Electronics Apple stunned by their Iphone Signal Bug

**dirk digler** · 07-02-2010, 08:43 AM

Ok. So you really weren't getting good reception and that the Iphone 4 is actually working correctly.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/02/tech...date/index.htm

Quote:

The iPhone 4 "grip of death" signal-strength problem turns out to be a bug that has been with Apple's bestselling smart phone all the way back to the original iPhone.

Apple announced Friday that it had found a "simple and surprising" explanation for the reception issues iPhone 4 buyers have been reporting since the phone's release last week.

"Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong," the company wrote in a statement posted on its website. "Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength."

That means, for example, that iPhones sometimes display four bars when they should be displaying two. Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) said users reporting a significant drop in bars when they hold their iPhone 4 are probably in an area of "very weak signal strength" but were unaware of that because the phone displayed four to five bars.

"Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place," the company said.

Apple said it will release a free software update in the next several weeks to fix the glitch. It will use a new formula recommended by AT&T (T, Fortune 500), the iPhone's exclusive carrier, for calculating how many bars to display. Apple said it will also make the first three bars a bit taller to make them easier to see.

The problem is not confined to the iPhone 4: The bad formula has been present in every iPhone all the way back to the 2007 original, Apple said. As a result, the update will be available for the second-generation iPhone 3G and third-generation iPhone 3GS, though Apple did not mention an update for the original iPhone.

When the problem first arose, several users sent e-mails to Apple CEO Steve Jobs. To at least one of the e-mailers, Jobs replied, "Just avoid holding it in that way." Apple later released a statement saying that gripping any phone will cause reception to drop a bit.

On Friday, Apple revised that statement, saying that "gripping almost any mobile phone in certain ways will reduce its reception by 1 or more bars," but a loss of four or five bars was "a far bigger drop than normal."

Apple said that most customers have reported improved signal strength on the iPhone 4 compared to the iPhone 3GS. But it still said it was sorry for the incident.

"For those who have had concerns, we apologize for any anxiety we may have caused," the company wrote

kstater · 07-02-2010, 10:46 AM

kstater · 07-02-2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

"Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place," the company said in a letter to users.

jjjayb · 07-02-2010, 10:54 AM

The obligatory:

**dirk digler** · 07-02-2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjjayb

The obligatory:

That is pretty much how I took it

NewChief · 07-02-2010, 10:59 AM

I had to check to make sure this wasn't from the Onion. Sometimes reality is better than fiction.

**Saulbadguy** · 07-02-2010, 10:59 AM

Any other exchange admins have troubles with iOS4 and active sync owning their servers?

They released a configuration profile you can install that supposedly helps.

**DaFace** · 07-02-2010, 11:02 AM

Heh. Silly Apple. Weird that it took this long for anyone to complain about it, though.

irishjayhawk · 07-02-2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Source: “Letter From Apple Regarding iPhone 4”.

Quote:

The iPhone 4 has been the most successful product launch in Apple’s history. It has been judged by reviewers around the world to be the best smartphone ever, and users have told us that they love it. So we were surprised when we read reports of reception problems, and we immediately began investigating them. Here is what we have learned.

We cannot believe we had to write this ****ing letter.

Quote:

To start with, gripping almost any mobile phone in certain ways will reduce its reception by 1 or more bars. This is true of iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, as well as many Droid, Nokia and RIM phones.

We cannot believe we’re getting shit for this.

Quote:

But some users have reported that iPhone 4 can drop 4 or 5 bars when tightly held in a way which covers the black strip in the lower left corner of the metal band. This is a far bigger drop than normal, and as a result some have accused the iPhone 4 of having a faulty antenna design.

(No translation necessary.)

Quote:

At the same time, we continue to read articles and receive hundreds of emails from users saying that iPhone 4 reception is better than the iPhone 3GS. They are delighted. This matches our own experience and testing. What can explain all of this?

It really is a better antenna and gets better reception, overall, than any previous iPhone. That’s really the hell of this whole goddamn situation. It’s like a two steps forward, one step back design, except maybe more like three steps forward, because this thing is faster at downloading, 10 times faster at uploading, and most importantly is better at not dropping calls with a weak signal. But, yes, there’s that one step back, wherein it can suffer from unintended attenuation when you bridge the lower-left antenna gap with your skin, and frankly, we’re a little pissed that this one step back is getting all the attention.

Quote:

We have discovered the cause of this dramatic drop in bars, and it is both simple and surprising.

We are going to blame AT&T.

Quote:

Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong. Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength. For example, we sometimes display 4 bars when we should be displaying as few as 2 bars.

We decided from the outset to set the formula for our bars-of-signal strength indicator to make the iPhone look good — to make it look as if it “gets more bars”. That decision has now bitten us on our ass.

Quote:

Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don’t know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place.

Yes, with no case on the phone, your signal strength can drop by about 20 or even 30 percent depending how you hold the phone. We’re going to change the bar algorithm so that you’ll only lose one bar (maybe two, if you’re holding the phone obnoxiously tight or have gross sweaty palms) if you’re holding it that way.

Quote:

To fix this, we are adopting AT&T’s recently recommended formula for calculating how many bars to display for a given signal strength. The real signal strength remains the same, but the iPhone’s bars will report it far more accurately, providing users a much better indication of the reception they will get in a given area. We are also making bars 1, 2 and 3 a bit taller so they will be easier to see.

We are braced for the backlash when, after installing this update, people who weren’t experiencing any problems at all with their iPhones start complaining, loudly, that their phones which used to get five bars now only get three or two or whatever from the same locations, and we all know — us and everyone reading this — that Gizmodo will immediately declare that the update has made iPhone 4 reception worse, even though we’ve just explained that we’re not changing anything related to actual reception, but rather only to how we indicate signal strength.

Quote:

We will issue a free software update within a few weeks that incorporates the corrected formula. Since this mistake has been present since the original iPhone, this software update will also be available for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.

(No translation necessary.)

Quote:

We have gone back to our labs and retested everything, and the results are the same — the iPhone 4’s wireless performance is the best we have ever shipped. For the vast majority of users who have not been troubled by this issue, this software update will only make your bars more accurate. For those who have had concerns, we apologize for any anxiety we may have caused.

Don’t **** this thing up for us. We mean, have you seen the Retina Display?

Quote:

As a reminder, if you are not fully satisfied, you can return your undamaged iPhone to any Apple Retail Store or the online Apple Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

We dare you.

And take your class action suits filed four days after we released the goddamn thing and stick them up your ****ing asses.

Quote:

We hope you love the iPhone 4 as much as we do.

Seriously, have you seen it?

Quote:

Thank you for your patience and support.

Don’t hold it that way, or buy a case.

Loved this piece by John Gruber.

Don't really know how Apple can make a PR situation worse, but they have. We lied to you for 3 years and now we're caught.

**Donger** · 07-02-2010, 12:07 PM

Man, that's funny. How exactly does a reboot of the RSSI code fix a faulty antenna design?

**The Franchise** · 07-02-2010, 12:12 PM

Quote:

To start with, gripping almost any mobile phone in certain ways will reduce its reception by 1 or more bars. This is true of iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, as well as many Droid, Nokia and RIM phones.

And once again...I'll bring it up. I've NEVER had a problem with ANY of the phones that I've owned.....EVER.

**Donger** · 07-02-2010, 12:15 PM

http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...eaper-fix.html

July 1 (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. fan sites have found a cheaper fix for iPhone 4 users than the $29 rubber case that the company is selling to minimize antenna-reception problems: Livestrong bracelets that sell for about $1 each.

The iPhone Guru, The Unofficial Apple Weblog and CrunchGear are recommending that users take a pair of scissors to cyclist Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong yellow bracelets or other inexpensive plastic wristbands; cut out holes for the phones’ dock connector, headphone jack and silent-mode toggle switch; and stretch the bands around the phone.

After Apple began selling the iPhone 4 on June 24, users reported reception problems and dropped calls when they held the lower-left corner of the device in a certain way. The company advised them to hold it differently or buy a case. Apple sells a case called Bumper that surrounds the outer rim of the phone and is available in white, black, blue, green, orange and pink.

“Apple sells the Bumpers in six colors for a wince-inducing $29 each,” Aurich Lawson, a writer on the Ars Technica technology blog, said in a posting today. “For this kind of quality and utility you should get all six colors for the price.”

While the Bumpers seem to do the job, even users accustomed to paying premium prices for Apple gadgets might feel the cost is “a rip-off,” Lawson wrote.

Livestrong Band

Natalie Kerris, an Apple spokeswoman, reiterated the company’s comments that users should buy one of the cases available for the phone or avoid gripping it in the lower left corner “in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band.” The company sold 1.7 million iPhones in the first three days.

Livestrong bands are available from Livestrong.org, part of a non-profit foundation started by Armstrong in 1997 to help people fight cancer. The group sells a 10-pack of the wristbands for $10, with proceeds used to fund its cancer survivor and support programs, according to the foundation’s website.

Livestrong.org said it has seen an increase today in visitors to the wristband page on its site. “This glitch is our gain by getting our message of social change to more people,” foundation President Doug Ulman said in an e-mailed statement.

Armstrong sent a message to his roughly 2.5 million followers on social-networking site Twitter.com today, saying “Wow. Cool,” to describe the new use for the Livestrong bands. Armstrong, 38, is in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to participate in his final Tour de France cycling race, which begins this weekend.

Lawsuits

Users who order an Apple Bumper today can expect it to ship within five to seven business days, with mailing costs starting at $4, according to the Cupertino, California-based company’s website. IPhone cases are also available from accessory makers including Hard Candy Cases and Belkin International Inc.

Apple was sued yesterday in San Francisco over reception problems with the new iPhone by customers who accused the company of unfair business practices and false and misleading advertising. A separate complaint was filed in Maryland today, alleging that Apple and U.S. wireless service provider AT&T Inc. were negligent in marketing the phone.

Apple fell $3.05 to $248.48 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The shares have advanced 18 percent this year.

**Mr. Flopnuts** · 07-02-2010, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

And once again...I'll bring it up. I've NEVER had a problem with ANY of the phones that I've owned.....EVER.

Yeah me neither. And uh, I'm left handed.

****in' Apple......................

**dirk digler** · 07-02-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irishjayhawk

Loved this piece by John Gruber.

Don't really know how Apple can make a PR situation worse, but they have. We lied to you for 3 years and now we're caught.

Wow I am shocked you actually criticized them.

Skyy God · 07-02-2010, 02:33 PM

I hate to be that repost guy, but I posted a prelim version of this earlier in the lemon thread.

I'd wager it was a calculated move to support AT&T's "more bars in more places" ad campaign. Here comes class action $$ on 2 phones.

07-02-2010, 10:46 AM	#2
kstater Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2007 Casino cash: $1766563
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07-02-2010, 10:54 AM	#4
jjjayb MVP Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Back in K.C. baby!!!! Casino cash: $6133433	The obligatory:
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07-02-2010, 10:59 AM	#6
NewChief In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Fayetteville, AR Casino cash: $9660204	I had to check to make sure this wasn't from the Onion. Sometimes reality is better than fiction. __________________ In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. - H. L. Mencken
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07-02-2010, 10:59 AM	#7
Saulbadguy When a nightmare becomes real Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $2526966	Any other exchange admins have troubles with iOS4 and active sync owning their servers? They released a configuration profile you can install that supposedly helps.
Posts: 46,969

07-02-2010, 11:02 AM	#8
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $1916899	Heh. Silly Apple. Weird that it took this long for anyone to complain about it, though.
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07-02-2010, 12:07 PM	#10
Donger "Think BOOM!" Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: 33.675° N 106.475° W Casino cash: $10239900 VARSITY	Man, that's funny. How exactly does a reboot of the RSSI code fix a faulty antenna design? __________________ I think the young people enjoy it when I "get down," verbally, don't you?
Posts: 180,957

07-02-2010, 12:15 PM	#12
Donger "Think BOOM!" Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: 33.675° N 106.475° W Casino cash: $10239900 VARSITY	http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...eaper-fix.html July 1 (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. fan sites have found a cheaper fix for iPhone 4 users than the $29 rubber case that the company is selling to minimize antenna-reception problems: Livestrong bracelets that sell for about $1 each. The iPhone Guru, The Unofficial Apple Weblog and CrunchGear are recommending that users take a pair of scissors to cyclist Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong yellow bracelets or other inexpensive plastic wristbands; cut out holes for the phones’ dock connector, headphone jack and silent-mode toggle switch; and stretch the bands around the phone. After Apple began selling the iPhone 4 on June 24, users reported reception problems and dropped calls when they held the lower-left corner of the device in a certain way. The company advised them to hold it differently or buy a case. Apple sells a case called Bumper that surrounds the outer rim of the phone and is available in white, black, blue, green, orange and pink. “Apple sells the Bumpers in six colors for a wince-inducing $29 each,” Aurich Lawson, a writer on the Ars Technica technology blog, said in a posting today. “For this kind of quality and utility you should get all six colors for the price.” While the Bumpers seem to do the job, even users accustomed to paying premium prices for Apple gadgets might feel the cost is “a rip-off,” Lawson wrote. Livestrong Band Natalie Kerris, an Apple spokeswoman, reiterated the company’s comments that users should buy one of the cases available for the phone or avoid gripping it in the lower left corner “in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band.” The company sold 1.7 million iPhones in the first three days. Livestrong bands are available from Livestrong.org, part of a non-profit foundation started by Armstrong in 1997 to help people fight cancer. The group sells a 10-pack of the wristbands for $10, with proceeds used to fund its cancer survivor and support programs, according to the foundation’s website. Livestrong.org said it has seen an increase today in visitors to the wristband page on its site. “This glitch is our gain by getting our message of social change to more people,” foundation President Doug Ulman said in an e-mailed statement. Armstrong sent a message to his roughly 2.5 million followers on social-networking site Twitter.com today, saying “Wow. Cool,” to describe the new use for the Livestrong bands. Armstrong, 38, is in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to participate in his final Tour de France cycling race, which begins this weekend. Lawsuits Users who order an Apple Bumper today can expect it to ship within five to seven business days, with mailing costs starting at $4, according to the Cupertino, California-based company’s website. IPhone cases are also available from accessory makers including Hard Candy Cases and Belkin International Inc. Apple was sued yesterday in San Francisco over reception problems with the new iPhone by customers who accused the company of unfair business practices and false and misleading advertising. A separate complaint was filed in Maryland today, alleging that Apple and U.S. wireless service provider AT&T Inc. were negligent in marketing the phone. Apple fell $3.05 to $248.48 at 4 p.m. New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The shares have advanced 18 percent this year. __________________ I think the young people enjoy it when I "get down," verbally, don't you?
Posts: 180,957

07-02-2010, 02:33 PM	#15
Skyy God 11-5, baby Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Livin the dream Casino cash: $2191557	I hate to be that repost guy, but I posted a prelim version of this earlier in the lemon thread. I'd wager it was a calculated move to support AT&T's "more bars in more places" ad campaign. Here comes class action $$ on 2 phones.
Posts: 22,416