Consumer Reports 'Can't Recommend' iPhone 4 Due to Signal Issues

[Tonewheel]

Software absolutely CAN solve hardware problems, in many cases. In fact the software is completely written to work with hardware design, and software can be adjusted to better perform with any given hardware. This is absolutely true 100% of the time. Software and Hardware work together.

It remains to be seen whether or not software will FIX this particular problem. But at a bare minimum, software WILL be able to reduce the impact of the problem - and that may be enough to make it a non issue.

The entire signal process is digital, and is controlled by software. That software can be adjusted to match what is happening with the hardware. The iPhone 4 radio software is doing several new things which have not been done before. How and what they are doing will be tweaked as Apple learns more about the phone's real-world performance.

Will a software fix completely get rid of the problem? While that is possible, I seriously doubt that in this case software will completely solve the problem. But I do believe that software will mitigate the issue to where it is almost non-existent.

Apple changing the signal display has nothing to do with the real signal problem - but will help people better understand what is really happening with their signal. But I think if *all* they were doing was adjusting the way the bars are calculated, they would have had the patch out already. I think the fact that it is taking longer to get a patch out implies that they are working on more in-depth software adjustments that they are not going to release in a press statement or tell AppleCare to get chatty about.

Software will improve the situation.

I find it funny that people think Apple is doing nothing about this. They probably have had people working 20 hour days on this problem since June 22nd when it was first exposed - probably earlier in fact. Do you people think the Apple iPhone engineers just sit around and count money all day? They are real engineers who take pride in their work and work very hard to make good products.

You make a phone that does what the iPhone does and sell it to 2 million people in a weekend and see if it is completely bug free on the first shot!

This whole thing is *exactly* why companies make software up-datable!

Finally, the adults are in the room.

 

[Peace]

If the iPhone 4 works for you, that's great. I believe it.
If the iPhone 4 doesn't work for you, that's too bad. I believe it.

My point was simply that people who fall into the "iPhone 4 doesn't work for me, but I'm not going to return it" are more delusional fanboys than the group of owners that are saying that they have no problem with it.

I wouldn't say fanboys. Perhaps these people are just hoping there is some kind of fix because they really like the iPhone 4.

 

[Steviejobz]

Apple:

Suck it up, fix the design, offer people a new phone. iPhone 4a will sell 50 million units.

It will cost nothing for them to fix and will come out looking a lot better.

 

[Boston007]

If the iPhone 4 works for you, that's great. I believe it.
If the iPhone 4 doesn't work for you, that's too bad. I believe it.

My point was simply that people who fall into the "iPhone 4 doesn't work for me, but I'm not going to return it" are more delusional fanboys than the group of owners that are saying that they have no problem with it.[/QUOTE]

MAN of them on this site LOL

Someone said it best earlier, get your popcorn. This is quite entertaining.

ASTOUNDING Apple would release a product like this with a major function not working properly.

Reminds me of the Microsoft Xbox Red Ring of Death.

 

[reactions]

I'm sad to read this / soo I will drink more apple koolaid to wipe away this truth from my mind


All praise steve jobs! (bow)

 

[furi0usbee]

But if you really buy Google's Do No Evil mantra, I've got a bumper to sell you.

No sir, I don't believe that... as apparently Apple doesn't either. I can understand Apple on most occasions, for taking the position they do. But I can't stand being lied to, or to be not given the opportunity to hear the real story. PR statements are great for fluff, but people need answers and fact.

 

[LeZebre]

By the way... did they fix the wifi issues with the iPad or do I need to buy bumper for that one too?

 

[bluesteel]

Not me. I already knew how terrible the Apple + AT&T combo works. I need an iPhone because of all it's software features, syncing my data, etc. The phone is secondary. But, I'd like not to be lied to by Steve Jobs, et al. Between the way Apple has handled things with iPhone 4 and iPad (unlimited data) and AT&T screwing us, I'm really at my wits end.

ditto, exactly my situation as well...still pissed off about this signal fiasco though...

 

[byron_hinson]

I blame Gizmodo for stealing it from the Phone Baseband Software engineer.

 

[Kadin]

I'm just glad this popped up because honestly, I felt the issue was simply going away and there was nothing in store for those of that have and continue to experience this issue. I've got a bumper on now and admittedly, it is better. I'd much rather keep it naked though.

 

[Hawkeye411]

Simple Solution

I DON'T want a free anything!
I JUST WANT THE PHONE TO WORK PROPERLY!

Take it back and buy a different phone that does work!!!

 

[clg82]

Bring your phone over to my house, which has a microcell, and see if you can make a call while holding the phone in your left hand. I assure you, my wife isn't "intentionally" trying to get it not to work - it just doesn't work for her, and she doesn't want to hear about how she's holding it "wrong."

Mine doesn't work, either, but i've switched back to the 3gs which works fine (but kept my 4 for development).

I am currently holding my old 3g iphone in my left hand and the iphone 4 in the right. I drop down to "no service" on the iphone 4 and still have 5 bars on the 3g.....The funny thing is people on here and other forums tell us (the people with problems) to quit complaining about it and return it just because they don't have a problem. Apple's design is flawed! People need to get over it and Apple needs to man up and recall it!

 

[mbrannon47]

I don't think the CR story will not effect sales one bit...people who want the phone will continue to buy it....people who have it already will keep it....people who are upset about the antenna will continue to complain and return it....This reminds me of the whole Toyota thing....even though there was a issue people continue to buy them and they are doing just fine....I think people who are unhappy should just return the unit and get something different....if you can live with the signal drop than fine and if you can't than just return it....I don't think you will see a major drop off in sales because of this story....I think the whole antenna thing has been a bit over blown....as long as you have choice in the matter its a non-story....just my thoughts....

As for Toyota, that's just not true. Sales dropped dramatically. Source: http://jalopnik.com/5145511/toyota-january-sales-drop-344

 

[Despacio]

My phone most definitely has the problem. And I got it only a couple of days ago which may throw out any hopes of it being a problem with initial batches only or something similar.

I do not death grip it, squeeze it, or clamp hard on the iPhone in any way, I merely hold it, lightly even.

When I finally threw a silicon case on it the problem can still be replicated, but only if I put some pressure on my grip.

Plus I have a yellow spot on my screen as well, I'm waiting to see if that goes away soon.

The reason I hesitate to return the phone is I have way too much invested in terms of apps on this phone that's it's not se easy to just give it up like the cynics and Apple brainwashed here suggest for anyone who has trouble with their phone.

 

[Streethawk]

The Counsumer Report's decision to NOT recommend the iphone 4 is huge.

Apple doesn't just have egg on their face, they have an omelet on their suits!

Turtleneck sweatshirts, not suits Apple don't do suits. 'cept maybe their lawyers.

 

[res1233]

Take it back and buy a different phone that does work!!!

But he couldn't do that! He DESERVES a phone that works, any phone, because he's special and feels entitled to it. If you don't like your product, try to get your money back, if that doesn't work, then just suck it up and buy another product, that's how consumers works...

 

[PstLMac]

This engineering design issue gets interesting by the weeks.

I'm glad Consumer Reports tested the iPhone4 due to the customer complaints. I'd rather a third party test the issue than rely on AT&T or Apple to tell us there is nothing really wrong and deal with it.

Now consumers have a source to back up thier complaints.
I don't understand why some people are dogging Consumer Reports.

 

[Vertigo50]

The original "recommendation" was from a blogger who hadn't done any tests, and wasn't able to recreate the antenna issue.

Now, after doing ACTUAL tests, which is what Consumer Reports is SUPPOSED TO DO, they change their mind?

I'm stunned.

Why would they let this idiot make posts like this under their name? It makes him look like he was paid off by Apple. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[furi0usbee]

I'm sad to read this / soo I will drink more apple koolaid to wipe away this truth from my mind

All praise steve jobs! (bow)

Shouldn't you be compiling a Linux app or something? I'm sure you have something better to do... There are many people in this forum that love Apple products, but that love doesn't equate to blind faith that everything Apple or Steve is good. They make mistakes. They can fail from time to time (hey I used fail properly in a sentence... nice).

The stereotypical Apple "fanboy" is out there to be sure, but I think most people around here are sensible, at least the ones who take a minute to think and the non-trolls don't bow to anyone.

 

[Iphtashu Fitz]

Who is actually looking to Consumer Reports before they buy an iPhone, or any cell phone for that matter? The only real live person I know who reads CR is my 65 year old uncle who will never own a cell phone again.

My entire family has subscriptions to CR. We all use it when considering big purchases like cars, appliances, tv's, etc. We take their recommendations pretty seriously. Bad press in CR over the iPhone will most definitely hurt Apple.

Recall won't happen. It just won't.

Never say never. A lawsuit filed two years ago over the AT&T and Apple iPhone exclusivity deal has just been granted class action status this week. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Apple over the iPhone issue. If they're also granted class action status and Apple determines a recall is the best solution to dealing with the lawsuits then it could very well happen. Apple may even decided a recall is in it's own best interests if it can put a quick end to those lawsuits.

 

[Fidget08]

Come on you guys let BURN THIS MOTHER ****ER DOWN!!! - Harrold and Kumar

 

[briansolomon]

You can afford it.

Each iPhone you sell gets you $599-$699 ($199-$299 plus $400 kickback from AT&T). Your $29 bumper probably only costs about $10 to make. Give some away, please.

That's rather generous. That bumper can't be more than 25 cents to make.

 

[mac jones]

Fortunately , this can be remedied easily.

Not a big deal, except perhaps for trouble makers who make it one

 

[chrismac2]

Yes, thank you.....I made some of the same points.....this antenna is better for most people in most situations.....except for people who grip it in a certain way AND are in a poor signal area.

If you're in a bad signal area and like to grip your phone in a way that degrades the signal, then either get a bumper (or other case) or return the phone and get your money back, end of story. This issue is way overblown....

To be fair, Apple doesn’t claim it’s a software problem—they acknowledge it’s a real problem (and that other phones have it—but they gloss over the fact that the iPhone has it worse than most).

Apple claims that the software is hiding information ABOUT the problem. To wit: the software problem can sometimes hide when you’re in a weak signal area—and that’s when the problem crops up. As a result, you may think you’ve lose a STRONG signal, when really you’ve lost a weak signal. (Worth fixing, but it’s not the actual problem.)

CR tells me nothing new here—I already knew two things about the iPhone 4 in weak-signal areas:

1. It can get BETTER signal than previous iPhones (and various other phones too). AND it can make do with less signal and still hold onto a call or data connection. (See Anandtech’s test among others: driving through an area where a 3G was useless, the 4 never dropped a call all day.)

2. The better signal can then be worsened by touching that black stripe.

Does #2 outweigh #1? The only answer is “sometimes.” In other cases (like Anandtech—and of course people who use cases), the new antenna design will prove to worthwhile despite this issue. Three steps forward, one step back, as Daring Fireball described it.

It’s a better antenna AND a worse one. Try it out, and note the return policy (as you would with ANY phone).

My order is definitely not cancelled (Besides, AT&T is decent in my city.)

 

[bawbag]

NEWSFLASH!!! You can still love Apple products and be critical about them as a company at the same time. This doesn't make you disloyal!!!!

I agree. It's the whole point of consumer feedback. Not every product is going to work perfectly which is why companies, such as Apple, have to be prepared to respond to those concerns.