Apple promises to fix iPad WiFi issues in future software update
By Donald Melanson 
posted May 11th 2010 1:54PM
posted May 11th 2010 1:54PM
Not satisfied with Apple's previous "fixes" for those pesky WiFi issues with the iPad? Then it looks like the folks in Cupertino have you covered, or will soon -- the company recently updated its support document on the issue to say that "Apple will also address remaining Wi-Fi connectivity issues with a future iPad software update." Interestingly, Apple also now suggests adjusting the screen brightness if you're experiencing the problem, which is a fix that was previously discovered by some users on their own but not recommended by Apple. Still no ETA on that software update, of course, but you can find the rest of Apple's troubleshooting suggestions at the link below in the meantime.
that's magical.
@fast
You know its true, when something exceeds your ability to understand how it works, it requires updates.
@furquanatique Apple are always looking to the future. As in they don't have features now, they will have them in the future.
And that Apple advert is so patronising, who doesn't understand how it works? It's a big touchscreen tablet with the iPhone OS, how is that hard to understand? Not magical at all.
Still a great device, I just wish Apple wouldn't be so hyperbolic and condescending. Really turns me off and it creates a legion of fanboys.
@fast
It is, in the sense that there rarely is any communication from Apple about the defects in their products. They fix it sure enough, but so far it has been very rare of them to talk about it before it's available.
@who said what ...maybe because of all those third party wireless routers and turning on of lights.
@fast
And the update will come at a very reasonable $10 mandatory donation for original iPad owners. It will be included for free on new iPads, though!
A magical product, from a magical company with magical business practices!
@furquanatique
My god. Jonathan Ive's voice and the creepy wide eye stare are now stuck in my head for the rest of the day. :(
@David Bailey
Can I just chime in and say that not everyone knows how to use an iPhone or an iPad. There are many people out there that have not picked up either of those devices in their lives, it happens.
@mustangs I meant how it works technically. The whole "exceeds your ability to understand" quote.
I agree that the whole "anyone can use one" thing is overused, as anyone can learn any system, Apple have their stupid UI quirks like everybody else.
@fast
Fuck Apple. Fuck Steve Jobs.
@furquanatique "You know its true, when something exceeds your ability to understand how it works, it requires updates."
This is getting old. Like the "magical" stuff. It is marketing you know, why do you take it literally? Do you do that with every advertisement out there?
If they need to fix something, they blew it.
lol@furquanatique
promising to fix a feature that pretty much makes the device.....a month later?
something's awry here.... just can't put my finger on it...
hmm.....
@skyblaze
use a stylus?
@jellotime91
Just the majority of the people using "third party" wireless routers, that's all.
@skyblaze
Yeah, promise to fix a feature that effects a tiny amount of users only some of the time.
Also known as a bug
@ytilanigiroon
Any evidence of that? No?
Oh you just pulled it out your ass? Well done
@jellotime91
Seriously! Expecting a product you just plunked several 100 dollahs to "just Work" is just unfair! Who do people think this product is made by, Apple??? Oh wait...
@suicidebob
no, he didn't
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/apple-confirms-ipad-issues-with-dual-band-wifi-routers-offers-f/
eat it, dood
@skyblaze I haven't had a single issue with iPad, iPhone 3G, 3GS, MacBook, or MacBook pro wifi maybe I'm lucky or my apple loyalty gets me better service /s. Like people say it's likely due to third party stuff which is not excusable(on Apples end) b/c wifi standards are meant to be compliant across platforms and they should be able to meet even minimum power/signal demands. Also the brightness fix likely just allows the wifi antenna to suck a bit more power. I use an apple airport extreme and airport express which may be the reason I'm in the clear. In typical fanboi fashion I would suggest that Steve likely wants to protect you from a subpar Internet experience so you should shell out $99 for a low end apple router and quit whining.
@RLBurkes
Very well said, sir +1
And yes, I'd wager using an Apple router could very much be the reason for your lack of issues. Most devices tend to work best with other devices of the same brand. That said (and as you stated) it's inexcusable for said device to have sub-par performance with those of other brands when you're promised optimal functionality regardless of what it is your using
@skyblaze
Can I give you a hug? You see, I'm a very huggy person...
@suicidebob
Oh, dear... somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning -__-'
"You can safely assume 75% of those were bitter trolls who don't have an Ipad."
Now, good sir. Quoting your own words... any evidence of that?
@skyblaze
Yeah, just quietly skip over the fact that your own link just proved how completely wrong and uninformed you are.
Good night, kid
@MegaJapan
honto?
arigato gozaimasu utsukushii-avatar chan ^_^
@skyblaze
I got the definition of 'assumption' for you, If you read above you will clearly see I made it clear I was making an assumption
2. The act of taking for granted, or supposing a thing without proof; supposition; unwarrantable claim. [1913 Webster]
Cocoa time for you, fatboy
@suicidebob
why all the bitterness, mate?
As my good friend Captain Planet on Joystiq once said: It never ceases to amaze me how you trolls can stay hype on apple's chode and comment on engagdet at the same time. I gotta hand it to you, though... as of this date that's more multitasking than the iPhone and iPad COMBINED.
@skyblaze
Troll?? LOL
You and your like are all over Apple threads on Engadget, when you claim not to own any Apple products or be in the least bit interested in them.
Here's what one of my friends said:
"If I think it's crap, but the marketplace thinks it's vastly superior, the only way to resolve this paradox is to assume that the marketplace is profoundly stupid and duped by Apple's svengali-like marketing. Because it couldn't possibly be that I don't have a freaking clue what people want."
@skyblaze
Yeah, and my Iphone and Ipad seemed to be multi-tasking just fine last time I checked.
@suicidebob
OS 4 isn't out yet... hence the "as of this date", sir =)
@RLBurkes So the fact that my Macbook, iPod Touch, iPhone, Dell/Toshiba Laptops, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, AppleTV, Tivo, etc. all connect to my Fios setup is some sort of fluke because there's no way there could be a problem with the Magical iPad and oh yeah, just buy an Apple Router and everything including my many non-Apple products will Just magically work? Are you high?
@suicidebob
you do know that effective marketing is far more powerful than any actual product right? Any good salesman and marketing person will tell you that as a matter of fact. You can market a complete turd well and it'll still sell in the boatload. Ever heard of PET ROCK? Talk to an ad man, he'll set you up with some knowledge on the issue.
A popular product does not equate to it being what the market wants, nor does it equate to it being the best product.
Critical thinking.
@skyblaze Look skyblaze apple make products that just work. This is a feature, you buy the ipad with wifi, and don't get to use wifi, its the way jobs made it, therefore you don't need it
/average fanboy comment
@ounkeo You can survive on marketing only so long. If you really think Apple is only marketing and crappy products for more than 10 years, I would have to strongly disagree.
Because firmware updates can compensate for a shitty antenna layout? Whatever apple, you screwed the pooch and you know it.
@Cash9007
Any evidence of that? I assume you have some technical knowledge of the antenna that you could share with the rest of us?
@Cash9007 all the wifi issues i've seen are with Verizon FIOS routers. Nothing else. So something could be up with verizon's routers too, just sayin'.
@Cash9007
Odd thing is that the screen brightness have a impact on wifi.
Sounds like they are using PWM brightness controll and that is adding noise to wifi signal.Might be fixable with software but not easy. They have to synchronize the wifi radiio with backlight leds.
If my guess is right I wonder if the iPad passes EMC tests with all screen brightnesses.
Glad I did not buy iPad... $500 13'' laptop with ubuntu and windows in vmware does the job for me just fine.
@Jimbojones But does it play flight control with other ipads?
@Jimbojones
Somehow I don't think you are the target audience. Just an inkling though.
@bailey12345
no, but im guessing it could play WOW or any of the other millions of games meant for multiple players :P
Well get to Fixin' it Apple .. the European customers don't wanna be spat in the face by all them Padhaters :)
So they're admitting an issue exists instead of twisting reality by claiming it's a safety feature or just ignoring it altogether? Has Apple gone temporarily insane?
@whySoSerious
They are permanently insane. People are just now starting to realize this.
@Kamalot
Well, people nowadays are pretty goddamn slow. Though that's not surprising...
Its because the Wifi is feeling resentful towards Flash....hahaha
Wifi you better act right or Steve will replace you and write a letter of disadvantages of WiFi.
i'm still not buying one.
@macgregger
Well done. You're the man
No hate Apple, but when are you going to fix the Wifi in my fucking iPhone 3GS? My bed is 5 feet away from my router, but I can not get a strong signal, even when sitting RIGHT NEXT to the router. Can you at least explain that to me?