

and I'm sure you would like to see also the RIM test logs, right ?

LINK

All of you are just ignoring the fact that it isn't only related to iphone 4 :rolleyes:
 
AidenShaw said:
Good points - but you didn't honestly expect Apple to address them during the publicity stunt that they had on Friday, do you?

In fact, the big take-away from the "rf test facility distraction" should be "with all of that expensive technology, how could you have produced a phone that drops calls if you touch it?"!

It's encouraging, though, that the usually pro-Apple press is coming down hard on Apple after the press conference.

How could the press not, when Apple said both "there's no problem" and "here's a free bumper to fix the problem". Both statements can't be correct!
Click to expand...

And we didn't honestly expect you, of all posters, to avoid hyperbole or mischaracterization when you can use it to bash Apple.

They admitted there was a problem, and they quantified the scope of it given the best available statistics, and they identified a near term solution and said they were looking at the long term as well. You can get your money back, you can get out of the contract, you can get a new phone. Just call an 800 number; not really difficult to do.

OR if you're part of the 99.45% who are NOT having this issue (or not having it to the extent that they feel even the slightest need to call in), you can ignore the ignorant wretches and enjoy your phone.

They also pointed out that the problem exists on other phones out there, (which your allegedly Apple-friendly press has either ignored or not covered with nearly the hysterical-sky-is-falling tone used for coverage of the iPhone). Have you yourself posted about the Nokia "Don't Touch Here" sticker on their phones?

Have you talked to your family, friends and relatives about these important Nokia, Samsung and Droid issues? No you haven't---because you know it's not a big enough issue for ANY of the phone makers, Apple included.
 
$100 Million investment in antenna designing - yeah that really paid off ! :rolleyes:

(they could have stuck with the 3GS antenna. I'm sure it would have worked just fine in the iPhone 4)

btw, I know why they used glass for the case, and it's a great idea. By comparison to most materials, radio waves pass through glass VERY well. Glass is almost a model material for allowing radio waves to pass through. The problem lies in the "exoskeleton" antenna that touches your hand. Remember back in the 1980s and early 1990s when radios had metal antennas extending out of them? Remember when you touched those antennas, it had an effect on the signal? The radios and phones of today that do not have metal antennas extending out are not affected when you touch them because you are not coming into contact with the actual antenna. Enter iPhone 4. Apparently, someone forgot about the lesson learned. I guess the lesson is being re-learned
 
farmboy said:
...and said they were looking at the long term as well.
Click to expand...

And did they promise that current buyers would be able to get a free replacement to the phone with the "long term" fix?

No.

Had they done that, I'd say "Good job, Jobs".


farmboy said:
...They also pointed out that the problem exists on other phones out there, (which your allegedly Apple-friendly press has either ignored or not covered with nearly the hysterical-sky-is-falling tone used for coverage of the iPhone).
Click to expand...

And here Jobs basically lied, because many independent sources agree that many cellphones have a general attenuation issue when human fleshy parts are wrapped around the regions of the phone around the internal antennae.

The Iphone4 is unique in that its metal frame is itself the antennae - and a simple touch in certain spots can cause a catastrophic loss in signal, and drop the call.

I don't see how anyone can buy the lie that "this happens to all phones". Comparing a modest attenuation due to a wrap-around grip with a catastrophic loss of signal from a simple touch and saying that "it's the same" is drinking Kool-Aid.


farmboy said:
And we didn't honestly expect you, of all posters, to avoid hyperbole or mischaracterization when you can use it to bash Apple.
Click to expand...

I'm simply with the mainstream press that is saying that Jobs is two weeks late and $200 short with this press conference.

How can you not be embarrassed by Friday's press conference?
 
kdarling said:
My first question on a tour like that would've been:

Please show us the facility usage log.

Black out everything except the iPhone 4 tests if you must, but show us how many times the antenna was tested and in what situations.

And since the claim is that the antenna testers knew about the problem, but didn't think it mattered, show us that in the log as well.
Click to expand...

glad they did not and would not and probably could not do such useless thing...

so much to say about this comment that is not worth any of my time...
 
MacinDoc said:
If class action suits go forward on this issue, I suspect that is exactly what will happen. It's just not the kind of presentation that is media friendly; you'd lose your audience in a hurry.
Click to expand...

what is the class action suit for? on what account? have you heard that you can still return the thing and if not get a free case of your choosing?

What else is there? A suit because of the laws of physics do not accommodate you?

DO you know that you can still have a CHOICE and NOT purchase the dam thing?

Lets see:

1. I could choose another phone, but well, no, I wanted that particular one...

2. Hey, I do not like this thing, humm.... I could return it for full price, but no... I choose not to do so...

3. wait a minute... I can get a free case of my choice...

4. ...no... come to think about this, I choose to get a phone about which I complain day and night, I choose not to return the phone, then I choose a free case of my linking, then finally, I choose to suit apple because... I am me and I am a ______g _______t.
 
AidenShaw said:
I'm simply with the mainstream press that is saying that Jobs is two weeks late and $200 short with this press conference.

How can you not be embarrassed by Friday's press conference?
Click to expand...


what are you talking about man?

Do this if you will:

1. go to school, pursue a PhD in EE, ME, or something worthy (has to be technical discipline).

2. work 10+ years, get experience,

3. be good enough to get hired by apple,

4. work in a 10 mil state-of-the art lab any where...

5. then... see if you agree with the ____g media.



this is so useless...
 
AidenShaw said:
And did they promise that current buyers would be able to get a free replacement to the phone with the "long term" fix?

No.

Had they done that, I'd say "Good job, Jobs".
Click to expand...
Well, first off, I presume that they can't promise that such a thing will happen. What if there is no fix? Seriously. Given what you're after, you probably don't believe that, but pretend. There is no fix. All phones have this problem and no one in the whole wide world has figured out how to solve it. And because of the way the iPhone is built (to do everything it can do--not just phone calls), there is no way to change the antenna without completely ruining the phone (remember, we're just pretending for a moment. Run with it).

How could they promise that they'd get a future fix to you if this is the case? Or if they just don't know if such a thing is possible? Did you want Steve to lie to you? Make you hope for a fix that might never come? I think that'd make you even madder at them--if you waited for months and Steve said, "We can't fix it." You' probably scream, 'Why did they promise us a fix if they couldn't fix it!"

I'm mean, I'm confused. Isn't it better for him not to make promises he might not be able to keep?

Second, let's take what you imagine and assume it's true. There is a fix, and it will happen soon, and you want your phone exchanged when it does. They haven't assured you that this will happen. You wanted them to say that. They didn't. So. Shouldn't that be that? I'm really confused as to why you are so angry. I mean, I know it's no fun to buy something you were looking forward to and find it a dud, but it happens.

You vent, then go to the store, get your money back, and that's the end of it. But you seem to find it important that everyone agree with you that this product is a dud, and that everyone be as angry and outraged about it as you are. Why? :confused: I know it caused a month's worth of worry and frustration for you, and it shouldn't have caused any, but is it worth this much vitriol? This much typing and arguing? If it is...why? Why is it worth this much ranting and raving? Please. Will someone explain it to me?

Why are you all so terribly hurt? :confused:
 
thirteen1031 said:
Why is it worth this much ranting and raving? Please. Will someone explain it to me?

Why are you all so terribly hurt? :confused:
Click to expand...


well, do you have a three year old child?

if you would, you would know about irrational behavior, temper tantrums, self-center view of the world, 'now, now, now... now' demands, did I say irrational behavior?

All this noise about such a nothing tells me that most folks (including the media idiots) have yet to grow up... nearly impossible at this late stage for most.
 
iphones4evry1 said:
$100 Million investment in antenna designing - yeah that really paid off ! :rolleyes:

(they could have stuck with the 3GS antenna. I'm sure it would have worked just fine in the iPhone 4)

btw, I know why they used glass for the case, and it's a great idea. By comparison to most materials, radio waves pass through glass VERY well. Glass is almost a model material for allowing radio waves to pass through. The problem lies in the "exoskeleton" antenna that touches your hand. Remember back in the 1980s and early 1990s when radios had metal antennas extending out of them? Remember when you touched those antennas, it had an effect on the signal? The radios and phones of today that do not have metal antennas extending out are not affected when you touch them because you are not coming into contact with the actual antenna. Enter iPhone 4. Apparently, someone forgot about the lesson learned. I guess the lesson is being re-learned
Click to expand...

This I don't get. Every radio and TV antenna back in the day got BETTER reception when you grabbed it. Making your whole body the antenna. Anyone that doesn't remember standing in front of their TV holding the antenna just to see their show just hasn't lived.
 
AidenShaw said:
The Iphone4 is unique in that its metal frame is itself the antennae
Click to expand...

Hmmm... what's this connection on the 3GS to the EXTERNAL METAL bezel?

Right where you'd TOUCH IT if you wrap your paw around it.

On the 3GS.

Where I'd occasionally have the CATASTROPIC FAILURE of a dropped call when picking the thing up.

With a 3GS.

Must be unprofitable for the manufacturer to sell such a failed device...
 
kdarling said:
Black out everything except the iPhone 4 tests if you must, but show us how many times the antenna was tested and in what situations.
Click to expand...

That evidence would likely be sealed. Because it would also show where and how the i4's antenna is significantly better than the competition's in many cases. What you measure shows where you might be making improvements. Trade secrets.
 
kdarling said:
My first question on a tour like that would've been:

Please show us the facility usage log.

Black out everything except the iPhone 4 tests if you must, but show us how many times the antenna was tested and in what situations.

And since the claim is that the antenna testers knew about the problem, but didn't think it mattered, show us that in the log as well.
Click to expand...

Maaayyyte!

Come on... a hundred million dollar facility... not being used?? 17-20 antennae PHD dudes working on this stuff?

Would Nokia or RIM or Samsung show their test facilities? Take a tour?
No one ever complained this much about their product drop outs... no one noticed nor cared at the time... they just noted in there hand books and had sticky labels on the bottom or top... usually people kept paws off due to radiation fears...

Lest not forgetting that the guy taking the tour was the guy whom was supposed to have given the warnings about the antennae... another scientist in the radio PHD gear-o-sphere...

I guess it just depends on how it's reported...

it's simply a case of the small poppies hacking at the tall one for anything to be grasped.
 
From Japan...

Guys, there are still no reports of connection problems in Japan yet. And mine is doing fine too. Is it possible that the problem is with AT&T?
 
Let me add the obvious; Apple is required to have these test facilities, and a total of 40 PhD staff members is making use of them, as reported during the tour – this instead of the previously reported 18 by Steve Jobs.

Also. Do a little reading, to find this link, where I link to a website with all required FCC lab reports. Supplied by another (cetecom.com) company. Adding data that the FCC tests are falling behind. Lacking any mandatory verifications for todays antenna designs. Like the one Apple introduced recently.

Well well. Now this is interesting:

"FCC-ID: BCG-E2380A has a WiFi / Bluetooth module made by one vendor and
FCC-ID: BCG-E2380B has a WiFi / Bluetooth module made by another vendor."
 
Fix iphone 4 reception

I have an iphone 4 and have not had any problems with dropped calls or lost signal. I wanted to wait for the white iphone but couldn't stand waiting but did find a ok case that works as an alternative. Its pretty light and has the apple sign on the back. I dont sell these so dont think im pushing these, just a way to work around not having a white iphone.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...64051&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_1822wt_1139
 
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