Have you even looked at an iPhone, it already has seems on the top and the right separating the antennas.
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AppleCare Training Document on iPhone 4 Signal Issues Revealed
- Thread starter MassiveAttack
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Have you even looked at an iPhone, it already has seems on the top and the right separating the antennas.
Those that know there are 5 bar signals that are 10,000x more powerful than other 5 bar signals. In many places the phone doesn't even need a functioning external antenna to get 5 bars. Places like my house where are just barely 5 bars will have dropped calls on pick up.
And yet, your name is ghostface. Are you a superhero entrepreneur like batman? Or some d-bag living with his parents?
Looks like.... the jury is still out on this one, Frank.
Not quite.
I'm an EE and I have some familiarity with antenna design and the guy just summed up nicely all I think it's going technically with this issue. I've read so many absurd things the last few days that indeed it does feel like there are many basement geniuses out there.
But the guy used precise EE terms as 'effective antenna length' and 'antenna resonance' so he seems to know what he's talking about and sounds like a very plausible cause for the problems or should be very close
Quoting again,
People would still complain yes but not to this degree. Apple has a big design flaw that has sat in all the iPhone and they still have not fix it. If anything they made it worse because people are shorting out the antenna now. At least before all you did was block it. instead you short it out and prevent it from working.
Top half would of been a MUCH MUCH better location for it.
Even those who would settle for a Bumper to keep a broken phone are a bunch of gutless cowards.
What´s wrong with you people?
+1
I guess you have no choice until next June's update. That is, unless Apple dare uses the dreaded "R"-word: Recall!!!!!!!
The hardware fix, if you can't learn to hold your iPhone 4 properly, is to buy a bumper.
I couldn't care less as I use a bluetooth earpiece about all the time at work where I get 90% of my calls so I seldom hold a phone in my hand
I believe your post actually says more to defend Apple than criticize. It's not as though the iPhone 4 was developed in a bubble with no testing of alternatives and no testing of the antenna. This is not a fly by night company. I want to see real world testing and real numbers that tell us how many phones are having problems that are unique to the iPhone 4. I have had signal loss and dropped calls on every phone I have ever owned due to my repositioning my arm when talking, squeezing the phone to hard, etc. These are consumer devices using cell networks with infinite variables effecting reception and transmission of signal. How many phones are effected? How many are caused specifically by a defect in design, etc. Right now I believe this is hysteria caused by critics looking as hard as they can at one device. Then again, I believe the same about the Toyota accelerator problem being way overblown by media and critics, so I guess I am a reverse sceptic in general. I think this may be a problem for some users, but that it does not reflect the experience of most usersnof the device. Only the squeaky wheels are being heard. The free bumper idea opens apple up to giving everyone a bumper when maybe only a few actually deserve one.
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Sorry for my bad English
Everyone here is yelling about an hardware problem but it's not necessary hardware, probably it's a software issue.
Maybe the phone is programmed to dinamically switch the signal strenght of the antennas to save power, and maybe this code is broken in the official release of the iOs4.
I think is impossible that an important hardware issue like this didn't came out during the iPhone's hardware beta.
Everyone here is yelling about an hardware problem but it's not necessary hardware, probably it's a software issue.
Maybe the phone is programmed to dinamically switch the signal strenght of the antennas to save power, and maybe this code is broken in the official release of the iOs4.
I think is impossible that an important hardware issue like this didn't came out during the iPhone's hardware beta.
Take a deep breath already!
Well, I cant make my new iPhone 4 drop a single bar regardless of how I hold it. I have even tried putting a little moisture on my fingers and touching the two antennas together with no loss of signal. I have to believe that this whole thing is either a result of an issue with 1 of 4 variables: 1. the strength/quality of signal the phone is receiving, 2. a flaw in some units possibly during production, 3. the user themselves and how much electrostatic mV (millivolts) their particular bodies produce, 4. a software glitch, or any combination of the 4. I have seen many users comment on how this is a hardware issue an not a software, however it has been stated many times that it could simply be an issue with how the phone reports and switches its frequency and antenna handling which can be corrected with software. I have also seen the recent post about the attorneys looking into a class action suit which is totally ridiculous the phone has been public for 5 days, every one that has purchased the devices is free to return it to the point of purchase with no penalty, and with the level of Apple's customer service the "open box" penalty I'm sure would be waived in light of the publicity this has received if that was stated as the reason for the return. Those people who have purchased multiple apps: 99% will run on a previous generation device, and for those apps that wont, I'd be willing to bet if you contacted Apple they would refund your purchase once they verified you no longer are in possession of the phone. So why the hell are all of these people whining and crying about crap that can be resolved with minimal effort if they are so dissatisfied with the device and its performance. Since most people are return purchasers and are upgrading from a previous model just as I am then they should know that with each new model there have been some small issues that were easily and quickly resolved. Finally, how many out there are having absolutely no issues whatsoever that we never hear about. The only time anyone ever says much about a product regardless of who makes it is when they have a problem, and it seems like a huge ordeal, but out of the 1.7 million sold across the weekend are having 0 issues? Those people aren't speaking out and saying anything because they have no reason to other than to praise it, which is rarely done. My biggest complaint over the whole thing is, if you're not happy fine we understand, if you're not willing to deal with it then that's your choice but take the damn thing back and make a phone call about your apps and quit bitching already. Granted there is an issue for some people, but you have to give them a chance to fix it if possible or for them to provide you with a way out if they are unable to resolve the issue for you. Regardless of what is reportedly publicly said "there is no issue" or whatever I guarantee Apple is examining every little detail and figuring out a way to provide a solution. Of course they arent going to announce and say "Yes our brand new iPhone 4 has an issue with it when held a certain way causing the loss of signal on the device", when its only been in the wild for many for a whopping 5 days, they need to examine all of the data just as any responsible company/scientist would do in order to provide the best and correct solution to the problem. No company ever blatantly says their product is defective without validated insurmountable proof first. I own quite a few Apple products, and I will admit I have had some issues with some of them in the past, however in each and every case Apple has made it right and either fixed or replaced whatever I had an issue with, but only after they had a chance to examine and ensure the problem existed and needed to be addressed. There are very few companies out there that provide the level of customer service and care that Apple does. I'm sure there are people that would say they have had a bad experience with Apple and would never purchase from them again, but we all know most of the time those individuals are ones that are the quickest to point blame, are dissatisfied with virtually any attempt at resolution and want more than what they should get. Even in those circumstances I know from personal experience that many times Apple goes above and beyond and gives the customer what they want, but there will always be those who no matter what wont be happy with the outcome. So point is....if this document exists then Apple is working on it, they are trying to find the best solution to the problem, and will address it as soon as they have that solution, and are providing suggestions in the mean time to alleviate or lessen the issue. It's been 5 days people, give them a chance to fix it, or shut up and return it if it's such a problem for you! Toyota didnt get this much flack over killing people.
Well, I cant make my new iPhone 4 drop a single bar regardless of how I hold it. I have even tried putting a little moisture on my fingers and touching the two antennas together with no loss of signal. I have to believe that this whole thing is either a result of an issue with 1 of 4 variables: 1. the strength/quality of signal the phone is receiving, 2. a flaw in some units possibly during production, 3. the user themselves and how much electrostatic mV (millivolts) their particular bodies produce, 4. a software glitch, or any combination of the 4. I have seen many users comment on how this is a hardware issue an not a software, however it has been stated many times that it could simply be an issue with how the phone reports and switches its frequency and antenna handling which can be corrected with software. I have also seen the recent post about the attorneys looking into a class action suit which is totally ridiculous the phone has been public for 5 days, every one that has purchased the devices is free to return it to the point of purchase with no penalty, and with the level of Apple's customer service the "open box" penalty I'm sure would be waived in light of the publicity this has received if that was stated as the reason for the return. Those people who have purchased multiple apps: 99% will run on a previous generation device, and for those apps that wont, I'd be willing to bet if you contacted Apple they would refund your purchase once they verified you no longer are in possession of the phone. So why the hell are all of these people whining and crying about crap that can be resolved with minimal effort if they are so dissatisfied with the device and its performance. Since most people are return purchasers and are upgrading from a previous model just as I am then they should know that with each new model there have been some small issues that were easily and quickly resolved. Finally, how many out there are having absolutely no issues whatsoever that we never hear about. The only time anyone ever says much about a product regardless of who makes it is when they have a problem, and it seems like a huge ordeal, but out of the 1.7 million sold across the weekend are having 0 issues? Those people aren't speaking out and saying anything because they have no reason to other than to praise it, which is rarely done. My biggest complaint over the whole thing is, if you're not happy fine we understand, if you're not willing to deal with it then that's your choice but take the damn thing back and make a phone call about your apps and quit bitching already. Granted there is an issue for some people, but you have to give them a chance to fix it if possible or for them to provide you with a way out if they are unable to resolve the issue for you. Regardless of what is reportedly publicly said "there is no issue" or whatever I guarantee Apple is examining every little detail and figuring out a way to provide a solution. Of course they arent going to announce and say "Yes our brand new iPhone 4 has an issue with it when held a certain way causing the loss of signal on the device", when its only been in the wild for many for a whopping 5 days, they need to examine all of the data just as any responsible company/scientist would do in order to provide the best and correct solution to the problem. No company ever blatantly says their product is defective without validated insurmountable proof first. I own quite a few Apple products, and I will admit I have had some issues with some of them in the past, however in each and every case Apple has made it right and either fixed or replaced whatever I had an issue with, but only after they had a chance to examine and ensure the problem existed and needed to be addressed. There are very few companies out there that provide the level of customer service and care that Apple does. I'm sure there are people that would say they have had a bad experience with Apple and would never purchase from them again, but we all know most of the time those individuals are ones that are the quickest to point blame, are dissatisfied with virtually any attempt at resolution and want more than what they should get. Even in those circumstances I know from personal experience that many times Apple goes above and beyond and gives the customer what they want, but there will always be those who no matter what wont be happy with the outcome. So point is....if this document exists then Apple is working on it, they are trying to find the best solution to the problem, and will address it as soon as they have that solution, and are providing suggestions in the mean time to alleviate or lessen the issue. It's been 5 days people, give them a chance to fix it, or shut up and return it if it's such a problem for you! Toyota didnt get this much flack over killing people.
Sickening.
I'd expect shenanigans like these from Dell, not Apple.
The Bumper should come standard with the iPhone 4. This issue isn't a fluke. My iPhone 4 has the same problem and while it doesn't bother me, it's a blemish I'd rather not have on a high-end device that's on a 2-year contract.
This just diminishes the whole experience and completely undermines Apple's credibility. Yes, blame the customer who stood in line for 5 hours because your engineers didn't test the hardware properly before shipping!
So disappointed.
I'd expect shenanigans like these from Dell, not Apple.
The Bumper should come standard with the iPhone 4. This issue isn't a fluke. My iPhone 4 has the same problem and while it doesn't bother me, it's a blemish I'd rather not have on a high-end device that's on a 2-year contract.
This just diminishes the whole experience and completely undermines Apple's credibility. Yes, blame the customer who stood in line for 5 hours because your engineers didn't test the hardware properly before shipping!
So disappointed.
Actual Procedures
I have what I believe are the actual procedures! Please note: Mine are an actual screenshot and not just text typed into a web page like BGR! I do not have an "Apple Connect" who can provide me with compelling evidence like a gray DIV, but I can hit SHIFT-COMMAND-4!
I have what I believe are the actual procedures! Please note: Mine are an actual screenshot and not just text typed into a web page like BGR! I do not have an "Apple Connect" who can provide me with compelling evidence like a gray DIV, but I can hit SHIFT-COMMAND-4!
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Owners of the freezing iMacs were convinced it was a hardware issue too.
You have it backwards - they designed it so it wasn't practical to hold it properly. Held every cellphone I've ever had this way and now its not 'proper'?
Sorry more likely a design error.
Really? I have owned 4 phones so far, and people in my family have owned way more than that, so I have been able to test out a dozen of phones throughout the years in detail, these were Nokias, Motorolas, Samsungs and other big brands of phones. NONE of them had any kind of signal drop when holding or when not holding the device whatsoever.
The correct statement is more like this: most phones DON'T have signal issues and work the way you expect them to, at least when you consider the antenna part. Holding almost any mobile phone results in no change in call quality, signal strength, or even the signal strength indicator bars. There are some phones that do have issues, but they're a small minority. Most phones have their antennas at the top, at the back, where you're least likely to hold the phone. However, even when you do hold them there, it still won't change anything, even in the rare areas with bad reception such as larger tunnels and underground places with no relay antennas. And nuclear military bases.
The FCC requires manufacturers to put the antenna at the bottom now, since putting it at the top puts it too close to your head. Don't blame Apple for complying with (stupid) regulations.
I think you're basing your assessment on a misconception of what the signal bars represent.
When you have a meter with 5 bars you probably think it's something like...
1: 20%
2: 40%
3: 60%
4: 80%
5: 100%
...but in the case of cellphones, it's not. It's more like
1: Unspeakably bad
2: Shockingly bad
3: Pretty damn bad
4: Very bad
5: Anywhere between bad and super excellent
If you have 5 bars and bridge the antennas with your finger, the signal might drop from super excellent to bad, but you'll still be seeing 5 bars. But if your 5 bars are on the lower end of the scale (=bad), it might drop from bad (5) to unspeakably bad (1) or non-existent (No Service). So it might just be that the signal happens to be super excellent in your home.
iPhone owners can actually test that solution themselves by using strip of tape. It does help by a small amount, but at the microwave frequencies involved, the parasitic capacitor created by such a thin dielectric is pretty close to a short. The thicker bumper is a much better insulator.
Same with the MacBook random shutdown syndrome where it WAS a hardware issue fixed via software
How quick some forget and go it's impossible right away lol