Consumer Reports CONFIRMS existence of hardware related antenna problem

This thread does not seem to be censored. I guess that's Fox at its fair and balanced finest.

If the restore of the JB'd 3GS onto the iPhone 4 allowed the dB meter to be displayed, it has modified the standard iPhone 4 software. Fact.

Also, do not make sweeping statements, I know exactly how software works, in fact I write a lot as part of my job.

Let's make it simple....

If under certain circumstances, the firmware was to report a signal lower than that actually received at the antenna, any component of the iPhone 4 (Phone, data transfer, displaying of signal bars or dB meter etc etc) which depends on that reported signal level would receive incorrect data. If the firmware doesn't know how to interpret the effect of bridging the antennas it may be catering for it incorrectly.

Hows the Kool-Aid taste MrGimper? Fanboys make me laugh so hard. Please, keep going.

To those in denial.

If you read the article and watch the video, CR explains how they confirmed it is a hardware problem and clears up why they think the iPhone is a great phone with great features, but simply can't recommend it.

Yes the phone is pretty however some of us in the real world need to be able to use our phone for.. well... a phone.

Here is the article for those too lazy to google.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2010/07/apple-iphone-4-antenna-issu e-iphone4-problems-dropped-calls-lab-test-confirmed-problem-issues-signal-streng th-att-network-gsm.html


So, how long until this thread gets deleted by apple too?

Just set up my iphone 4. The problems with them are not exaggerated. I get NO SERVICE in my own home if I hold the iphone as I usually hold my iphone 3. I cannot keep this phone the way it is. I live in Central NJ so I am not in a rural area without cell service. How could you ever release a phone like this?

Perhaps you would like another source.

http://www.tuaw.com/2010/07/12/apple-drops-consumer-reports-discussion-threads-d own-memory-hole/

The fact that this thread hasn't been killed yet, doesn't mean they haven't been deleting threads. Perhaps they stopped because they got called out on it. Is there no limit to the blind followings of the Apple Fanboys. You make good sheep. Don't be afraid to think for yourself.

And this thread includes a link to an engineer who rubbishes their testing method....

[http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2503383&tstart=60]

I'm not a fanboy in any sense. I just like to see conclusive proof of things rather than speculation... so far, I haven't see any conclusive proof.

I posted in one thread yesterday that has since been deleted, the one that is being cited in several of the articles. I think Apple stopped doing it when they got publicly called on it thus why this and other threads are still around.

If the antenna "problem" ultimately reduces to a user's hand establishing a relatively low-resistance bridge between the antenna elements, Apple can perhaps substantially mitigate the problem by fixing a transparent, non-conductive appliqué over the antenna ring gap. (Like a piece of Scotch tape, but obviously a little more robust.) The appliqué could be incorporated into the manufacturing process, and would be more attractive and commercially-viable than mandating the purchase of "bumper" rings for every iPhone 4.

Of course, if the coupling problem is more involved--i.e., it's not just simple bridging of the gap--then my solution won't cut it.

MrGimper wrote:
And this thread includes a link to an engineer who rubbishes their testing method....

[ http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2503383&tstart=60 ]

Interesting read. I would point out as well however the person writing the article has clearly not watched the testing video as that is where some of the items he is questioning are stated. (like the 20dB drop) This makes me question the thoroughness of his response. I'm not outright discounting it, like you I prefer proof... but when he missed something that blatant I question how much he researched his reply.

I simply don't buy the explanation provided by Apple. If this is truly a software glitch, whereby more bars are shown than are actually present, then why would this vulnerability ONLY manifest itself when you touch the antenna. Moreover, good to see Apple is hiring more of these frantically. Looks like they know they need to fix these, instead of "just don't hold it that way":

http://jobs.apple.com/index.ajs?BID=1&method=mExternal.showJob&RID=55849

If you actually read the article, you would realize that all the author did was have the phone report what it detects as the signal strength. This was possible already in older ios versions. If apple can't even write software that properly reads signal strength, they have much bigger issues on their hands. Also, all 3 phones reported the same signal strength except when held at the bottom of the phone. Obvious the answer is that every phone can't report signal correctly. The obvious answer is that bridging the two antennas causes a signal degradation but you can't seem to admit that.

Message was edited by: ramenchef

How is a conclusive proof different from a plain old ordinary proof?

There have been several tests published by different testers who all come up with the same measured signal degradation figures when the gap in the antenna band is bridged by skin. In addition to less rigorous tests that also show a signal degradation, but not as well quantified. Plus thousands of anecdotal reports of dropped calls and reduced bandwidth when that spot is touched. What would you consider a proof?

It's true. Anyone who is denying it just proves they are ignoring issues and just following Apple anywhere it leads them.