Finally Apple acknowledges iPhone 3G problems

Finally, Apple has acknowledged the 3G connectivity problems that users have been complaining about. They have also confirmed that the 2.0.2 firmware update was meant to fix these problems.

The 2.0.2 update has reportedly improved 3G reception but has not fixed the problems altogether. Chuq Von Rospach, a formal Apple employee, thinks that Apple knows that it will take several months for a full fix for this bug as the fix has to be developed by Infineon.

At least the consumers now know that Apple is aware of their problems. Good for Apple.

The iPhone 3G disaster continues

It just does not seem to end! Apple’s problems with the iPhone 3G continues. This time its a less publicized but more widespread bug that is in focus.

The bug in question sometimes freezes up the iPhone when an application bought from the App Store is launched. Also this bug sometimes launches an App Store application but then goes back to the home screen. Looks like this occurs only for third-party applications from the App Store and not the default apps.

The chief suspect is iTunes though the problem has also been reported with on-iPhone downloads. A fix has been promised in September this year.

So much for Apple ensuring quality of software through App Store.

There have been so many issues bugging the iPhone 3G ever since its launch. Has Apple reduced the rigor of testing products before releasing them? Or have they found Microsoft’s approach of testing products at the cost of consumers more appealing?

This is definitely not expected of Apple who have set very very high standards for themselves ever since their first product.

Apple’s iPhone 2.0.2 update does not fix 3G problems say users

Apple’s newly launched iPhone 3G has of late drawn a lot of flak because of reported problems with the 3G system. According to complaints the iPhone 3G has been suffering from call drops and slow speeds while surfing. Apple acted ignorant of this problem by never acknowledging the existence of this issue. In fact the Apple customer care representatives were bold enough to suggest switching off of the 3G feature as a solution to the problem.

Monday afternoon, Apple updated the iPhone’s software with the 2.0.2 firmware. However users who have installed the update still complain about the same problems with 3G reception. A few users said that although the update does not fix the problem apparently it improves 3G reception.

What is it with Apple? Why are they not acknowledging the problem? At least by acknowledging the problem they can provide some consolation to the consumers by making them feel that a fix is on the way. Instead the way Apple is operating with regards to this iPhone bug, it seems as if they have the power to decide what is a problem and what is not on behalf of the consumers.

Apple has already taken the hit with the Mobile Me fiasco and now by this high-handed behavior in dealing with a crucial problem they are further hurting their own reputation. Seems like their success has gone to their heads and made them increasingly arrogant.

More problems for Apple iPhone users

In spite of Apple selling around 3 million iPhone 3G cellphones worldwide and a huge lot of applications, the iPhone seems to be pretty far from being a technological success. Initially there were problems with connecting to Apple’s servers, then MobileMe failed to light a spark and then there were reports that the new plastic casing was not the best. But now the iPhone is facing an accusation that can potentially drag it down from its high pedestal.

Many iPhone users have complained about dropped calls even in areas that are under AT&T’s coverage map. Apple’s message boards have been flooded with complaints about this and as a result the main thread has been locked up. The reason cited by Apple is browser timeouts being faced by many users. On top of it Apple has not acknowledged the problem.

This call drop problem is not specific to the US. T-Mobile Netherlands has in fact issues a statement in which it has acknowledged the problem and also put the blame on their partner Apple.

Personally I like the iPhone but not for the value that it delivers. Its a cool gadget to have that showcases cutting edge technology. But definitely its not a replacement for business phones like the Palm Treo or RIM’s Blackberry. The coolness of the iPhone still lies in the cosmetics. If functionality and performance are the important, probably RIM, Palm and even Nokia have more convincing products.

Hopefully Apple would do something very soon to iron out this problem which according to many is the cardinal sin of cellphones.