Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls …

Level 1

0 points

Jul 18, 2010 9:57 AM in response to palmerimoots

It is a big issue , that I never had with my iphone 3G.
Please Apple , just CLARIFY if it is a software or harware issue, and I am ready to wait as much as it takes ,if it can be resolved by a software update.

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goneawol

Level 1

5 points

Jul 18, 2010 10:24 AM in response to delite

delite wrote:
It is a big issue , that I never had with my iphone 3G.
Please Apple , just CLARIFY if it is a *software or harware issue*, and I am ready to wait as much as it takes ,if it can be resolved by a software update.

Looks like software according to the press conference (28mins 8secs on)

http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/100716iab73asc/event/index.html

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Jul 18, 2010 10:47 AM in response to goneawol

I've been dealing with the proximity sensor on my iPhone 4 for the last week, along with a very helpful AppleCare representative. It SEEMS to go away when I restore my iPhone back to its original state--no contacts, calendars, photos, apps, ringtones, nothing else. That would suggest software.

On the other hand, I haven't had the problem with my 3Gs and the very same software (iOS4.0).

Like an earlier poster, I continue to worry that if they don't figure out what the problem is, he might get stuck after 30 days with an iPhone that fails to reliably serve its primary function as a cell phone. After all, most of the new features in the iPhone 4 are "wants," not "must haves" for me. I'm a physician. The one thing I must have is a cell phone that doesn't hang up or mute in mid conversation.

So, In the end, I decided to turn in my iPhone 4 for a full refund and go back to my 3GS. Maybe in the future, when they finally fix all the problems with the iPhone 4 (end of Sept?? based on expiration of free case offer) I may again buy one. But at full retail--GEE, THANKS ATT--I can't see hanging on to my current one, holding my breath on a fix.

FWIW, the ATT store in the mall where the Apple Store is located swapped me back to my 3Gs without charging me, as far as I can tell.

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Jul 18, 2010 12:06 PM in response to chotty1

Dear Chotty1 ,

You are probably correct at this point it is nothing I can add to this issue. I just wanted again to say that the answer was given and clear massage was sent .

*"If you do not want Iphone 4 do not buy it. If you bought it and you do not like it Bring it back "*

*" We aware of the issue and we would adress it in a new software "*

Changing the phones and sending new massages and telling apple about the brand is meaningless. I just as a broken record repeat . They DO NOT care . Apple care about sales , revenue for now and it is not a time when they will admit anything or change any hardware does not matter what we all say . Again look at the antenna case , they gave everybody free iCondom.

Sorry I just wanted everybody be aware of the real situation.

Those who are interested in antenna case I recomend couple researches

http://www.antennasys.com/antennasys-blog/2010/7/14/iphone-4-meets-the-gripofdea thinator.html

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Jul 18, 2010 12:14 PM in response to Nubz N.

Software vs. hardware problem....

I'd put money on it being a hardware issue. There is no way one sensor can cover the same area previously covered by two sensors. In the 3G, if one sensor detected the face, the phone would blank, regardless of whether or not the other one saw light.

Now you only have one sensor. If it doesn't detect you face, it doesn't deactivate the screen. There is no secons sensor offset from it and scanning.

Presuming they cannot fix the existing hardware, then the only solution is to amend the OS to accommidate the need to use the phone differently. I'd be willing to bet they will add the 'slide to activate' button at the bottom of the in call screen menu.

So the problem is a hardware one. The solution is a software workaround.
Maybe there will be a subtle amendment to future stock, but that might cause more unforseen problems. The iPhone 4's neer as **** it perfect as it is.

It's the software workaround we're waiting on.

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Jul 18, 2010 12:15 PM in response to Michael Empire

I've been following this thread for a while. I've sold me 3GS and eagerly waiting to buy an iPhone 4 (once the proximity issue is sorted!). Let's face it, no other phone comes close to it and by that I don't mean the hardware specs. The iPhone is the most user friendly phone out there, the OS and the apps store is what makes it unique and so popular.

*Your average user*

About the proximity sensor... I have been asking a lot of my friends the following questions ( they all have the iPhone 4 and I can classify then as your average user). Here's how it goes.

Q: Do you have any issues with your phone ?
A: No, it's perfect, I love it!

Next question

Q: Do you have any issues with the proximity sensor
A: What is a proximity sensor?

(then I explain what a proximity sensor is and what is suppose to do)

Q: Do you make long phone calls ?
A: No, I make a few phone calls a day and keep them short.

Q: Can I please test your proximity sensor?
A: Yes

Having tested 12 random phones so far every single one of them has the issue! (Ok it's not a great sample but highlights the problem). Some phones are worst than others, but the problem is there. Your average user is not aware of this issue just yet (maybe they will be in a few months). Try it yourself with your friends phones. (Make a phone call, place phone on the table and use your palm to test it. Screen will flicker on and off even when your palm is stationary and is covering the phone)

My thoughts: If this is a software issue a fix will be out soon. However, most likely this is a hardware issue with the sensors having a wide range of sensitivity, so a static software update cannot fix this ( hence the delay from Apple). They way to fix that would be to add a calibration type of setting in the phone (like you have in games) so each user can manually calibrate it! That is the only way (I can think of) to fix a hardware issue with the sensor without replacing the phones (and that's assuming it's a sensitivity issue). Any other thoughts?

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Jul 18, 2010 12:45 PM in response to Daddy Pig

I hate to be again blamed to sound like a broken record , But what you described is 100 % what we deal with.

*ALL THE IPHONE 4 , EACH AND EVERYONE HAS THIS PROBLEM !!*

But some people do not pay attention to it and may be not even know it can be such a thing that Apple can make a bad phone.

At this point speculations about software and hardware is irrelevant. apple will not tell us the truth. Because if it is hardware what the suppose to do ? To return the money for terminated calls ? Return the Money for all Iphones being used for months ? It will never happen .
Even if they have to make new design they will still stick to the point
iphone 4 "Original" is a Great phone !!

Now about the date of the release of the new software fixing the issue.
If it is really possible apple will try to make it before the end of July , so 17 countries will have no issue. Max time in this case scenario by August 10.

But if it is NOT possible then months from now so just the oposite way they can sell as many as they can first and then may be apple will re design the phone.

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pagla

Level 1

0 points

Jul 18, 2010 3:54 PM in response to Nubz N.

Got IP4 during initial pre-order; Had MAJOR problems with Prox. sensor as everyone has described.
I then realized that my beloved IP3 GS Case( http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/leather-sleeve-es89025-b) was covering the area where Prox. sensor is now in IP4.
I had a leather repair shop scoop out a notch from the top strip, which was covering the Prox. sensor. Now the IP4 is working PERFECTLY, Prox. sensor is working perfectly and I have absolutely NO ISSUES with IP4.
This may be a problem with some persons using previous IP cases with the IP4.
OS 4.0.1 upgrade did not achieve anything, just lowered expectations by showing 2-3 bars,even in places where we get five bars from all other Phones.
IP4 does drop significantly more calls than my IP3GS did.

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tda jr

Level 1

0 points

Jul 18, 2010 6:25 PM in response to Nubz N.

I just took my bumper to a friend that is not having any problems with his iphone 4..... His iphone 4 acts exactly like my 3GS.... I must say I am happy for him, but very jealous as I have returned 2 iphone 4's because of the proximity issues...... It has driven me crazy since Day 1! Yesterday I returned my 2nd Iphone 4 had my 3GS activated I love apple products.... I have about 25% of my net worth in apple stock.... The crazy thing is I made a call on my friends 4 and screen flickered on and off for the entire call. My friend couldn't believe it! he made a call no problems at all.... We appear to have a similar style of holding the phone. He cant make it happen..... weird stuff!

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Jul 18, 2010 7:17 PM in response to Marian Petrides

You shouldn't have to pay full price when you decide to upgrade again in the future. Just make sure they reverse your upgrade with the return so you are still on the same upgrade point in your cycle. If you bought from Apple, they have to do it. If you bought from AT&T then they can and should do it there. Your "upgrade" contract is cancelled so you end up back where you were in your previous contract.

Marian Petrides wrote:
I've been dealing with the proximity sensor on my iPhone 4 for the last week, along with a very helpful AppleCare representative. It SEEMS to go away when I restore my iPhone back to its original state--no contacts, calendars, photos, apps, ringtones, nothing else. That would suggest software.

On the other hand, I haven't had the problem with my 3Gs and the very same software (iOS4.0).

Like an earlier poster, I continue to worry that if they don't figure out what the problem is, he might get stuck after 30 days with an iPhone that fails to reliably serve its primary function as a cell phone. After all, most of the new features in the iPhone 4 are "wants," not "must haves" for me. I'm a physician. The one thing I must have is a cell phone that doesn't hang up or mute in mid conversation.

So, In the end, I decided to turn in my iPhone 4 for a full refund and go back to my 3GS. Maybe in the future, when they finally fix all the problems with the iPhone 4 (end of Sept?? based on expiration of free case offer) I may again buy one. But at full retail--GEE, THANKS ATT--I can't see hanging on to my current one, holding my breath on a fix.

FWIW, the ATT store in the mall where the Apple Store is located swapped me back to my 3Gs without charging me, as far as I can tell.

Reply

dbk9999

Level 1

70 points

Jul 18, 2010 8:00 PM in response to tda jr

The crazy thing is I made a call on my friends 4 and screen flickered on and off for the entire call. My friend couldn't believe it! he made a call no problems at all <</div>

Interesting. Which brings me back to something I've found on both iphone 4's I've had and posted about.

I hold it up to my ear normally and, while looking in a mirror, I slowly slide it forward and down (the direction of the angle the phone is in) and at a certain point, the screen turns on. Continue further, it turns off.

Now, the "turn on" point is not quite my normal position, but it may be for others since the sound is essentially the same. My theory has been that the sensor gets to a point where that part of the ear sinks in, thus increasing the distance slightly from the sensor, but I can't see it well enough to tell exactly where it is.

Since you and your friend have opposite results, this could be something to test. Might be tricky to find the spot - one other person here said they couldn't get it to happen. But since I've had it with two phones, must be something to it.

Remember, I'm simply sliding the phone - not pulling it away from the ear at all.

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tda jr

Level 1

0 points

Jul 18, 2010 8:08 PM in response to dbk9999

I have held it in every possible position.... with the same terrible results! Just thankful I had my 3GS to fall back on.... As soon as issue is resolved I will try again

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dbk9999

Level 1

70 points

Jul 18, 2010 8:36 PM in response to tda jr

Well, considering the different results for your friend and you on the same phone, I would have to think there is a difference in position OR a difference in ear shape. Can't imagine why you would get different results otherwise.

Or, maybe, one of you is squeezing the phone and one isn't. I remember some people claiming that made a difference with their phones, but they may also have just had a coincidence.

Have you tested more times with your friend to see if he CONSISTENTLY has no problem while you do?

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Addriaan

Level 1

0 points

Jul 19, 2010 1:20 AM in response to Nubz N.

same batch, 3 iphone4, have the same problem.
Do care when the fix could be published? said firmware 4.1 final...

Reply

Jul 19, 2010 2:26 AM in response to Michael Empire

MichaelEmpire wrote:
I hate to be again blamed to sound like a broken record , But what you described is 100 % what we deal with.

*ALL THE IPHONE 4 , EACH AND EVERYONE HAS THIS PROBLEM !!*

But some people do not pay attention to it and may be not even know it can be such a thing that Apple can make a bad phone.

At this point speculations about software and hardware is irrelevant. apple will not tell us the truth. Because if it is hardware what the suppose to do ? To return the money for terminated calls ? Return the Money for all Iphones being used for months ? It will never happen .
Even if they have to make new design they will still stick to the point
iphone 4 "Original" is a Great phone !!

Now about the date of the release of the new software fixing the issue.
If it is really possible apple will try to make it before the end of July , so 17 countries will have no issue. Max time in this case scenario by August 10.

But if it is NOT possible then months from now so just the oposite way they can sell as many as they can first and then may be apple will re design the phone.

Gawd. Another broken record.

When will these crusaders realise that if 99.9% of people have no issue with the proximity sensor, then it's not a fault. The fact that you DO have an issue with 100% nof iPhone 4s just tells us you found a fault, joined a crusade and like to bank your little drum.

Bottom line is most peolpe have absolutely no issue. You can bandy about your 0.55% figure, but we all know that was a figure given in response to antenna atenuation and you and your fellow crusaders have adopted it and use it to prop up your failing cause.

If a miniscule fraction of a percent of people have an issue with something's design, then the design is not a fault, the idiots using it are. I'm sure all the crusaders can band together with their buddies and make a song and dance and get some little button added to the next piece of software, but you can;t get away from the fact that the overwhelming majority of the world has absolutely no issue here.

You'll get your wee button in iOS4.1 so let's stop all the horsesh!t muck throwing from you guys.

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Issue with Proximity Sensor during calls - Continued.