Experts Explain iPhone 4 Antenna Problem 427
CWmike writes "Reports of call and data signal strength problems in the new iPhone 4 have a basis in fact, a hardware expert said Thursday. Later in the day, Apple acknowledged that holding the iPhone 4 may result in a diminished signal that could make it difficult to make and maintain calls or retain a data connection. 'Gripping any phone will result in some attenuation of its antenna performance with certain places being worse than others depending on the placement of the antennas. This is a fact of life for every wireless phone,' Apple said in a statement issued to several media outlets, including PC Magazine, which had run tests earlier Thursday. 'If you ever experience this on your iPhone 4, avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases.' Scores of new iPhone owners confirmed the reception problem in a string of more than 360 messages posted to a thread on Apple's iPhone 4 support forum."
A blog post from an antenna design company explains that the reception problems are probably the direct result of phone design adapting to FCC requirements.
Cue the fanbois (Score:5, Funny)
Next thing you know, holding a cell phone with the thumb and forefinger by the top right corner will become the fashionable way for any of the cognoscenti to hold their phones. Those of us who cradle them in the old fashioned way will be "not of the Body of Jobs", and mocked and ostracized.
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:5, Funny)
Sorry, but there is only one correct way [imageshack.us] to hold a phone
Comment removed (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Antenna placement (Score:4, Funny)
I suspect they figured no one would bother to use to try and make a phone call. [tipb.com]
Simply ... (Score:5, Funny)
Uh... Huh... (Score:5, Funny)
"For best results, levitate one inch from your ears."
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Simply ... (Score:1, Funny)
What other company could get away with producing a product like this and succeed?
If it's software, then Microsoft. :)
QA (Score:2, Funny)
So its really the iPod4? (Score:4, Funny)
Worse reception than the iPhone3 - check.
Still tied to the worst US carrier - check.
But hey, facetime is so awesome it overcomes all this...
Realtime video calls which exceed the definition of the human retina? - cheC&&^& >>>>>CARRIER LOST
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:3, Funny)
Next thing you know, holding a cell phone with the thumb and forefinger by the top right corner will become the fashionable
The japanese demonstrating proper handphone technique:
http://photos-451.friendster.com/e1/photos/15/48/18428451/1_246234319l.jpg
Re:in addition (Score:5, Funny)
Geeks generally don’t buy Apple products. They buy a Linux phone from an obscure company that is also barely usable as a phone, but at least completely hackable.
Hipsters and valley girls buy Apple products. Oh, and those people that drive Priuses. ^^
Re:"Just avoid holding it that way" (Score:5, Funny)
You are supposed to hold it with your pinky out! (Score:2, Funny)
It's just like drinking a latte.
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:2, Funny)
You are wrong, saying that the product is wrong is like saying that Jobs might be wrong. And it was just a software problem. Maybe the software update will be an instruction video on how to hold your iphone...
Re:Cases (Score:5, Funny)
So, what they're saying is, all phones suffer from this, apart from any phone that has the aerial behind an insulating layer, such as a plastic case.
Off topic, we're the only phone with the external metalwork acting as the aerial, isn't that awesome.
Don't forget all phones suffer this defect, so it's not a design defect, no really.
Re:form over function (Score:4, Funny)
Never used a Magic Mouse, I see. They're incredible.
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:5, Funny)
and I didn't speak up because I wanted to be Cool.
THEN THEY told me I couldn't change the battery,
and I didn't speak up because I buy a new one every year.
THEN THEY told me I had to hold the phone with my pinkie extended,
and I didn't speak up because I don't mind looking gay.
THEN THEY CAME for more of my money
and by that time there was none left to buy more crap.
Apologies to Niemöller.
Re:The cure is in the case (Score:5, Funny)
2) remove and dry off the rubber band
3) place rubberband on iPhone
4) ???
5) PROFIT!(and save like $27, and get some iron)
Form over function, baby! (Score:2, Funny)
That's the Job's way. Thin is in.
or perhaps like multitasking, phone reception (Score:4, Funny)
is an advanced capability they need time to figure out how to implement well. iPhone 5 will fix it.
Re:Uh... Huh... (Score:3, Funny)
You're just jealous that your reality distortion field is so weak it can't even levitate a cellphone a mere inch away from you! ~
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:4, Funny)
I have the insatiable urge to punch that person. The douchebag just oozes off of him/her (honestly I can't really tell).
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:5, Funny)
That's not phone. Thats P H O N E, as in Please Hold On Narrow End.
Re:Cue the fanbois (Score:1, Funny)
breasts or the phone? :)