Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[iPhone 4 antennagate class-action lawsuit settled, owners to receive $15 or a free case (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/apple-iphone-4-antennagate-lawsuit-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/apple-iphone-4-antennagate-lawsuit-settlement/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/apple-iphone-4-antennagate-lawsuit-settlement/#comments According to CNET, a class-action lawsuit over the iPhone 4's troublesome antenna, aka Antennagate, has been settled. The planned resolution will net US residents who bought one and presumably either $15 in cash or (another?) free bumper case. CNET quotes co-lead counsel Ira Rothken (who, by the way, also represents Megaupload) saying that he believes the settlement is "fair and reasonable", affecting some 25 million people who will be notified by email and through print ads in USA Today and Macworld. Once they've received the heads up, they can go to www.iPhone4Settlement.com (not up and running yet) to register their claims. When the issue first came to light back in 2010 Apple suggested holding it differently before saying it would tweak its signal display formulas and, eventually, offering the free cases. Hopefully for the company and its users, this resolution puts the issue -- which is not a problem on the new 4S -- to bed.

Update: We spoke to an Apple representative who confirmed that the settlement is for those customers who chose not to take a free case or return their phone back in 2010. It looks like holding out didn't get you much more than the option to take $15 cash instead, but we'll simply consider it a much-needed opportunity to reflect on the International Year of Biodiversity that was.

iPhone 4 antennagate class-action lawsuit settled, owners to receive $15 or a free case (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15antennaantennagateappleclass actionClassActionfree caseFreeCaseiphoneiphone 4iphone 4 antennaiPhone 4 antenna design flawIphone4Iphone4AntennaIphone4AntennaDesignFlawira rothkenIraRothkenlawsuitmobilepostcrosssettlementFri, 17 Feb 2012 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Reports finds iPhone 4S to have worthwhile antennas, says newer iPhone 4 is still problematic]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/consumer-reports-finds-iphone-4s-to-have-worthwhile-antennae-sa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/consumer-reports-finds-iphone-4s-to-have-worthwhile-antennae-sa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/consumer-reports-finds-iphone-4s-to-have-worthwhile-antennae-sa/#comments "Consumer Reports recommends the iPhone 4S." It's only half a dozen words, but to the engineers (and marketers) at Apple, it spells "relief." After being profusely impacted by Consumer Reports' decision to recommend against buying the iPhone 4 due to those Antennagate issues, the entity has allowed all in Cupertino to breath a sigh of relief by effectively declaring the reception issue dead on the newest edition. To quote:

"Apple's newest smart phone performed very well in our tests, and while it closely resembles the iPhone 4 in appearance, it doesn't suffer the reception problem we found in its predecessor in special tests in our labs. In special reception tests of the iPhone 4S that duplicated those we did on the iPhone 4, the newer phone did not display the same reception flaw, which involves a loss of signal strength when you touch a spot on the phone's lower left side while you're in an area with a weak signal. (The iPhone 4, which is still available, continues to exhibit that problem, we confirmed in tests of new samples of the phone. Because of the flaw, we continue to omit the iPhone 4 from our list of recommended models, despite its otherwise fine performance.)"

In other words, even the newer samples of the iPhone 4 (perhaps even that one for Sprint?) continue to have antenna quirks, but at least the latest and greatest seems to have addressed 'em. Hit the source link for the full report.

Consumer Reports finds iPhone 4S to have worthwhile antennas, says newer iPhone 4 is still problematic originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantennagateapplecallcallingconnectionconsumer reportsConsumerReportsdeath gripDeathGripfixiphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4smobilepostcrossproblemreceptionTue, 08 Nov 2011 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/apple-to-release-cheaper-8gb-iphone-4-within-weeks/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/apple-to-release-cheaper-8gb-iphone-4-within-weeks/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/23/apple-to-release-cheaper-8gb-iphone-4-within-weeks/#comments As the world waits for Apple to release the iPhone 5, Reuters is reporting that Cupertino may be refreshing the iPhone 4, as well. According to two anonymous sources "with knowledge of the matter," an unnamed Korean manufacturer has already begun producing parts for a cheaper, 8GB version of the smartphone, slated to launch within the next few weeks. As for that next-gen handset, the insiders went on to say that the iPhone 4S / iPhone 5 will feature a more spacious touchscreen, better antenna and eight megapixel shooter, and that Apple is indeed aiming for a late September launch, after having already asked manufacturers Hon Hai and Pegatron to prep their facilities for the production of 45 million units, altogether. Details, as usual, are still scarce at this point, but we'll let you know as soon as we get more information.

Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 megapixel8gb8gb iphone 48gbIphone48Megapixelantennaapplecameraeight megapixelEightMegapixelflash forwardFlashForwardhon haiHonHaiiosiphoneiphone 4iphone 4siphone 5Iphone4Iphone4sIphone5launchmanufacturermanufacturingmobilepostcrosspegatronproductionrumorsmartphonetouchscreenTue, 23 Aug 2011 05:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon's iPhone 4 has a CDMA-specific antenna, no other changes made]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/verizons-iphone-4-has-a-new-antenna-design/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/verizons-iphone-4-has-a-new-antenna-design/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/11/verizons-iphone-4-has-a-new-antenna-design/#comments
 Would you look at that, Verizon's iPhone 4 has four notches punctuating its external antenna array -- one more than you may find on AT&T's version, with the top notch migrating to the side. Before you all jump on conspiracy theories about fixes and such, Tim Cook has just confirmed on stage that changes had to be made to work on the CDMA network, meaning that for users this is pretty much an aesthetic alteration. Otherwise, you're looking at an almost identical device to what AT&T users have been enjoying since June of last year -- savvy nerds will just be able to tell the CDMA version apart at one glance.

Verizon's iPhone 4 has a CDMA-specific antenna, no other changes made originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaapplecdmaces2011eventiphoneiphone 4Iphone4verizonverizon eventverizon wirelessVerizonEventVerizonWirelessvzwTue, 11 Jan 2011 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Apple's iPhone 4?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/27/how-would-you-change-apples-iphone-4/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/27/how-would-you-change-apples-iphone-4/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/27/how-would-you-change-apples-iphone-4/#comments We know, half of you aren't even going to read past the headline before you start angrily banging away about Apple's admitted antenna gaff and the still-not-totally-fixed proximity sensor, but we're urging you to look deeper. Think harder. Critique your criticisms. In all seriousness, Apple's iPhone 4 garnered more attention (negative or otherwise) than any other phone released this calendar year, and for good reason -- in fact, Apple itself had to hold an emergency press event just to announce what could've been announced in a PR blast: everyone's getting a free case. That said, Cupertino has still managed to move millions of units in just a few months, and that demand doesn't seem to be dropping off at any significant rate. If you're one of the lucky (or unlucky) ones that have managed to procure Apple's latest iPhone, we're overly anxious to hear your thoughts on changing it. How would you have addressed the antenna issue? Would you have preferred a less drastic departure from the 3GS form factor? Would you have offered more colors than white and black? Thrown in Bluetooth 3.0 for kicks? Go ahead, the floor's yours -- just don't abuse it, cool?

How would you change Apple's iPhone 4? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueantennagateAntennaIssueappleapple iphoneapple iphone 4AppleIphoneAppleIphone4attfeaturesfixHow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwyciosios 4Ios4iphoneiPhone 4Iphone4problemproblemsreceptionreception issueReceptionIssuesmartphoneFri, 27 Aug 2010 22:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola takes another shot at the iPhone 4, says Droid X is 'no jacket required']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/motorola-takes-another-shot-at-the-iphone-4-says-droid-x-is-no/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/motorola-takes-another-shot-at-the-iphone-4-says-droid-x-is-no/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/motorola-takes-another-shot-at-the-iphone-4-says-droid-x-is-no/#comments Well this is getting good. Motorola was one of the first to take a subtle swipe at Apple's iPhone 4 antenna dilemma with an ad saying you could hold the Droid X "any way you like," Apple came right back with a video purportedly showing the Droid X suffering similar attenuation issues when held in the right hand, and now Moto's responded with this cheeky ad that plays off Apple's free iPhone case solution by saying the Droid X can make calls "without a bulky phone jacket." Yeah, it's pretty good -- particularly because unlike most other phones, we haven't been able to death grip the Droid X with any noticeable effect on 3G reception. (Although, truth be told, we can drop the WiFi signal by a few bars pretty easily.) Either way, we're certainly enjoying this little slice of swagger from Moto -- check a larger version after the break.

Continue reading Motorola takes another shot at the iPhone 4, says Droid X is 'no jacket required'

Motorola takes another shot at the iPhone 4, says Droid X is 'no jacket required' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingantennaantennagateappledroiddroid xDroidXiphone 4Iphone4motorolano jacket requiredNoJacketRequiredreceptionWed, 28 Jul 2010 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy to offer free invisibleSHIELD 4fix to aggravated iPhone 4 owners]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/best-buy-to-offer-free-invisibleshield-4fix-to-aggravated-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/best-buy-to-offer-free-invisibleshield-4fix-to-aggravated-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/best-buy-to-offer-free-invisibleshield-4fix-to-aggravated-iphone/#comments It's hard to say for certain what exactly this flyer means, but it sure looks as if at least some iPhone 4 owners will be able to snatch a free invisibleSHIELD 4fix (valued at $9.99 or so) from their local Best Buy. Based on a number of tips that we've received, we're getting the impression that the yellow-tagged retailer could be handing out (and installing) completely free side coverings for any iPhone 4 owner that waltzes into a store, presumably as a proactive measure to fend off returns or to upsell consumers on an entire invisibleSHIELD / separate case. Nothing about this notice makes clear that you actually have to buy your iPhone 4 from Best Buy in order to take advantage, but we probably wouldn't waste a lunch break giving this a go without a verbal confirmation from your local store manager. Until it's made official, of course.

Update: We've heard from another tipster that the deal is indeed legitimate, and it's for any human with an iPhone 4, not just those who purchased their phone from Best Buy. We'd recommend calling your local store to double check, but things are looking up.

Update 2: Ah, so we've finally received the full skinny from another tipster. The offer only applies to those who purchased their iPhone 4 from Best Buy / Best Buy Mobile or for Best Buy Reward Zone members. Granted, it's pretty easy to sign up for the aforementioned reward program, but those are the stipulations. The official BB name for the product you'll be getting is the Zagg SideShield, which would cost you $9.99 otherwise.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Gallery: Best Buy's free invisibleSHIELD 4fix for iPhone 4 offer

Continue reading Best Buy to offer free invisibleSHIELD 4fix to aggravated iPhone 4 owners

Best Buy to offer free invisibleSHIELD 4fix to aggravated iPhone 4 owners originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueantennagateAntennaIssueappleapple iphone 4AppleIphone4Best BuyBestBuycaseexclusiveinvisible SHIELDinvisibleSHIELDinvisibleSHIELD 4fixInvisibleshield4fixiphoneiphone 4Iphone4reception issuereception issuesReceptionIssueReceptionIssuesSideShieldzaggWed, 28 Jul 2010 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: Of guiltlessness and giveaways]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/24/switched-on-of-guiltlessness-and-giveaways/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/24/switched-on-of-guiltlessness-and-giveaways/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/24/switched-on-of-guiltlessness-and-giveaways/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Beyond an opportunity for a lucky few to visit the surreal and sophisticated wireless testing labs buried deep within the Apple campus, the Steve Jobs "Antennagate" press conference had few surprises in terms of using a tool at Apple's disposal -- its own Bumpers (augmented by those of third parties) -- to address a vulnerability of the iPhone 4 antenna design. The difference between the iPhone 4 and other devices is the clear marking of the spot at which physical contact causes the signal to degrade. Optimists could consider this a visual reminder to avoid contact while pessimists could see a constant reminder of imperfection. Regardless, at its press conference, Apple added - and continues to add -- visual verification of its assertion that multiple handsets (or at least smartphones) can fall victim to a strategic grasp.

Beyond that, the only muted revelation of the day was that AT&T is reporting that the iPhone 4 is monitoring dropped calls on the iPhone 4 at a rate ever so slightly above that of the 3GS. However, the 3GS did not have a reputation for being particularly tenacious at holding on to a call. Indeed, were it not for all the heat the previous iPhone took at AT&T, perhaps Apple would not have had to push for so radical an antenna redesign. Therefore, it would have been interesting to know how the iPhone 4 compared to the AT&T smartphone average (skewed as it is to iPhones anyway), especially given the earlier Apple demonstration of how other smartphones can suffer from attenuation.

Continue reading Switched On: Of guiltlessness and giveaways

Switched On: Of guiltlessness and giveaways originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna gateAntennaGateapplecolumncolumnsiphoneiphone 4Iphone4switched onSwitchedOnSat, 24 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple starts refunding Bumper purchases automagically]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/apple-starts-refunding-bumper-purchases-automatically/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/apple-starts-refunding-bumper-purchases-automatically/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/23/apple-starts-refunding-bumper-purchases-automatically/#comments Automatic refunds, or so the email says. We've been on the receiving end of a deluge of tips this morning pointing out that Apple has begun funneling cash back into its users' pockets -- a most unusual event, to be sure -- to live up to its retroactive promise of free Bumpers for all (who buy their iPhone 4 before September 30). If the particular wording is to be trusted, that should mean that even those who haven't yet bothered to put in a claim, but did purchase a Bumper, will find themselves enriched in due course. Apple estimates this bandaid solution to its antenna problems will cost $175 million in real cash money, but we suspect the biggest price to pay will be in the form of pride and reputation.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Apple starts refunding Bumper purchases automagically originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueappleapple refundAppleRefundbumperbumperscasecasesfreeiphoneiphone 4Iphone4refundFri, 23 Jul 2010 01:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple shows Nokia's N97 Mini can be force choked, too (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/apple-shows-nokias-n97-mini-can-be-force-choked-too-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/apple-shows-nokias-n97-mini-can-be-force-choked-too-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/apple-shows-nokias-n97-mini-can-be-force-choked-too-video/#comments Nokia claims it always prioritizes antenna performance over physical design, and we'll take them at their word, but that apparently didn't exempt one Espoo handset from Apple's grip of doom. Here's the Nokia N97 Mini going down for the count, from a full seven bars to two. Of course, Apple doesn't mention whether calls or data drop when the handset's held this way. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Lyndon W.]

Continue reading Apple shows Nokia's N97 Mini can be force choked, too (video)

Apple shows Nokia's N97 Mini can be force choked, too (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantennagateAppledesigniPhone 4Iphone4NokiaperformancereceptionrfsignalwirelessTue, 20 Jul 2010 23:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Antenna-aid bandages your iPhone 4 reception issue, hopes for role in next Eminem video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/antenna-aid-bandages-your-iphone-4-reception-issue-hopes-for-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/antenna-aid-bandages-your-iphone-4-reception-issue-hopes-for-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/antenna-aid-bandages-your-iphone-4-reception-issue-hopes-for-ro/#comments Oh, Steve -- you should've known better. You show up and remove a laptop from a manila envelope, and Earth's most creative go and create a case fashioned out of one. You go and suggest that Eminem could "come out with a band-aid that goes over the corner" of your controversial iPhone 4, and well... this happens. You could wait for a free case, or you could buy six of these Antenna-aids for five bucks. The choice is obvious.

Antenna-aid bandages your iPhone 4 reception issue, hopes for role in next Eminem video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntenna-aidantennagateAntennaIssueappleapple iphoneapple iphone 4AppleIphoneAppleIphone4band aidband-aidBandAidcomedycoveragefunnyhilariousiphoneiphone 4Iphone4receptionTue, 20 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung joins the crowd, rejects Apple's Omnia 2 antenna claims]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/samsung-joins-the-crowd-rejects-apples-omnia-2-antenna-claims/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/samsung-joins-the-crowd-rejects-apples-omnia-2-antenna-claims/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/samsung-joins-the-crowd-rejects-apples-omnia-2-antenna-claims/#commentsSamsung joins the crowd, rejects Apple's Omnia 2 antenna claims RIM and Nokia aren't the only ones saying "WTF Steve!?" after last Friday's press conference attempted to draw the competition into the Antennagate saga. Samsung has issued its own choice reaction about supposed problems with the Omnia 2, though this one is somewhat less sternly worded than the others:
The antenna is located at the bottom of the Omnia 2 phone, while iPhone's antenna is on the lower left side of the device. Our design keeps the distance between a hand and an antenna. We have fully conducted field tests before the rollout of smartphones. Reception problems have not happened so far, and there is no room for such problems to happen in the future.
Why is Samsung being rather more polite? Because it's full of really nice people? Or, is it because the iPhone 4 is stuffed with Samsung memory chips? We'll let your level of cynicism be your guide here.

Samsung joins the crowd, rejects Apple's Omnia 2 antenna claims originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueantennagateAntennaIssueappleiphoneiphone 4Iphone4omnia 2Omnia2samsungstatementsteve jobsSteveJobsTue, 20 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC fires back at Apple antenna demo with percentage pew-pew]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/17/htc-fires-back-at-apple-antenna-demo-with-percentage-pew-pew/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/17/htc-fires-back-at-apple-antenna-demo-with-percentage-pew-pew/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/17/htc-fires-back-at-apple-antenna-demo-with-percentage-pew-pew/#comments Apple's Friday press conference may have left a bad taste in some rival handset manufacturer's mouths, but not all of them are taking Cupertino's derision of their devices seriously -- HTC's Droid Eris was arguably the most affected by the grip of doom, its bars dropping to zilch when held, but the Taiwanese company's keeping any controversial opinions to itself for now. Instead, it's sharing a simple percentage to help clear the air. Whereas Apple claimed over 0.55 percent of customers called AppleCare with reception-related complaints, HTC's Eric Lin told Pocket-lint the Droid Eris technical support rate was 0.016 percent, nearly thirty-four times lower -- though even with a seven-month head start, we have to wonder if the Eris sold close to three million by the time Verizon brought the axe down.

HTC fires back at Apple antenna demo with percentage pew-pew originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueantennagateAntennaIssueAppledesignDroidHTCHTC Droid ErisHtcDroidErisiPhone 4Iphone4receptionsignalVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessVZWSat, 17 Jul 2010 20:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Inside Apple's 'black lab' wireless testing facilities (update: video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/inside-apples-black-lab-wireless-testing-facilities/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/inside-apples-black-lab-wireless-testing-facilities/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/inside-apples-black-lab-wireless-testing-facilities/#comments It's not surprising that after Apple finished explaining the iPhone 4 antenna issues to the press today, the company wanted to go one step further and say "yes, actually, we do test the hell out of these phones before we release them to the public." Though Steve Jobs went over the lengthy and intensive kinds of radio evaluation that goes on at Apple's headquarters, it didn't seem to be enough for the folks in Cupertino. And that, we suspect, is why we were invited (along with a small group of other journalists) to take a brief tour of Apple's Infinite Loop labs. Though we weren't allowed to shoot video or take pictures, we can tell you about what we did -- and what we didn't -- see and hear behind closed doors.

Continue reading Inside Apple's 'black lab' wireless testing facilities (update: video)

Inside Apple's 'black lab' wireless testing facilities (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaappleapple black labapple iphoneapple iphone 4apple labapple labsapple testing facilitiesAppleBlackLabAppleIphoneAppleIphone4AppleLabAppleLabsAppleTestingFacilitiesblack labblack labsBlackLabBlackLabsiphoneiphone 4iphone 4 receptionIphone4Iphone4ReceptionlaboratorieslaboratorylabsreceptiontourvideowirelessFri, 16 Jul 2010 23:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple affirms: no software fix for iPhone 4 antenna issue]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-affirms-no-software-fix-for-iphone-4-antenna-issue/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-affirms-no-software-fix-for-iphone-4-antenna-issue/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-affirms-no-software-fix-for-iphone-4-antenna-issue/#comments In case it wasn't obvious enough from Apple's agitated response to our question during today's iPhone 4 Q&A session in Cupertino, there's no software fix in the pipeline for the antenna issues that are plaguing users today. A prior report in the New York Times seemed fairly confident that the troubles could (and would) be solved in the near term by a simple software update, but the company's own Scott Forstall called said report "patently false." So, there you have it -- the only thing that'll be fixed via software is how big your smallest bar of signal is. Beyond that, you'll need to grab some Duct tape, a free case or a white glove if you're looking to avoid attenuation entirely.

Apple affirms: no software fix for iPhone 4 antenna issue originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueantennagateAntennaIssueappleapple iphoneapple iphone 4AppleIphoneAppleIphone4debunkiosios 4Ios4iphoneiphone 4Iphone4issueproblemScott ForstallScottForstallsmartphonesoftwareupdateFri, 16 Jul 2010 17:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia: 'we prioritize antenna performance over physical design if they are ever in conflict']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/nokia-we-prioritize-antenna-performance-over-physical-design-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/nokia-we-prioritize-antenna-performance-over-physical-design-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/nokia-we-prioritize-antenna-performance-over-physical-design-i/#comments Nokia's looking to ride the mojo of any negative fallout from today's Apple press conference, slipping out a rather fascinating statement this afternoon. The gist of it is that Espoo's keen on letting everyone know how much blood, sweat, and tears they've poured into perfecting their antenna design strategy over the years, going so far as to say that they "prioritize" it over the physical design of the phone if they need to in order to optimize its call performance -- an opinion moderately different from the "we want to have our cake and eat it too" philosophy espoused by Jobs today. In closing, Nokia acknowledges that a "tight grip" can mess with the performance, though they say they've done a bunch of research on the ways their phones are typically held so that the antennas are placed optimally. Interestingly, there was a stink not long ago about the severe signal degradation some E71 users were seeing when they placed their hands on the lower rear of the phone -- but you can't win 'em all, we suppose. Follow the break for the full statement.

Continue reading Nokia: 'we prioritize antenna performance over physical design if they are ever in conflict'

Nokia: 'we prioritize antenna performance over physical design if they are ever in conflict' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaappledesigniphoneiphone 4Iphone4nokiaperformancereceptionrfsignalFri, 16 Jul 2010 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple posts iPhone 4 press conference video, 'smartphone antenna performance' page]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-posts-iphone-4-press-conference-video-smartphone-antenna/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-posts-iphone-4-press-conference-video-smartphone-antenna/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-posts-iphone-4-press-conference-video-smartphone-antenna/#comments
Well, that was quick. Not only has Apple already posted the complete video of today's iPhone 4 presser (minus the Q&A), but it's also put up a special "smartphone antenna performance" page that offers pictures and videos aplenty of the antenna comparisons shown during the press conference. And you didn't think today could get any weirder. Hit up the links below to see for yourself.

Update: We've embedded videos just after the jump of Apple's gamut of antenna tests. The iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, Samsung Omnia II, BlackBerry Bold 9700 and HTC Droid Eris are represented.

Continue reading Apple posts iPhone 4 press conference video, 'smartphone antenna performance' page

Apple posts iPhone 4 press conference video, 'smartphone antenna performance' page originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantennasappleiphoneiphone 4iphone 4 press conferenceIphone4Iphone4PressConferencepress conferecePressConferecesmartphone anetenna performaceSmartphoneAnetennaPerformacevideoFri, 16 Jul 2010 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple to give away free cases to iPhone 4 users]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-to-give-away-free-bumpers-to-iphone-4-users/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-to-give-away-free-bumpers-to-iphone-4-users/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-to-give-away-free-bumpers-to-iphone-4-users/#comments Apple's not really ready to say it's sorry about the iPhone 4 antenna design, but it is willing to give all you darn squeaky wheels free cases for your trouble. Since Apple can't build its own Bumpers fast enough, it will give you a few options and let you decide, then send it your way for free as long as you purchased the phone before September 30th. Not good enough for you? Well, if you already bought a bumper from Apple you'll get a refund, and you can also return your phone for a full refund within 30 days as long as it's unharmed.

This solution comes at the end of 22 days of Apple engineers "working their butts off," according to Steve, with "physics" ultimately being pinned as the main culprit. Apple claims you can replicate the left-handed "death grip" bar-dropping problem on the BlackBerry Bold 9700, HTC Droid Eris, and Samsung Omnia II, and that "phones aren't perfect." Steve also claims that only 0.55% of people who bought the iPhone 4 have called into AppleCare to complain about the antenna, and the phone has a 1.7% return rate at AT&T, compared to 6% with the 3GS, though he would cop to a slight increase in dropped calls over the iPhone 3GS. For this Steve has what he confesses to be a pet theory: that 3GS users were using the case they had from the 3G, and therefore weren't met with the horrible reality of a naked, call dropping handset. Hence the free case solution, which will probably satisfy some, infuriate others, and never even blip onto the radar of many of the massive horde of consumers that's devoured this product in unprecedented numbers.

Update: Our own Richard Lai just waltzed down to the Regent Street Apple Store in London with his iPhone Bumper receipt in hand. A few minutes later he left with cold, hard cash, and kept the Bumper to boot. Seems as if the refund effort is a go, at least over in the UK.

Update 2: We've heard from several tipsters saying Apple no longer does Bumper refunds at its stores; customers will now have to make an online claim instead. Looks like we got super lucky.

Apple to give away free cases to iPhone 4 users originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueapplebreaking newsBreakingNewsbumperscasesiphoneiphone 4iphone 4 antennaiphone 4 bumpersiphone 4 caseiphone 4 casesIphone4Iphone4AntennaIphone4BumpersIphone4CaseIphone4CasesFri, 16 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from Apple's iPhone 4 press conference]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/live-from-apples-iphone-4-press-conference/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/live-from-apples-iphone-4-press-conference/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/live-from-apples-iphone-4-press-conference/#comments
The event is set to start at the times below -- so get ready!

07:00AM - Hawaii
10:00AM - Pacific
11:00AM - Mountain
12:00PM - Central
01:00PM - Eastern
06:00PM - London
07:00PM - Paris
09:00PM - Moscow
02:00AM - Tokyo (July 17th)

Continue reading Live from Apple's iPhone 4 press conference

Live from Apple's iPhone 4 press conference originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issuesAntennaIssuesappleapple iphoneapple iphone 4AppleIphoneAppleIphone4iphoneiphone 4iphone antennaiphone receptionIphone4IphoneAntennaIphoneReceptionliveliveblogreceptionreception issuesReceptionIssuessteve jobsSteveJobsFri, 16 Jul 2010 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple: iPhone 4 drops 'less than one additional call per 100 than the 3GS']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-iphone-4-drops-less-than-one-additional-call-per-100-tha/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-iphone-4-drops-less-than-one-additional-call-per-100-tha/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/apple-iphone-4-drops-less-than-one-additional-call-per-100-tha/#comments It's fairly obvious that the howls around the web for Apple to address this antenna issue has gotten underneath the skin of one Steve Jobs, and in a fashion that's very much unlike Apple (or AT&T, for that matter), the aforesaid CEO has actually handed out a bit of hard data surrounding dropped calls on the iPhone 4. According to Jobs, AT&T won't reveal the exact amount of call drops for competitive reasons, but they did manage to push out a meaningful delta. As of today, they've noticed that the "iPhone 4 drops less than one additional call per 100 than the 3GS." In other words, the iPhone 4 has actually been dropping more calls than the 3GS in the three weeks that the former has been on the market. Of course, Steve's also playing up the fact that just a fraction of a percent of all buyers have bothered to call in about their bout with dropped calls (and why would you, knowing there's no cure?), but it's still interesting to finally get some cold, hard facts on this disaster. Even if it's but a snippet.

Apple: iPhone 4 drops 'less than one additional call per 100 than the 3GS' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueAppleattcallcallingdroppeddropped callsDroppedCallsios 4Ios4iphoneiphone 4Iphone4returnreturn rateReturnRatesmartphoneFri, 16 Jul 2010 12:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: we're live from Apple's iPhone 4 press conference tomorrow, 10AM PT / 1PM ET!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/reminder-were-live-from-apples-iphone-4-press-conference-tomo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/reminder-were-live-from-apples-iphone-4-press-conference-tomo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/reminder-were-live-from-apples-iphone-4-press-conference-tomo/#comments Apple's been pretty vague about what's going to go down tomorrow at the press conference it's holding in Cupertino, but we're going to be there live, covering whatever it is they have in store for us. We have a feeling it'll have at least something to do with that antenna issue you may or may not have heard about, so strap yourself into your seat, grab an orange soda, and keep it parked right at Engadget for the best, up-to-the-minute live coverage on the internet.

Here's the URL to check in to tomorrow to see the action as it happens, and here's what time you'll need to show up:

07:00AM - Hawaii
10:00AM - Pacific
11:00AM - Mountain
12:00PM - Central
01:00PM - Eastern
06:00PM - London
07:00PM - Paris
09:00PM - Moscow
02:00AM - Tokyo (July 17th)

Reminder: we're live from Apple's iPhone 4 press conference tomorrow, 10AM PT / 1PM ET! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna problemAntennaProblemappleiphoneiphone 4Iphone4issuepress conferencePressConferencesteve jobsSteveJobsThu, 15 Jul 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Senator Chuck Schumer writes open letter to Steve Jobs, world is officially doomed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/senator-chuck-schumer-writes-open-letter-to-steve-jobs-world-is/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/senator-chuck-schumer-writes-open-letter-to-steve-jobs-world-is/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/senator-chuck-schumer-writes-open-letter-to-steve-jobs-world-is/#comments Look, we get it. There's a problem with the iPhone's antenna. But was the open letter to Jobs calling for a "clearly written explanation of the cause of the reception problem" and a "public commitment to remedy it free-of-charge" really necessary? What, you don't have better things to do? The full press release (and the Senator's letter) is after the break.

Continue reading Senator Chuck Schumer writes open letter to Steve Jobs, world is officially doomed

Senator Chuck Schumer writes open letter to Steve Jobs, world is officially doomed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaapplecellphonecellphonescharles schumerCharlesSchumerchuck schumerChuckSchumergovernmentinsaneiphoneiphone 4Iphone4letterlettersphonesenatesentaorusThu, 15 Jul 2010 15:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Bloomberg: Apple engineer was concerned about iPhone 4 antenna early on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/bloomberg-apple-antenna-engineer-was-concerned-about-iphone-4-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/bloomberg-apple-antenna-engineer-was-concerned-about-iphone-4-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/bloomberg-apple-antenna-engineer-was-concerned-about-iphone-4-a/#comments As if we needed any more drama in this situation, Bloomberg has someone "familiar with the matter" that claims Apple's own antenna expert, Ruben Caballero, told Apple management that the iPhone 4 antenna design could cause reception problems, dropped calls, and a serious engineering challenge. Caballero is a senior engineer for Apple with a large quantity of antenna patents under his belt, and while we certainly don't know the whole story -- perhaps his claims were somehow quelled by Apple's own testing -- it certainly adds a twist to this story if Steve Jobs and co. had been alerted to this very real problem during the design phase. The Bloomberg article also claims, from a different source, no less, that a carrier partner also raised antenna concerns before the release. Apple and Caballero naturally did not comment on this report. We're not really sure about the real-world implications of all this behind-the-scenes drama, but we suppose we'll see what Apple has to say for itself tomorrow.

Bloomberg: Apple engineer was concerned about iPhone 4 antenna early on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueapplebloombergiphoneiphone 4Iphone4Ruben CaballeroRubenCaballeroThu, 15 Jul 2010 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple to hold iPhone 4 press conference this Friday]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/apple-to-hold-press-conference-on-iphone-4-this-friday/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/apple-to-hold-press-conference-on-iphone-4-this-friday/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/apple-to-hold-press-conference-on-iphone-4-this-friday/#comments Headline says it all folks. Obviously the company is going to be getting out in front of this antenna drama (finally). We've been invited and we'll be there, reporting live! It all happens at 10AM PT, Friday the 16th.

 If you haven't caught up on the story (and if that's the case, where have you been?), here's a little background on the issue in reverse chronological order:

Yes, the iPhone 4 is broken / No, the iPhone 4 is not broken
Consumer Reports confirms iPhone 4 antenna problems -- and so do we
Apple: iPhone 4 reception problem is a software issue, fix coming in 'a few weeks'
 iPhone 4's antenna problem looks worse than it is, but it's still bad
Apple hiring iPhone antenna engineers for some reason
Apple telling reps to smooth over iPhone 4 reception complaints, not to offer free bumpers?
iPhone 4 antenna woes contextualized by dude in the know
The Jimmy Fallon Test: is the iPhone 4 dropping fewer calls?
Hey Apple, you're holding it wrong
Apple responds to iPhone 4 reception issues: you're holding the phone the wrong way

Apple to hold iPhone 4 press conference this Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issuesAntennaIssuesapplebreaking newsBreakingNewscupertinoiphoneiphone 4iphone 4 antennaIphone4Iphone4Antennapress conferencePressConferencereceptionreception issuesReceptionIssuesWed, 14 Jul 2010 20:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Yes, the iPhone 4 is broken / No, the iPhone 4 is not broken]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/yes-the-iphone-4-is-broken-no-the-iphone-4-is-not-broken/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/yes-the-iphone-4-is-broken-no-the-iphone-4-is-not-broken/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/13/yes-the-iphone-4-is-broken-no-the-iphone-4-is-not-broken/#comments The controversy over the iPhone 4's antenna issues continues to grow, particularly after Consumer Reports confirmed yesterday that every iPhone 4 suffers from signal attenuation when the phone is held with the lower left corner covered -- a report that we confirmed with results from our own custom signal metering app. At this point, there's no longer any question in our minds that the iPhone 4's antenna can be made to lose signal by holding it "wrong" -- and we definitely think it's more than a little silly that simply holding the phone in your left hand has been nicknamed the "death grip."

That said, however, it's not at all clear what the real-world effects of the antenna issue actually are for most people -- as we've repeatedly said, several iPhone 4s owned by the Engadget staff (including our review unit) have never experienced so much as a single dropped call, while others suffer from signal issues that results in lost calls and unresponsive data in a dramatic way. What's more, at this point Apple's sold well over two million iPhone 4s, and we simply haven't heard the sort of outcry from users that we'd normally hear if a product this high-profile and this popular had a showstopping defect. Honestly, it's puzzling -- we know that the phone has an antenna-related problem, but we're simply not able to say what that issue actually means for everyday users.

So we're doing what we can do: we've collected reports from every member of the Engadget staff who's using the phone, as well as reached out to a variety of tech industry colleagues for their experiences. As you'll see, most of our peers seem to be doing perfectly fine with their iPhone 4s, but the people who are having problems are having maddening issues in an inconsistent way. We'd say it all comes down to the network -- particularly in New York City, where AT&T just completed a major upgrade -- but even that isn't a consistent factor in predicting experience. Ultimately, we just won't know what's really going on until Apple comes clean and addresses this issue (and the growing PR nightmare it's become), but for now we can say with some certainty that not everyone is affected, and those that are seem to be in the minority. Read on for the full report.

Continue reading Yes, the iPhone 4 is broken / No, the iPhone 4 is not broken

Yes, the iPhone 4 is broken / No, the iPhone 4 is not broken originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueapplefield reportFieldReportiphoneiphone 4Iphone4reportTue, 13 Jul 2010 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple deleting mentions of Consumer Reports' iPhone 4 piece on forums, can't delete your thoughts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/apple-deleting-mentions-of-consumer-reports-iphone-4-piece-on-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/apple-deleting-mentions-of-consumer-reports-iphone-4-piece-on-f/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/apple-deleting-mentions-of-consumer-reports-iphone-4-piece-on-f/#comments ...or can they? In case Apple has somehow managed to perfect the art of selective disremembrance across a wide population, here's a refresher: Consumer Reports has thrown down the gauntlet, stating that it "can't recommend" the iPhone 4 until the antenna issues are fixed, issues that its labs and ours have verified quite substantially. Apple apparently isn't happy about that, and has taken to deleting threads about the Consumer Reports article from its support forums. Now, Apple deleting threads from its support forums is nothing new; outside of "regular" moderation, the company routinely deletes discussion of hardware flaws that it's not ready to 'fess up to, or just generally negative lines of thought about its products. Good thing the internet's a big place, and if Apple's not going to admit the antenna issue, there are plenty of ways to gripe about it. Feel free to express yourself in the comments below, for instance!

Apple deleting mentions of Consumer Reports' iPhone 4 piece on forums, can't delete your thoughts originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueappleconsumer reportsConsumerReportsiphoneiphone 4Iphone4Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Reports confirms iPhone 4 antenna problems -- and so do we]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/consumer-reports-confirms-iphone-4-antenna-problems-and-so-do/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/consumer-reports-confirms-iphone-4-antenna-problems-and-so-do/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/consumer-reports-confirms-iphone-4-antenna-problems-and-so-do/#comments Although there's never been any question that there's something going on with the iPhone 4's fancy new antenna system, we really haven't seen any rigorous testing confirming that the issue is real, severe, and affects every phone. That just changed: Consumer Reports tested three iPhone 4s and several other AT&T phones in their RF isolation chamber that simulates varying levels of signal from every carrier, and found that the iPhone 4 was the only handset to suffer signal-loss issues. What's more, CR directly says that its findings call Apple's explanation of a miscalculated signal meter into question since the tests "indicate that AT&T's network might not be the primary suspect." CR found that simply putting duct tape over the bottom-left corner is enough to alleviate the issue -- we're guessing that's Jony Ive's worst nightmare -- and says that while the iPhone 4 has the "sharpest display and best video camera" of any phone it's tested, it simply can't recommend the device until Apple comes up with a permanent and free fix to the antenna problem. Ouch.

Of course, we couldn't sit around waiting for someone else to test the iPhone 4 in a more controlled way, so we actually asked our good friend Erica Sadun from TUAW to write us a bespoke signal strength app for iOS 4. Obviously we couldn't submit it to the App Store, but we've been running it on all of our phones here at Engadget and we can independently confirm Consumer Reports' finding that there's a serious signal attenuation issue with the iPhone 4's antenna -- every phone we've tested displays dropped signal when held with the bottom left corner covered. Now, what we don't know is whether that signal attenuation consistently affects call quality and data rates, which we suspect is more directly related to the network in the area; some of our iPhone 4s drop calls and experience low data rates with alarming frequency, while others -- like our review unit -- have almost never dropped a call and have had no data problems. However, now that we've confirmed and clarified that the antenna issue affects every iPhone 4, we can take on the next step, which is sorting out exactly when and where the issue is most severe. Either that, or Apple can do something to actually fix the issue -- we'll just have to wait and see. For now, check our app in action after the break.

Update: To clarify, "here at Engadget" is a virtual location -- our iPhone 4s are actually located across the country in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, and we saw the app respond that way regardless of location. Dropped calls and other effects weren't as consistent, however, and we're still testing to sort out when the effects of the antenna issue are the most severe.

Continue reading Consumer Reports confirms iPhone 4 antenna problems -- and so do we

Consumer Reports confirms iPhone 4 antenna problems -- and so do we originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueappleconsumer reportsConsumerReportsiphoneiphone 4Iphone4signalsignal strengthsignal strenth issuesSignalStrengthSignalStrenthIssuesvideoMon, 12 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Element Case, Ivyskin out iPhone 4 cases specifically to deal with reception issues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/element-case-ivyskin-out-iphone-4-cases-specifically-to-deal-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/element-case-ivyskin-out-iphone-4-cases-specifically-to-deal-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/element-case-ivyskin-out-iphone-4-cases-specifically-to-deal-wi/#comments Can't find an official iPhone 4 bumper? Driving yourself mad trying to give your new smartphone white glove treatment? Fret not, as a couple of case makers have outed new iPhone 4 clothing that's meant to specifically dodge those naughty reception issues that seem to occur whenever your sweaty palm makes contact with that now infamous metal band. Element Case -- the same folks responsible for the downright lust-worthy Joule stand for iPad -- has just revealed their first iPhone 4 case, the Vapor (shown above). The company claims that its $79.95 enclosure provides an aircraft-grade, CNC'd aluminum frame lined with a shock-absorbent material, the latter of which "addresses iPhone 4 reception issues caused by direct hand to phone cradling." For now, it's up for pre-order (shipments are expected to start next week) in black / black and black / pink, with more colors to become available in the future. As for Ivyskin? It's stepping things up even further by naming its product the "iPhone 4 Reception Case." No need for subtly, we see. Hailed as the "world's thinnest polycarbonate shell" for Apple's latest iDevice, this here sleeve is the one to get if you're look to minimize added bulk and not cover up any of Cupertino's design cues. Best of all, this one retails for just $14.99 and ships with both front and back scratch-free body armors. Crazy that it has come to this, you know?

Update: We're seeing reports that Ivyskin is charging but not shipping its case. Buyer beware.

Gallery: Element Case Vapor, Formula and Ion + Ivyskin iPhone 4 cases

Continue reading Element Case, Ivyskin out iPhone 4 cases specifically to deal with reception issues

Element Case, Ivyskin out iPhone 4 cases specifically to deal with reception issues originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaappleelementelement caseElementCaseiphoneiphone 4iphone 4 caseiphone accessoryiphone caseIphone4Iphone4CaseIphoneAccessoryIphoneCaseivyskinproblemreceptionreception issueReceptionIssuevaporWed, 07 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple PR says recent Steve Jobs emails are fake]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/apple-pr-says-recent-steve-jobs-emails-are-fake/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/apple-pr-says-recent-steve-jobs-emails-are-fake/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/01/apple-pr-says-recent-steve-jobs-emails-are-fake/#comments If you've been anywhere near the internet in the past few hours, you've undoubtedly heard about a Steve Jobs email conversation in which he told an angry iPhone customer to "calm down" and that the iPhone 4 was "just a phone." That email chain, which was published on Boy Genius Report earlier, was also reportedly shopped to AppleInsider a few days ago -- for a price. Well, now Fortune is reporting that they've been told by a "a top Apple spokesman" that the emails are fake, and the exchange never happened. Of course, emails are notoriously easy to fake, and Apple has not been in the habit of commenting on its CEO's online wanderings, so our ears pricked up when we saw this article. We've reached out to Apple and they have independently confirmed to us that the conversation is indeed a hoax. So as usual, take all of these Jobs-uncensored dialogues with a healthy grain of salt.

Apple PR says recent Steve Jobs emails are fake originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaappleapple iphone 4AppleIphone4emailemail exchangeEmailExchangeemailsiphoneiphone 4Iphone4jobsreceptionsteve jobssteve jobs emailsSteveJobsSteveJobsEmailsThu, 01 Jul 2010 19:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Droid X ad pokes fun at iPhone 4 antenna troubles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/droid-x-ad-pokes-fun-at-iphone-4-antenna-troubles/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/droid-x-ad-pokes-fun-at-iphone-4-antenna-troubles/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/droid-x-ad-pokes-fun-at-iphone-4-antenna-troubles/#comments The world of corporate cheap shots has today been enriched in its number with one supersized ad for one supersized phone. BGR reports that Motorola took out a full-page spread in the New York Times on this final day of June, which was ostensibly dedicated to promoting the positives of its mighty Droid X. But Moto has also followed in the footsteps of Nokia in making a not so subtle jab at the latest king of the smartphone realm. According to the ad, one of the most important things about the Droid X is that:
"It comes with a double antenna design. The kind that allows you to hold the phone any way you like and use it just about anywhere to make crystal clear calls."
Glad we got that established -- next Moto will be telling us the alarm clock on its phones works just fine too. Skip past the break for the untrimmed ad.

Continue reading Droid X ad pokes fun at iPhone 4 antenna troubles

Droid X ad pokes fun at iPhone 4 antenna troubles originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertadvertisingantennaantenna issueantennaeAntennaIssueappledroiddroid xDroidXiphoneiphone 4Iphone4mockmockerymockingmotomotorolamotorola droid xMotorolaDroidXnew york timesNewYorkTimesproblemreceptionWed, 30 Jun 2010 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4's antenna problem looks worse than it is, but it's still bad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/iphone-4s-antenna-problem-looks-worse-than-it-is-but-its-stil/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/iphone-4s-antenna-problem-looks-worse-than-it-is-but-its-stil/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/iphone-4s-antenna-problem-looks-worse-than-it-is-but-its-stil/#comments The iPhone 4's antenna issues have sparked off a firestorm of debate as to the root cause -- Apple says holding the phone differently or buying a case are the best answers, while other are going down a more voodoo path -- but our friends at AnandTech have done some more scientific testing of the problem and come up with a few interesting results. Turns out the iPhone 4 actually performs slightly better inside a case than a phone like the Nexus One, which has had similar issues crop up, but it's slightly worse when held in the hand, reporting an average signal drop of 20dB. Here's where it gets a little wacky, though: the signal meter in iOS 4 is logarithmic, so that 20dB drop can either leave you looking steady at five bars or drop you all the way to zero, depending on what the actual signal level in the area is like. Take a look at the chart above and you'll get it: the range of values between one bar and four spans just 23dB, while the range for five bars is 40dB. That means holding the phone in an area with a strong five-bar signal will have no apparent effect -- you can lose 20dB at full signal and still see five bars -- but holding the phone in an area with weaker coverage will easily drop the meter to one bar, since the 20dB signal drop covers almost the entirety of the remaining 23dB scale. Oops.

Of course, that's just the on-screen display, which Apple can and likely will tweak in a future iOS update. The real question is whether the reported signal has anything to do with performance, and Anandtech agrees with our general experience, saying that the iPhone 4's improved signal to noise ratio means it actually does a better job of hanging onto calls and using data when there's low signal than the iPhone 3GS. In their words, "this iPhone gets the best cellular reception yet, even though measured signal is lower than the 3GS." However, there's no getting around the fact that we've definitely dropped a couple calls with the iPhone 4 by holding it the wrong way, and Anandtech says the only real solution to the antenna issue will be for Apple to either subsidize free bumpers or add an insulative coating to the antenna band. We'll see what happens -- we've got a feeling an iOS update is on the way, but we'd definitely love to see Apple pursue a more aggressive solution to this problem.

iPhone 4's antenna problem looks worse than it is, but it's still bad originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna problemsAntennaProblemsapplebugbugsiphoneiphone 4Iphone4problemreceptionsignalsignal strengthSignalStrengthWed, 30 Jun 2010 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple hiring iPhone antenna engineers for some reason]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/apple-hiring-iphone-antenna-engineers-for-some-reason/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/apple-hiring-iphone-antenna-engineers-for-some-reason/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/apple-hiring-iphone-antenna-engineers-for-some-reason/#comments Three Apple job postings for iPhone / iPad antenna engineers to "Define and implement antenna system architecture to optimize the radiation performance for wireless portable devices." All three were posted on June 23rd, the same day that we started seeing widespread reporting of the left-handed reception issues. Coincidence?

[Thanks, Abe]

Apple hiring iPhone antenna engineers for some reason originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaappledropped callsDroppedCallshiringiphoneiphone 4Iphone4jobjob openingsjob vacanciesJobOpeningsJobVacanciesreceptionvacancyWed, 30 Jun 2010 06:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Does adjusting or trimming the iPhone 4's micro SIM fix the antenna issue? Probably not.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/does-trimming-the-iphone-4s-micro-sim-fix-the-antenna-issue-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/does-trimming-the-iphone-4s-micro-sim-fix-the-antenna-issue-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/does-trimming-the-iphone-4s-micro-sim-fix-the-antenna-issue-pr/#comments Ever since Apple decided to do little about the iPhone 4's pronounced reception issues except suggest that users hold the thing differently and / or buy a nice case, the voodoo engineering remedies have been flying in full force -- sure, we'll admit we tried sticking some tape over the side of our phone (no dice), but we stopped short when people suggested we try a couple coats of nail polish (insanity). Even we have limits, after all. But the latest snake oil fix is definitely the craziest we've heard so far: according to a 13-page (and growing) thread at MacRumors, the iPhone 4's reception issue can be fixed by adjusting or even trimming the micro SIM so the contacts don't touch the metal tray. The popular belief is that touching the side of the phone somehow shorts across the micro SIM, causing (mumble mumble) and leading to dropped signal. Making things more interesting, Apple and AT&T are apparently using several different types of micro SIMs, including one with a significantly larger contact area -- you can check a shot of two of our iPhone 4 micro SIMs side-by-side after the break.

So does all this hocus pocus actually work? In a word, no. We tried it on a few of our particularly bad iPhone 4s -- the ones that consistently demonstrate the issue -- and achieved no meaningful results. We even went so far as to line the edge of one of our trimmed micro SIMs in electrical tape (pictured above) to ensure that no contact was being made, and we were still able to flatline the phone using the "death grip." Sorry folks -- we wanted this to work too, but it looks like people are just being hopefully optimistic. We'd say the real fix is going to have to come from Apple -- and given the growing discontent over this relatively severe issue, the sooner the better.

Continue reading Does adjusting or trimming the iPhone 4's micro SIM fix the antenna issue? Probably not.

Does adjusting or trimming the iPhone 4's micro SIM fix the antenna issue? Probably not. originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantenna issueAntennaIssueapplebugbugsiphoneiphone 4Iphone4micro simmicro sim cardMicroSimMicroSimCardproblemreceptionreception issueReceptionIssuesimsim cardSimCardWed, 30 Jun 2010 00:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple telling reps to smooth over iPhone 4 reception complaints, not to offer free bumpers?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/apple-telling-reps-to-smooth-over-iphone-4-reception-complaints/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/apple-telling-reps-to-smooth-over-iphone-4-reception-complaints/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/apple-telling-reps-to-smooth-over-iphone-4-reception-complaints/#comments BGR appears to have nabbed a document being distributed by Apple corporate to AppleCare reps tasked with handling iPhone 4 customers miffed with the antenna performance fiasco -- and for the time being, the recommendations are focusing on managing expectations, not fixing the problem. In a nutshell, reps are being instructed to pass on a more politically correct version of Steve's email by telling customers that they should "avoid covering the black strip in the lower-left corner of the metal band." Interestingly, they agree that bumpers might fix the problem, but they're emphatic in saying that they "ARE NOT appeasing customers with free bumpers - DON'T promise a free bumper to customers." And yes, that statement is complete with caps and bold in the source document, so they mean business, it would seem. If it's any consolation, Apple says that "the iPhone 4's wireless performance is the best [they] have ever shipped," but let's be honest: for those zapping their calls into the afterlife every time they brush their phone the wrong way, it's not much consolation at all.

Apple telling reps to smooth over iPhone 4 reception complaints, not to offer free bumpers? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaappleapplecareiphoneiphone 4Iphone4leakproblemreceptionTue, 29 Jun 2010 17:52:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4 antenna problems were predicted on June 10 by Danish professor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/26/iphone-4-antenna-problems-were-predicted-on-june-10-by-danish-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/26/iphone-4-antenna-problems-were-predicted-on-june-10-by-danish-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/26/iphone-4-antenna-problems-were-predicted-on-june-10-by-danish-pr/#commentsWell, this must be one of the most epic "I told you so" moments in the history of consumer electronics. Professor Gert Frølund Pedersen, an antenna expert over at Denmark's Aalborg University, managed to get his concerns about the iPhone 4's external antennae on the record a cool two weeks before the phone was even released. In an interview on June 10, the Danish brainbox explained that he wasn't impressed by Steve Jobs' promises of better reception, describing external antennas as "old news," and suggested that contact with fleshlings could result in undesirable consequences to the handset's reception:
"The human tissue will in any event have an inhibitory effect on the antenna. Touch means that a larger portion of antenna energy becomes heat and lost."
Machine-translated that may be, but you get the point. Researchers at Gert's university have already shown that over 90 percent of any phone's antenna signal can be stifled by holding it in the right place, but he's highlighting the specific exposure to skin contact as a separate issue to be mindful of. Good to know we've got sharp minds out there, and as to his suggested solution, Gert says phones should ideally have two antennae that act in a sort of redundant array, so that when one is blocked, the other can pick up the slack. So, what are we going to do now, Apple?

[Thanks, Andrew]

iPhone 4 antenna problems were predicted on June 10 by Danish professor originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aalborgaalborg universityAalborgUniversityaerialantennaappleapple iphoneAppleIphoneexpertgert pedersenGertPederseniphoneiphone 4Iphone4issueproblemprofessorreceptionreception issuesReceptionIssuesuniversitySat, 26 Jun 2010 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4 antenna woes contextualized by dude in the know]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/iphone-4-antenna-woes-contextualized-by-dude-in-the-know/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/iphone-4-antenna-woes-contextualized-by-dude-in-the-know/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/iphone-4-antenna-woes-contextualized-by-dude-in-the-know/#comments It's the ultimate of ironies that Apple's externalized antenna array in the iPhone 4 -- hoped (and hyped up) to finally give us a phone every bit as good the rest of the device -- has become the cause of most rancor in the immediate aftermath of the handset's release. This morning you'll be rubbing both sleep and disbelief out of your eyes as you read that Apple's response to some people's reception problems with the 4 is to hold it differently. But, before we start ostracizing Apple as the singular offender here, let's hear from a man in the know.

Spencer Webb runs AntennaSys, a company that designs tailormade RF solutions, and has himself worked on making quad-band transceivers for AT&T. As he tells it, almost all phone makers have now transitioned to locating their antennae at the bottom of the phones. This has been in order to move radio wave emissions away from the head (a shortcoming that a top-mounted aerial would incur), which the FCC has been quite demanding about with its SAR standards --
The iPhone 4, however, moved the antenna action from the back of the phone to the sides. This probably improves the isotropy of the radiation pattern, but only when the phone is suspended magically in air.
Another great point made here is that testing done both by the Federales and mobile carriers might include the head, but never accounts for the presence of the person's hand. Thus, although a phone's antenna could test very well, it might suffer from such issues as those experienced with the iPhone 4. Mind you, this still seems like an assembly (rather than design) problem to us, since most of our editors haven't had any reception worries and we in fact saw improved performance on that front while conducting our review testing. Spencer himself has decided to buy the phone knowing full well about this potential limitation, and concludes on the note that "sometimes an antenna that's not great, but good enough, is good enough."

iPhone 4 antenna woes contextualized by dude in the know originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 03:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysisantennaantennaeantennasysappleexpertiphoneiphone 4Iphone4issueproblemreceptionspencer webbSpencerWebbFri, 25 Jun 2010 03:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey Apple, you're holding it wrong]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/hey-apple-youre-holding-it-wrong/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/hey-apple-youre-holding-it-wrong/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/hey-apple-youre-holding-it-wrong/#comments We're only holding it in the way that you showed us.

Hey Apple, you're holding it wrong originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 01:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaapplebarsdropped callsDroppedCallsholdholdingiphoneiphone 4Iphone4receptionwrongFri, 25 Jun 2010 01:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (Update: Apple responds)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/some-iphone-4-models-see-signals-drop-to-0-when-held-left-handed/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/some-iphone-4-models-see-signals-drop-to-0-when-held-left-handed/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/some-iphone-4-models-see-signals-drop-to-0-when-held-left-handed/#comments What's more annoying than spending hours lining up for a shiny new gadget? Learning that your precious phone can't actually connect to the network. Well, depending on how you hold it -- word has it that the iPhone 4's bottom-left corner isn't playing nice with your skin. If you recall from the keynote, that's where the Bluetooth / WiFi / GPS antenna meets its GSM / UMTS counterpart. So we decided to test on two brand new iPhone 4 handsets purchased today in the UK.

One iPhone 4 demonstrated the issue everytime it was held in our left hand (as a right-handed person is apt to do) so that our palm was essentially bridging the two antennas. You can see that in the video after the break. Bridging the two with a finger tip, however, didn't cause any issues with the reported reception. If we had to guess, we'd say that our conductive skin was acting to detune the antenna -- in fact, we've already managed to slowly kill two calls that way so it's not just an issue with the software erroneously reporting an incorrect signal strength. That said, we had no issues when Apple's $29 rubber bumper accessory (given to us free for standing in line) was attached, creating a buffer between our palm and the antennas. Our second UK-purchased iPhone 4 was fine, showing none of these handling symptoms. See the video evidence after the break including Insanely Great Mac's version which got us to worrying in the first place.

P.S. Don't forget to take our poll and let us know if you're seeing both the yellow spots / stripes and reception issues. Unfortunately, we're suffering from both flaws which is not a good sign for quality control on this first batch of Apple handsets.

P.P.S. Since some of you are asking, our review unit showed none of these issues.

Update: Apple responds to the issue, and boy, it's a doozy.

Continue reading Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (Update: Apple responds)

Some iPhone 4 models dropping calls when held left-handed, including ours (Update: Apple responds) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaappleapple iphone 4AppleIphone4bumpercall dropCallDropcellphonehands-oniphoneiphone 4Iphone4issuemobile phoneMobilePhonephonesignalsignal dropSignalDropsmartphonevideoThu, 24 Jun 2010 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 4's seams explained, ready to solve AT&T call issues? (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/iphone-4s-seams-explained-ready-to-solve-atandt-call-issues-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/iphone-4s-seams-explained-ready-to-solve-atandt-call-issues-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/08/iphone-4s-seams-explained-ready-to-solve-atandt-call-issues-vi/#comments When we first exposed the iPhone 4 to the world, many of you were skeptical about its authenticity. Frankly, so were we, initially anyway. A device with black seams disrupting its otherwise clean lines just couldn't be from Apple, a company notorious for its obsessive design aesthetic. Well, now that the iPhone 4 is official, Steve took a moment to explain that the stainless steel band is actually an integral part of the iPhone's antenna system -- one part dedicated to Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS; the other larger half to UMTS and GSM. Something that, according to Steve, has never been done before in a phone. We'll have to wait a bit before we know whether this "brilliant engineering" translates into fewer dropped calls for frustrated AT&T customers. But it's hard to imagine that Apple would take the time to show its antennas to developers if there wasn't a downstream reward for consumers. Remember, Steve did say last week that things "should be getting a lot better soon" on AT&T. Click through to hear Apple's loyal software developers ooh and aah over the iPhone's really cool ability to convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical current, and back. Amazing.

Continue reading iPhone 4's seams explained, ready to solve AT&T call issues? (video)

iPhone 4's seams explained, ready to solve AT&T call issues? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennaantennasappleattbluetoothcall qualityCallQualitydropped callsDroppedCallsgpsgsmiphoneiphone 4Iphone4receptionsteve jobsSteveJobsumtsvideowifiTue, 08 Jun 2010 08:36:00 EST