As we reported last night, Apple has announced they’re going to hold a press conference on Friday related to the iPhone 4. And that’s all they said. Now, this is obviously going to focus on the antennae issues that the media has been making so much hay out of, even as the problem has proven difficult to isolate. Some users who hold the iPhone 4 in a certain way have reported that under certain circumstances reception has dropped—some of the time.
Apple is—surprise, surprise—being tight-lipped about what they’re going to announce at this press conference, but their options break down like this:
- Lay out the case that it’s not that big a problem, and they’re not going to do anything about it. This is the most unlikely; although Apple could certainly take this attitude, would they call a press conference to do it? That’d take some stones I’m not sure even Steve has.
- Announce a recall for affected phones. This would imply it’s a hardware issue. And so far, no one’s been able to isolate the exact circumstances under which it occurs every time.
- Announce a software update. Again, this implies they’ve isolated the problem, but it seems to happen when people physically touch the new antenna. Again, seems like it’d be easier to roll this out without calling in the press.
- Free cases. The problem affects iPhones where the hand is touching the antenna. Users with cases aren’t reporting the problem. Apple could announce that they’re giving away free cases, similar to the way that Nintendo dealt with the problems of the Wii controller: by giving away wrist straps and gel wraps to prevent users from throwing them across the room.
Okay! We’ve got 48 hours for ramptant speculation, and why should the professional media have all the fun? What’s Steve going to say, and what’s the solution they’re going to propose? Go!
Read [The Loop]
I bought may iPhone 4 on July 8.
I had the antenna problem as well as poor battery performance.
I bought a Bumper, 29.99 which fixed antenna problem.
On July 13th, after Apple did a diagnostic test, Apple replaced my phone.
I was not able to reproduce the antenna problem at all regardless of location or signal strength.
Battery is excellent as well.
But wait, as soon as my 1st sync with my Macbook pro completed the antenna problem returned.
I have updated to 4.01 and while the bars are clearer I still have signal degradation as before.
Apple should phase in a switch over time as my phone is very usable.
I suspect the delay in the white phones might be to insure whatever their solution is, they wont release them until this is fixed.
My experience leads me to believe is its probably both hardware and software related.
Apple will announce free Bumpers and phase in switch outs when the fix is complete.
To be fair, the phone is very usable. The Network is more serious a problem. When will At&t do the right thing?
I'll take a 29.99 plus tax credit (the cost if a Bumper) on my bill or a credit from Apple for now.
And when they get the antenna thing figured out, they can swap out my phone or do a Genius bar repair when the time comes.
Best,
Roberto
Brooklyn, NY USA
whats the exact link where wr can get coverage of this event? this website says check back here. does it mean the page where it says that or the home page? thanks
Karl,
Try this link
http://live.gizmodo.com/
Best,
Roberto
thanks roberto, is that the exact link that the coference will be on? or do i need to click on sometjing else from that link? sorry newbie
That's all you have to do.
10:00 AM Pacific Time
Oh, sure, you COULD go to Gizmodo, or you could do the right thing and join us here at Appletell at:
<a href="http://www.appletell.com/apple/comment/iphone-4-press-conference-live-blog/
We're" rel="nofollow">http://www.appletell.com/apple/comment/iphone-4-press-conference-live-blog/">http://www.appletell.com/apple/comment/iphone-4-press-conference-live-blog/
We're generally more pleasant to hang out with.
ill go with whichever of you will be my friend
But Karl…we already ARE friends! Just don't ask me to help you move.
if ur my friend why wont u help me move? lol thought u could show me the 'coding ropes' lol