21 July, 2010

Apple to Give Free iPhone Case to “fix” problem

Ongoing saga with iPhone 4 reception

Apple has received more media coverage over the last couple of weeks for their iPhone 4 then on the actual release date.

The admission of signal software issues (and an iOS 4 update released), alongside huge complaints about the iPhone 4 reception, and talk of an iPhone 4 recall.

Analysts suggest that Apple realises it would cost millions less just to provide the free iPhone case.

Apple News Conference

So, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs announced during a news conference on 16 July that to alleviate the reception death grip issue, they would provide a free iPhone cover to the more than three million people who have bought the iPhone 4. As well, those purchasing up until 30 September will be eligible for the free protective case. Those who have already purchased the “Bumper” cases will be refunded.

You can view the news conference video via the link below. Even if you can’t be bothered with the full news conference and the nitty gritty, at least watch the first couple of mintes intro. It’s a song Apple ‘found’ on YouTube – by RockCookieBottom). Funny!

View video and

Now sing along …
“If you don’t want an iPhone 4, don’t buy one”
“If you bought one and you don’t like it, bring it back”

“We are Not Perfect”

“We want to make all of our users happy!” He said Apple was “stunned and upset and embarrassed” but that “they aren’t perfect”.

Actually, Jobs does go into great detail to explain whilst “they aren’t perfect, no phone is perfect!” Drawing other smarphone manufacturers into the Apple design controversy, which has outraged RIM (Blackberry), HTC, Nokia, Motorola etc.

Getting an iPhone 4 Cover

Whilst Consumer Reports does admit that Apple’s bumper case (not yet available in Aus) does help alleviate the problem, they say so would duct tape. In fact, any iPhone cover or case for that matter works as it breaks skin contact with your iPhone antennas “black zone”.

And what happens after 30 September when the freeby offer runs out? Bad luck for slow iPhone 4 adopters? By having a cut-off date, does that mean they’ll be releasing some sort of update to rectify the issue? Not really possible given it’s a design rather than software issue. A design improvement planned??

One also has to question when the bumper case was first designed. Before – or after – the complaints?

Although it’s been alleged Apple knew of the ‘death grip’ antennagate issues prior to the iPhone 4 release, Apple are denying any such knowledge.