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PR Experts Suggest iPhone 4 Recall 'Inevitable' as Antenna Issue Snowballs
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There is no frame of reference. Anadtech didn't give the starting values. For example, if all phones started at 110db, then the iPhone's performance is unacceptable. If the 3GS and Nexus One were at 110db, but the iPhone 4 was at 120db, then the iPhones 4's attenuation is not that bad at all. You need to see the gain of the external antenna against the attenuation.
Lastly, as good as the Anadtech article is, they are running 3GS software on a 4. We cannot confirm the accuracy of that software without external meters. It may be reading the signal strength wrong.
Personally, I would be miffed if I had purchased a $200 phone + $100 monthly plan to be told that I can't hold the phone with a normal grip due to antenna issues that would drop my call. It is analogous to be told that due to a design flaw, you cannot type faster than 80 words per minutes on MacBooks or that every time you touch the keyboard with 6 fingers you lose internet connection - I am sure people would be crying foul is that happened.
If apple issues free covers for the iphone that allows users to hold the phone as they wish, the issue/problem is over. There is NO need for recall, merely an apology and a free iphone 4 cover.
If apple issues free covers for the iphone that allows users to hold the phone as they wish, the issue/problem is over. There is NO need for recall, merely an apology and a free iphone 4 cover.
WiFi issues
I posted an issue I'm having at:
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=10522032
Has this been mentioned in any of the iPhone4 reviews? Any logical reason why the 3Gs would have better WiFi reception than the IP4?
I posted an issue I'm having at:
https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=10522032
Has this been mentioned in any of the iPhone4 reviews? Any logical reason why the 3Gs would have better WiFi reception than the IP4?
@NeverhadaPC - true, except that's not the case. Personally I can say I don't touch that area often enough for it to be an issue, and when I do its usually my pinkie or the heal of my left hand, even then I have to hold it really tight and for over a minute for the signal to drop.
The issue is an issue, Apple should address it, criticizing the software update before it comes out doesn't help. If it comes out and does nothing then criticize it.
This issue is being blown way out of proportion, mostly due to apples arrogance, ill give the naysayers that. Its typical of Apple to respond the way it has. If you haven't delt with them then it may seem weird.
Also the main criticism I hear is if you own an iPhone 4 your a retard. If you don't complain and declare it the worst made POS ever the your and idiot. This is what is going around the echo chambers of the tech blogs.
The issue is an issue, Apple should address it, criticizing the software update before it comes out doesn't help. If it comes out and does nothing then criticize it.
This issue is being blown way out of proportion, mostly due to apples arrogance, ill give the naysayers that. Its typical of Apple to respond the way it has. If you haven't delt with them then it may seem weird.
Also the main criticism I hear is if you own an iPhone 4 your a retard. If you don't complain and declare it the worst made POS ever the your and idiot. This is what is going around the echo chambers of the tech blogs.
I'm having an identity crisis here:
I have an iPhone 4 that drops calls because I lose the signal when I hold it; therefore I'm an Apple-hating troll.
I don't want to return my phone, I want Apple to fix it; therefore I'm an Apple Fanboy
I have an iPhone 4 that drops calls because I lose the signal when I hold it; therefore I'm an Apple-hating troll.
I don't want to return my phone, I want Apple to fix it; therefore I'm an Apple Fanboy
That sucks. Can't say the same is happening for me. I have a friend who has dropped a few calls but she likes it bc it still drops less than her 3G.
Try covering the area with tape and see if it improves, if you stop dropping calls then its the antenna issue. If you still drop calls your just in a bad service area.
And yet, what you describe is not the problem that needs to be addressed.
The problem that would be addressed by a potential recall would be the drop from connecting the two antennas in the bottom left corner. Not the normal attenuation from simply holding the phone or touching the antenna.
Humm ok so a bare metal antenna would have the same issue as a antenna with a plastic film over it. oh ok what ever you say.
Wow, talk about way overblown.
I've been able to recreate this scenario once with my iPhone 4, holding it in my left hand while comparing it to my 3GS. Slid my hand a bit and it was resolved.
My girlfriend is a lefty and only has noticed it once on her unit as well. People always try to bring it up as they're voice fills with jealousy admiring our beautiful screens over the android they were previously pimping. We smile and go about using our phones.
I tell you what I'd hate way more than occasionally dropping a few bars, having to wait for apple to ship out a replacement model. The last thing I want is a recall.
On a side note, these same people attempt to brag about verizon and show me they're phone slowly loading a YouTube. While we're waiting I search for the video and tap play as the video instantly loads. So much for verizon being so awesome.
I've been able to recreate this scenario once with my iPhone 4, holding it in my left hand while comparing it to my 3GS. Slid my hand a bit and it was resolved.
My girlfriend is a lefty and only has noticed it once on her unit as well. People always try to bring it up as they're voice fills with jealousy admiring our beautiful screens over the android they were previously pimping. We smile and go about using our phones.
I tell you what I'd hate way more than occasionally dropping a few bars, having to wait for apple to ship out a replacement model. The last thing I want is a recall.
On a side note, these same people attempt to brag about verizon and show me they're phone slowly loading a YouTube. While we're waiting I search for the video and tap play as the video instantly loads. So much for verizon being so awesome.
Wait for the OFFICIAL statement from Apple and base your course of action on that. Don't worry, they'll take care of us like they always do. The Android-Trolls are just seizing the opportunity to blow this way out of proportion pointing out the ONLY flaw in the iPhone (they need something to hold on to)
Is there a limit to the amount of people you can have on your 'ignore' list?
If it will hold a call that otherwise drops, that might be an acceptable, but not optimal, trade off, especially if the call happens to be some sort of emergency.
Personally, I think a hardware fix--presumably some sort of shield or casing that covers the antenna--is in order.
None needed, the relevant information is the hundred fold signal strength drop when held normally. That is abnormal in the extreme when the internal radio itself is not being shielded. Again the iPhone 3GS lost merely a third of it's usable signal.
I agree in many situations the iPhone 4 radio is so good it can still get a good connection even with 1% of the signal, but in many situations it obviously can't. A design that squanders 99% of the available signal power when held normally is being called a defect - to argue it's not is possible but you aren't ever going to convince me.
What they should do
Is offer free bumpers or cases to all who purchased them so far and change the antenna design and change the manufacturing process to fix this issue. This is a real problem with the design, not a software fix. If they stick to that it is dishonest and an insult. They have lost a lot of credibility already, it would be be better to admit they made a mistake and then do everything reasonable to make it right. Look at what Nintendo did with the Wii when it first came out, providing free rubber cases to their controllers for all and adding them to the product. That was a change in the manufacturing to shelf process and well done. Nintendo was less at fault than Apple is with this.
Everyone knows they have a TON of money in the bank and have the ability to do something more than issue a patch. A lot of people have given a lot of money for this v4 device, I almost did. If I had, I would be very ticked and feel betrayed by the company.
Is offer free bumpers or cases to all who purchased them so far and change the antenna design and change the manufacturing process to fix this issue. This is a real problem with the design, not a software fix. If they stick to that it is dishonest and an insult. They have lost a lot of credibility already, it would be be better to admit they made a mistake and then do everything reasonable to make it right. Look at what Nintendo did with the Wii when it first came out, providing free rubber cases to their controllers for all and adding them to the product. That was a change in the manufacturing to shelf process and well done. Nintendo was less at fault than Apple is with this.
Everyone knows they have a TON of money in the bank and have the ability to do something more than issue a patch. A lot of people have given a lot of money for this v4 device, I almost did. If I had, I would be very ticked and feel betrayed by the company.
Fortunately, no.
Mine's getting long (and if I really read through this whole thread, it'd probably be even longer).jW
Humm ok so a bare metal antenna would have the same issue as a antenna with a plastic film over it. oh ok what ever you say.
The attenuation from simply touching the bare metal antenna is not significantly different than any other phone. The problem that is getting all the press is the one caused by joining the two antennas by covering the gap in the lower left corner.
this whole thing is blown way out of proportion. consumer reports were forced to take the recommended buy back because of crybaby consumers. people on the internet who have saw the videos freaked out. tried it on their phone and are now completely obsessed with the "issue". Put a case on it, put a skin on it, hold it differently or return it!!! its not that hard to fathom. maybe all the whiners will get their way and apple will issue some credit. but a recall is just ridiculous. People that havent even touched an iPhone 4 are bitching about it just because the media is giving this so much attention.
No product is everything to everyone. The craftsmanship of a Ferrari wouldn't negate a lack of visibility while looking over my left shoulder. Would that lack of visibility stop me from buying a Ferrari? No, I'd just use my mirrors more.
You'd be miffed you have to hold the phone a certain way. I completely understand and support you in that. I however, don't mind changing my grip when it gives me better call quality than I had before, and it does.
If you want a bigger, less crisp screen, and don't care that it makes the phone bigger too, great. There are people who can legitimately like this sort of thing, as evidenced by some recent Android phones. Similarly, if you don't care about battery life, or don't mind lugging a few spare batteries around, in exchange for things like that hotspot feature, the EVO might be right for you. If you like customization more than the typical Apple walled garden, then Android may be right for you. What I don't get is why people will take a personal preference and lecture it to others as a definition of what makes their choice better.
Time for me to sign off and get some real work done. I shouldn't be here.
You don't get that? It is all people do on these forums, right? Its not like anyone is here to listen or be convinced, its just an infinite number of people shouting from their soapboxes...