Apple Antenna Engineer and Carrier Partner Expressed Early Concern Over iPhone 4 Design

[juicedropsdeuce]

thanks for being the guinea pigs in apple's first build out folks! once they capture enough data about busted phones from the genius bar, i'm sure the catastrophe management dept. at apple will be able to figure out where the problems are and will get it right.

i guess i'll wait until august to get mine

+1 +1 +1

So glad I waited. Now I will get the silently improved version while Steve smooth talks the idiot early adopters into keeping theirs. Here's your software fix optical illusion!

 

[nopple]

Wow a press conference.... its like a movie.

BTW... There will be NO RECALL... so don't start posting about how there will be one!!!!!!!!!!

Its a freakening signal issue that is 100% avoidable and fixable by the user. Recall is just stupid for such a non-critical issue.

This is like Toyota sayin the below on the accelerator issue.

'Dont drive your car. Just avoid it. If you really need to drive, drive below 40mph and use handbrake if needed'

Oh, what an ignorant. Doesnt have the brains to understand that its a phone first and rest later.

YES, I do see a recall. -$2.5B for AAPL.

 

[juicedropsdeuce]

July 15, 2010

Dear Mr. Jobs,

I write to express concern regarding the reception problem with the Apple iPhone 4. While I commend Apple's innovative approach to mobile technology and appreciate its service to millions of iPhone users nationwide, I believe it is incumbent upon Apple to address this flaw in a transparent manner. According to Consumer Reports' review, released Monday on its website, the iPhone 4's signal-strength problem is a hardwire glitch triggered by gripping the device in a particular manner. This finding, according to Consumer Reports, "call into question” Apple’s recent claim that the problem is “largely an optical illusion caused by faulty software." Consumer Reports declined to recommend the iPhone 4 because of this hardware design flaw.

Given the discrepancy between Consumer Reports' explanation of the reception problem and the explanation provided by Apple in its July 2 letter to customers, I am concerned that the nearly two million purchasers of the iPhone 4 may not have complete information about the quality of the product they have purchased. The burden for consumers caused by this glitch, combined with the confusion over its cause and how it will be fixed, has the potential to undermine the many benefits of this innovative device. To address this concern, I ask that Apple provide iPhone 4 customers with a clearly written explanation of the cause of the reception problem and make a public commitment to remedy it free-of-charge. The solutions offered to date by Apple for dealing with the so-called “death grip” malfunction—such as holding the device differently, or buying a cover for it—seem to be insufficient. These proposed solutions would unfairly place the burden on consumers for resolving a problem they were not aware of when they purchased their phones.

I also encourage Apple to keep its promise to provide free software updates so that bars displayed accurately reflect signal strength; I further urge Apple to issue a written explanation of the formula it uses to calculate bar strength, so that consumers can once again trust the product that they have invested in.

I look forward to Apple's swift action on this matter, and once again laud Apple for its innovative efforts and service to millions of Americans.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

You need to calm down.

-Steve

 

[txmade]

Now the bashing is getting out of control. NO one made you buy the product, if you are not happy with the product take it back. I have always held on to my old cell phone for a few months after I bought a new one. You never know what can happen. So if you sold it thats your fault not Apple's. Quit whining. The ones that are constantly whining are the ones that can never be happy. And this quote

" To those who claim that the problem doesn't exist because it does not affect you, please try to shed your ignorant and blind view of life and realize that there is a much larger world out there".

I have never had had an issue, I am a college educated man, who works in the education filed teaching our youth, and yes there is a larger world that you need to experience. It Is A DAMN phone , its not a car that all a sudden accelerates and kills people. It is not catching fire, or exploding in your hand, it loses signal in weak areas..... So ok ,go get a go phone and return your other phone.... case solved...... But wait you have to have the latest and greatest........ get over your self and go bitch about something more important like the BP spill , financial reform or medical reform..... something that can make a differences in a persons life not a DAMN cell phone!!!

If it can be proven that Apple knew about this huge design flaw and that it was mentioned both early in the design phase and also by a carrier-partner, I cannot possibly see how they could ever win any of the class action suits against them. In fact, if it is true, I hope they lose and lose big time.

My phone is affected by this problem, although not as bad as others. I've had it exchanged once, but still have the problem. I will not purchase a bumper to fix a design problem, I have never had to before in almost 20 years of owning cell phones. Returning it is not an option as I've already sold my old 3GS and all incompatible accessories. Returning it for a different smartphone will cost me more money out of pocket, so in effect I've suffered financial damage as a result of this design flaw.

To those who claim that the problem doesn't exist because it does not affect you, please try to shed your ignorant and blind view of life and realize that there is a much larger world out there. Not everyone has the same quality of signal that you do, not everyone holds the phone the same way you do, and not everyone uses a case (and shouldn't have to).

It's frustrating enough to deal with this issue, and quite offensive to be told that we are doing something wrong, or that the problem really doesn't exist. Please try to be considerate to those who are suffering from this flaw.

 

[ouimetnick]

The story continues... Apple will be in deep **** if they knowing sold a phone with a design flaw or made the bumpers for the issue. Either way, I can't wait to see what they have to say tomorrow.

 

[macduke]

My phone is affected by this problem, although not as bad as others. I've had it exchanged once, but still have the problem. I will not purchase a bumper to fix a design problem, I have never had to before in almost 20 years of owning cell phones. Returning it is not an option as I've already sold my old 3GS and all incompatible accessories. Returning it for a different smartphone will cost me more money out of pocket, so in effect I've suffered financial damage as a result of this design flaw.

If you sold your 3GS on, let's say, eBay, you probably got a minimum $300 for it. Return your $300 iPhone 4, buy a $99 NEW 3GS, and profit $200, plus you save the $300 you spent on iPhone 4. Problem solved?

As for the antenna/proximity sensor problems, here's a novel idea:

Just take the 3GS housing, shove the iPhone 4 guts inside, use the extra space to put in a bigger battery and dual antennas. BAM! I know it's not anywhere near that simple, but I'd gladly take better reception and longer battery life, plus an iPhone 4, in a package that is less likely to shatter when dropped and has a better track record! Then they can try again next year.

 

[carlgo]

Ugh, I feel bad for Ruben Caballero - sure hope he doesn't get crap for this when it's obviously not his fault.

Wonder if he knew his name was being thrown around in the media. I can only imagine this being the start of Ruben's worse day ever.

Nonetheless, glad someone caught it... sucks that no one listened.

Caballero and Jobs are both in trouble here. Caballero because he told all his fellow engineers that Jobs dismissed his concerns and could get fired for that, and for Jobs because if he starts firing antenna engineers, they will write an account of how Jobs handled the situation and the guess is that it wouldn't be pretty.

 

[SDRacerR1]

... Oh they knew about this ... and were just too cheap to throw in the bumper case. If they would have included the bumper case with the phone - this would be a non-issue. They could have said that the exposed antennas were soooo awesome and sensitive that some users based on how they hold it might find the bumpers helpful etc ... but no ... they failed miserably by not doing this ... then they failed again with horrific PR statements... If they admit they F'd up and send us all free bumpers they could save their bacon. I give them a 60% chance of getting it right tomorrow.

So you're saying you would be okay buying the most "amazing" "advanced" "unbelievable" Ferrari built to date, which main purpose is transportaion, although can be used for other things. And when you received yours they said...by the way, you need this steering wheel cover on to start your car because your hands short out the ignition so it might not start. But good news, we gave you the cover and it's FREE....

 

[zizo79]

Apple needs to issue a recall and please no bumpers bc they POS. I want to use my iPhone 4 the way it is and how you, Steve Jobs, promised it will !!

 

[macus3r]

July 15, 2010

Dear Mr. Jobs,

Blah blah blah, re-elect me in 2010 so I can sit on my ass for another 6 years and spew racist/prejudice hatred and support the jewish lobby. oh and fix your damn phone.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

fixed.

 

[stevensr123]

disgusting if true.

 

[Jack Dangers]

.
Financial media all over it. Stock falling.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-...jobs-last-year-about-iphone-antenna-flaw.html

Goodbye #1 market cap? That was fast.

I was wrong too. Even though Jony I've designed it, Steve chose it in light of the warnings. Idiot!!! He needs to go.

Oh man the hedge funds are having a field day with this. I like how bloomberg breaks the news. Keep the bad press going, lower the stock price, and snatch it up on the cheap after Apple announces their earnings around July 20th (which will be good). Don't hate the player hate the game...

 

[razer]

I say things and I'm not authorised to speak on Apple's behalf either! Nor do I want to be identified!

What a load of crap.

Lol, would you want to be identified then?

 

[Venlo18]

Free Bumpers So Not The Answer

...for so many reasons, but the one I will focus on here is that the bumper also has major design flaws. Specifically, you cannot use most third party car chargers/audio-out adapters that were made prior to the iPhone 4...even those made for the 3GS. I know this because I bought one and ended up returning it immediately. For me, using Apple's bumper means being forced to buy all new iPhone 4 car accessories, and I refuse to do that.

And yes, I know people who refuse to wrap their iPhones in anything because they love the design and don't want to cover it up. They should have the option of doing this without worrying about signal loss.

 

[Hovey]

Wow a press conference.... its like a movie.

BTW... There will be NO RECALL... so don't start posting about how there will be one!!!!!!!!!!

Its a freakening signal issue that is 100% avoidable and fixable by the user. Recall is just stupid for such a non-critical issue.

Did I miss something? Does typing in big bold letters make what you're saying true and credible? If so, I'm doing it all wrong. Doesn't that mean yelling in text? Stop yelling.

 

[Poll Smoker]

I am a college educated man, who works in the education filed teaching our youth...

I'm guessing in Texas?

 

[xyz1534]

If it can be proven that Apple knew about this huge design flaw and that it was mentioned both early in the design phase and also by a carrier-partner, I cannot possibly see how they could ever win any of the class action suits against them. In fact, if it is true, I hope they lose and lose big time.

My phone is affected by this problem, although not as bad as others. I've had it exchanged once, but still have the problem. I will not purchase a bumper to fix a design problem, I have never had to before in almost 20 years of owning cell phones. Returning it is not an option as I've already sold my old 3GS and all incompatible accessories. Returning it for a different smartphone will cost me more money out of pocket, so in effect I've suffered financial damage as a result of this design flaw.

To those who claim that the problem doesn't exist because it does not affect you, please try to shed your ignorant and blind view of life and realize that there is a much larger world out there. Not everyone has the same quality of signal that you do, not everyone holds the phone the same way you do, and not everyone uses a case (and shouldn't have to).

It's frustrating enough to deal with this issue, and quite offensive to be told that we are doing something wrong, or that the problem really doesn't exist. Please try to be considerate to those who are suffering from this flaw.

I have an iPhone 4 that has not given me any issues - no call drops, proximity sensor, yellowing etc...

But, I wholeheartedly agree with you just because I don't have any problems does not mean the problem does not exist....

 

[macus3r]

If you sold your 3GS on, let's say, eBay, you probably got a minimum $300 for it. Return your $300 iPhone 4, buy a $99 NEW 3GS, and profit $200, plus you save the $300 you spent on iPhone 4. Problem solved?

How would you profit when the $99 phone is 8GB and you likely sold a 16GB/32GB?

 

[kdarling]

Caballero and Jobs are both in trouble here. Caballero because he told all his fellow engineers that Jobs dismissed his concerns and could get fired for that, and for Jobs because if he starts firing antenna engineers, they will write an account of how Jobs handled the situation and the guess is that it wouldn't be pretty.

Perhaps Caballero got wind of Jobs about to blame him for the mistake... and he didn't want to be falsely remembered for that.

 

[davyreins]

Give me a break! Jobs knows more about consumer products then anyone else. Jobs is the exact person that should be running Apple. And I'm 20.

While I don't think Steve needs to retire right now, I think his personality is what gives Apple a lot of success but can also lead to problems (i.e. trumping a senior engineer/antenna expert).

I don't know the details about Steve leaving Apple in the 90's, but I'm pretty sure it revolved around him being an arrogent and controlling ******. That personality has probably give rise to the products that we love so much. Hopefully this won't become a debilitating issue again. We'll see how things pan out.

 

[Homerpalooza]

While I agree mostly...

I have never had had an issue, I am a college educated man, who works in the education filed teaching our youth, and yes there is a larger world that you need to experience. It Is A DAMN phone , its not a car that all a sudden accelerates and kills people. It is not catching fire, or exploding in your hand, it loses signal in weak areas..... So ok ,go get a go phone and return your other phone.... case solved...... But wait you have to have the latest and greatest........ get over your self and go bitch about something more important like the BP spill , financial reform or medical reform..... something that can make a differences in a persons life not a DAMN cell phone!!!

I hope you aren't an English teacher.

 

[rfahey]

I really don't think this antenna thing is as bad as everyone is saying. Immleft-handed, hold the phone exactly how you "shouldn't" and don't have any issues with call quality. I also live in an area with spotty ATT service and since I got my new iPhone 4 I get and make calls with better luck than with my old 3GS.

 

[BGowland]

OMG People!!!!!

Do you lose some signal when you bridge the gap between antenna's? Sure. Do calls get dropped? Maybe. Do calls get dropped on AT&T anyways? Yes. How can we tell if it is solely because of the antenna.

Does it work as a phone? Sure. Could it be improved? Sure. Were there some elements that were purely for form and not the best for function? Sure.

Bottom line the phone rocks. It is the sexiest thing out there, and the best thing to hold in your hand.

Will I return mine? Hell no.

I think this is gotten way out of hand. And, here is the best part (Oh, I love this), if you don't like the way it is performing, return the damn thing and get your money back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I go buy a Ford car. Get it home, don't like it. The console hits me in the knee and hurts. If I move my knee a bit to the left, its fine. Doesn't hurt my wife. Dealer says well then don't put your knee there. Should I start a class action suit? Should Ford recall all the cars? Hell no.

I do have an issue with Apple not admitting the design "misgiving".

 

[spazzcat]

How is it fixable? I haven't seen anything on this. If you are referring to a case/bumper, then that is not a fix, that's only masking the problem.

I have iOS4.1, I can long make my phone go to zero bars. When I have one bar I can make calls, I would say that fixes the issue.

 

[Yebot]

Please try to be considerate to those who are suffering from this flaw.

I would like to considerately suggest that you just return the phone for a full refund.