Three red dots spotted at the top left corner?

I recently went to the Genius Bar and got a replacement for issues. While I was there I asked about the 3 red dots. I hadn't noticed them until I upgraded to the 3Gs. but they have been on all models.

The "genius" said the top red dot is for location, the two below detect lighting and work with auto/brightness. (i.e. if you are in a theater the phone will dim so as not to cause a distraction from others in the audience).

muddy2big wrote:
So every iPhone has it?

Yes all the iPhones have this. Plus, it's also in other devices other than the iPhone like your IR electronics (VCRs, etc) when you shine the sun in it.

Just don't block them (cases or screen protectors). Otherwise the sensors can't recognize that you hold the phone to your ear and stay on.

Phil,

Shine a light directly on the phone in the black section left of the earpiece. You'll see 2 (one above the other) immediately left of the earpiece and one other 1/2 way to the edge of the phone.

Oh, yeah -- Thanks, Jim. I had to clean my screen before they became visible. I can see how that top one could be an issue with some cases.

Have these changed since the original 2G iPhone? I ask because I just looked at mine (still in use on Skype and such, but not as a "phone") and its case looks like it would cover all three of the sensors I see on my 3GS.

Phil

The location for the proximity sensor and light sensor are different with the first generation iPhone compared to the 3G and 3GS. With the first generation iPhone, these are located just above the earpiece. With the 3G and 3GS, these are located to the left of the earpiece when looking at the screen with the earpiece at the top.

I had my 3gs in my pocket tonight while walking and listening to my pandora app and all of a sudden i tried to slide to open, and the screen went frozen and all is see now is a little red dot inside a little red circle to the left of the ear speaker and I shut it down, and turned it back on the dot in circle is still there and the phone is completely frozen....anyone have any suggestions on what I should do???

To the best of my knowledge, those are proximity and ambient light sensors.

Yes, and if you're planing to use a case, be sure they don't get covered. Otherwise your proximity and brightness sensors might not work correctly.

I knew I needed new glasses (in fact they are in process); I look with a magnifier and cannot see any of these!

Phil

Allan Sampson wrote:
With the first generation iPhone, these are located just above the earpiece.

And that area is open on the 2G's case. Good!

Phil