IPhone 4G: Antenna controversy grows

Since the launch of IPhone 4G, problems appear every day. Looks like the IPhone 4G antenna problems will not be fixed with the new software. The controversy around the alleged problem of reception of the iPhone 4G took on new dimensions Monday with the publication by the famous Consumer Reports, an unfavorable opinion. Edited by an Association of American consumers, the magazine indicates that in the current state of things, they can not advise buying an iPhone 4G and invites customers lured by Apple to remain on the previous generation of devices (iPhone 3G). Resuming on the front page of the prestigious Wall Street Journal dated Tuesday the information has been many messages of discontent on the Apple forums regarding the iPhone 4G, quickly cleaned up by employees of the firm.

       The iPhone 4G problem in question, highlighted right out of the camera, on memory capacity for receiving the device, compromised when the user covers his hand with the lower left corner of the new iPhone 4G, where there are dedicated antennas for wireless networks.

In an article available online, Consumer Reports said it had tested three copies of iPhone 4 in a sealed chamber to interference, provided with a station capable of emulating the behavior of standard GSM base stations, then in a real network AT & T. It shows, moreover, have led the same battery of tests on a 3G iPhone and a Palm Pre. The verdict is clear: ” It’s official. Engineers at Consumer Reports have just finished testing the iPhone 4G and they confirm that there
“is a problem with reception”, the magazine wrote.

The new statement comes after Apple has blown hot and cold, claiming first iPhone 4G display an error in software and then recognized in hints the possibility of a hardware failure. Under these conditions, it is difficult for consumers to see clearly, especially as many keep in mind the very undiplomatic answer given by Steve Jobs when the iPhone 4G problem has surfaced. In essence, hold your iPhone 4G or otherwise..

More prosaically, Apple also said that the fact of using a protective case or to put any insulation (tape, rubber) at the iPhone 4G antenna will be enough to no longer feel the effects of this problem, as confirmed by tests of Consumer Reports.

If some users are defending Apple and minimize the iPhone 4G problems by explaining that in many cases it does not translate into real inconvenience in daily, some question whether, even outraged. Some of them have moved to the official forums of Apple’s history to get some more substantial explanations. Without success, since virtually all subjects relating to the findings of Consumer Reports’ have been deleted in the hours following their publication, as the stresses TUAW.

The maneuver appears more clumsy than the iPhone 4 Case is taking a new turn in the U.S., where two class actions were brought by disgruntled customers. Incriminating Apple and AT & T, they seek redress for unfair trade practice, the iPhone 4G manufacturing defects and intentional deception. Without going to such extremes, Consumer Reports severely penalizes the company: ” Apple must find a permanent solution and free before we can recommend the iPhone 4G”, says the magazine, but said it was for the remains of one of the best phones he had ever tested.

Weary, perhaps, to rework the subject, the American press began to take the bit between their teeth. At Cnet, one wonders as if Apple should not just hold a recall, while in PCWorld, it enjoys a blog for pinning, titular again the arrogance of Apple and the debacle that is this case. Others call for temperance, who like David Morgenstern on his ZDnet blog, calls the barge the following way: ” Guys, install on your iPhone 4G Bumper and move on”. Not devoid of good sense, except that the bumper in question cover offered by Apple, is not available, but charged 45 dollars…

The question is whether the controversy will eventually be felt on the sales of the iPhone 4G? With eight million subscribers across the Atlantic, Consumer Reports is published by respected, whose words were echoed by all the headlines in the mainstream press. On the other hand, the iPhone 4G has four already achieved exceptional start, with 1.7 million units sold in five countries in three days and the lure of the latest in the family seems to iPhone not contradict itself if one believes the difficulty of operators to maintain stocks.