bendgate
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Apple reportedly knew the iPhone 6 was bendier than previous models
When Apple responded to complaints about bent iPhone 6 devices, it said damage caused regular use is "extremely rare." It also reiterated that the model went through durability testing to make sure it can withstand daily use and even invited the press to show how it conducts stress testing. Now, internal documents from a court filing have revealed that Cupertino knew from the start that the iPhone 6 was 3.3 times more likely to bend than the iPhone 5s. The bigger 6 Plus? It was 7.2 times more prone to bending.
Samsung fights fears of Galaxy S6 bending with a video
Sadly, the he-said-she-said disputes over bending smartphones aren't ending any time soon. Samsung has responded to SquareTrade's allegations that the Galaxy S6 Edge is easily bendable by posting a video that shows the official stress tests for both the Edge and the regular S6. As you might expect, both devices hold up in this company-sanctioned clip -- they can withstand up to 79 pounds of force at three different points, which is enough to snap five pencils in half. Supposedly, this is more pressure than you'd put on your phone if it was in your back pocket. The Korean firm also notes that SquareTrade only tested on the front, not the back where tolerance levels are different.
Would you prefer a thinner phone or better battery life?
Despite a number of exciting (and novel) announcements related to battery technology, the sad fact is that our smartphones still need to be frequently charged. One thing that hasn't helped in prolonging the lives of our devices is a trend toward ever thinner phones. In some cases, it seems like things are getting too thin. What if we could get some extra battery life in exchange for a few extra millimeters of padding? Would you do it? Head over to the Engadget forums and let us know what you think! [Image credit: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
This man's jeans show the scars of multiple phone upgrades
It wasn't until the advent of Bendgate that iOS users in mass started to question of how the iPhone interacts with tight pants. While normally this question is asked to take into consideration the damage that might be done to the phone, but what about your pants? That question has been answered by Reddit user freezer mink, who recently shared this stunning photo of the scars his jeans have developed from multiple iPhone upgrades. Take a moment to consider the sacrifices your pants have made for you to be on the cutting edge of technology. They have served us well. Thanks to freezermink for granting permission to share this photo.
Dutch store's bent iPhone 6 display is an unfortunate, hilarious coincidence
Regardless of which side of the "bendgate" controversy you land on, we can all get a laugh out of the iPhone 6 display at this Dutch electronics store. The image, which was first to Reddit yesterday, shows the store's angled displays holding -- and bending -- the iPhone 6 poster. According to several comments in the original thread, the store's wall displays are all angled in the exact same way, and it has nothing to do with the actual controversy, but it just so happens that the iPhone 6 has been bent at almost the exact spot where the more vocal critics claim that the new smartphone has a structural flaw. Apple just can't catch a break, huh?
Consumer Reports weighs in on iPhone 6 bending
As much as Apple would like for this discussion to be over, controversy and conversation over whether the iPhone 6 / 6 Plus has a durability problem is continuing. Just as it tested out antenna reception for the iPhone 4, Consumer Reports has forced Apple's newest mobile devices into its torture testing chambers, measuring them along with several other devices to see how much pressure they can really take. You can see the tests for yourself in a video embedded after the break, but according to CR, the larger iPhone 6 Plus is actually stronger than its counterpart, only deforming under 90 pounds of pressure, more than the 70 it took to bend the standard iPhone 6 and HTC One (M8). Meanwhile, Unbox Therapy gave a brand new iPhone 6 Plus another go in its less-scientific test, and bent it once again, while a Moto X withstood the challenge. [Image credit: Consumer Reports]
Conan's #bendgate parody is pretty much perfect
All the needless outrage over the iPhone 6's supposed tendency to bend when you sit on it with your entire weight has finally reached the late night talk show circuit courtesy of Conan. The comedian even went so far as to produce a parody of a Samsung ad that targets Apple's "flaccid" phones, and while it's probably SFW, you'll definitely want to watch it with headphones, or else expect some odd looks from your coworkers.
Welcome to our planet, where things are not indestructible
First of all: Welcome to the planet. We have many things here, but only a few of them are indestructible. Our human brains have figured out clever ways to modify even our most durable natural mineral -- diamond -- but not how to make every product completely unbreakable. In fact, most of our materials and products are capable of being destroyed if you try hard enough. While you may be new to our planet, it is OK to laugh when pants rip or glass breaks because we have found laughter is good for the soul. Something else you may soon discover is that a company called Apple makes the best personal communicators. You can browse practically the entire sum of human knowledge and experience through our Internet from a device called the iPhone 6. It also enables voice- and video-based communication, sends text-based messages and includes a free music album from a band called U2. There's a bigger model called the iPhone 6 Plus, so if you have hands the size of the Overlords, that model might fit you best. However, neither model of iPhone is made of diamond, so you'll want to be sure not to attempt to lift heavy metal objects with your iPhone, or exert undue pressure (for no particular reason) on both ends of the iPhone in an attempt to bend it. It will, like every other communicator we sell on this planet, bend or break if you apply enough pressure. Some of our comedians on this planet like to destroy things for fun, like David Letterman in this video (which you can watch on your iPhone). However, if you do inadvertently bend your iPhone, Apple continues to make more of them. In fact, the company has always had a policy whereby damage may even be covered for free -- although I still recommend purchasing AppleCare+ for your iPhone. Some outlets may try to fool you into thinking Apple has only started replacing the iPhone 6 Plus because it is Apple's thinnest iPhone yet, and it is made from the same aluminum and glass as previous models, but between you and I, those outlets are just gunning for what we call "pageviews." It's sort of like our 24-hour cable news networks. I suggest you just ignore all of those as well. Why do I bring this up? You'll find we humans are smart as individuals (well, some of us) but can sometimes be brain-dead dumb in groups. A popular story floating around since the recent launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is that the products are not indestructible (avoid all mentions of "bendgate"). I know, it's silly, but perhaps this clip from one of our fine films called Men In Black can provide a little understanding. Again, welcome to our planet! Enjoy your stay and whatever you do, don't take nude pictures of yourself with any of our smartphones -- I'll just have to explain why later.
