Thursday, August 21, 2008

Woman Sues Apple Over 3G iPhone Reception Issues

I am tempted to make all sorts of witty, snarky comments about this, but I'll try to stick to the facts. An Alabama woman has sued Apple, stating that the 3G iPhone -- which she can't use in her home because of the 3G reception issues -- doesn't live up to Apple's claims of "twice as fast". The lawsuit could go class action.

Apple will ever be a target for lawsuits. In fact, it has been quiet on the Apple lawsuit front lately, so the news of this new lawsuit feels like it is overdue.

The details are these: Jessica Smith, a woman living in Birmingham, Alabama, believed in Apple's "twice as fast, half the price" marketing claims. According to her, she has solid AT&T (NYSE: T) coverage in her home, yet she can only connect to AT&T's 3G network about 25% of the time. She also said that she has had a large number of dropped calls. The lawsuit specifically says that Apple is not living up to its warranty that the phone will "perform adequately" on AT&T's 3G network.

So what does Jessica Smith want? She wants Apple to "repair or replace all 'defective iPhone 3G' units, plus damages, interest on 'monetary relief' and attorney's fees." She estimates that tens of thousands of users are affected by the 3G iPhone's reception problems, which could push the lawsuit to class action status.

Um. Yeah.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has copped to the 3G iPhone's reception problems. Firmware updates 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 did not fix the issues, and el-Steve-o has promised that another update, timed for September, will resolve everything. Sorry, Steve, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Apple 3g Iphone Hit With Lawsuit




The lawsuit alleges that despite aggressive marketing that the 3G iPhone is "twice as fast for half the price," the much-hyped smartphone is actually much slower than advertised and prone to dropping calls.

"Apple sold these devices on the promise that they were twice as fast as the pre-existing phones and that they would function suitably, or properly, on the 3G network. But, thus far, Apple and the phone have failed to deliver on this promise," Jonathan Kudulis, an attorney with Birmingham, Ala.-based Trimmier Law Firm, told ABCNEWS.com. Trimmier is the firm representing the Ala.-based plaintiff, Jessica Alena Smith.

But Kudulis says, because the complaint was only filed yesterday, Apple has not yet been officially served with the lawsuit.

Apple does not comment on pending litigation, a company spokeswoman said.

Earlier this week, as customers complaints ran rampant, Apple released a software update for the 3G iPhone on iTunes.

The software, called iPhone OS 2.0.2, is for "bug fixes," but whether that includes the problems customers described to ABCNews.com is unclear.

So far, Apple has not released a statement elaborating on the software update.

The company has been tight-lipped, at least to reporters, about complaints of spotty service and potential hardware flaws on the new smart phone.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Apple Promises 3G iPhone Problems Will Be Fixed In September

Apple Promises 3G iPhone Problems Will Be Fixed In September

Posted by Eric Zeman, Aug 20, 2008 11:10 AM


Apple CEO Steve Jobs responded to a perturbed iPhone owner via e-mail recently. In the e-mail, he said that Apple is aware of the 3G iPhone's problems, and will fix them with the next software update, due in September.

So far, Apple has issued two firmware updates to make corrections to the device's many bugs. The most recent update didn't do anything for my iPhone. It didn't fix others' iPhone's, either, and actually broke some iPhones. Users reported that after updating to 2.0.2, they couldn't make or receive phone calls at all. Eek.

According to an AppleInsider reader, a real fix is on the way. Steve Jobs sent a one-line e-mail to the reader that said, "This is a known iPhone bug that is being fixed in the next software update in September." That's all. Jobs isn't known to be a prolific e-mail writer. What the bug is, and when exactly in September the fix will be provided, he didn't elaborate.

I have seen no increase in the performance of my iPhone, but at least it wasn't broken by this week's update. AppleInsider reports, "Many report the iPhone 2.0 firmware suddenly failing to load nondefault apps regardless of their nature, briefly loading them before abruptly jumping back to the home screen."

Jobs, please get these issues resolved ASAP!

Dont Buy 3g Iphone



These shenanigans have gone on long enough, and I think it's time for Apple to admit that the 3G iPhone was (and still is) not ready for public consumption.

3G network connections are still reportedly abysmal, MobileMe is in such a state of disarray that Apple has already offered a second free extension to subscribers, and now Steve Jobs himself has apparently acknowledged that there's a known bug that causes some downloaded apps to simply stop working.

By all accounts, the 2.0.2 update was a crapshoot, with some users reporting minor improvements, but other 3G iPhone users reporting that they can now no longer make calls at all.

The bottom line is that the 3G iPhone is, at this point, simply too unstable to recommend to anyone.

If yours is working flawlessly, hey, that's great. You played Russian roulette and won.

But the mountain of bugs and glitches is simply becoming too huge to ignore.

I'm guessing this situation will be ironed out in a month or so (assuming a full recall isn't necessary) with a collection of patches.

But until then, I'd suggest staying away from the iPhone until Apple gets this train wreck back on the rails.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

UPDATE ON FIRMWARE 2.0.2 UPDATE

Apple didn’t issue any official statement about the problem of connectivity, but instead has released this update. It is considered that the problem affects around 60,000 users.

But apparently event the update failed to completely solve the hiccups. There are various reports from media and users, saying that an unidentified number of users are still reporting problems even after updating their iPhones.

Though, AppleInsider noted that the 2.0.2 update brigs other features as well, such as faster browsing and typing lag reduction.

Firmware 2.0.2 Released for Apple 3g Iphone



Apple has released a firmware update for the iPhone, 2.0.2, and there’s some suggestion that it may include a fix to the 3G coverage issues.

MG Seigler at VentureBeat reports that post update he’s getting better 3G coverage in San Francisco, but there appears to be no official word yet as to whether the upgrade included a patch for the problem.

Obviously if they can fix it via software update, everyone wins, however I sort of can’t upgrade it yet. I couldn’t resist running Pwnage on my 3G iPhone so I could install Flixwagon for live video streaming. A test video below on the subject. I’ll add Qik to the mix as well later in the week to see if there’s any noticeable difference.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Infineon Chip Blamed for 3G iPhone Complaints



A chip known as Infineon is the source for recent complaints on the Apple 3G iPhone. Mobile cell phone users are experiencing unpredictable disconnects with calls and Internet connections.

iPhone smartphone consumers are experiencing inconsistent calls and Internet connections to the Web. Apple said they are aware of the problem. The iPhone maker plans to release updates for the mobile device in an effort to correct the problem.

Friday, August 15, 2008

3g Iphone Getting Slammed Across All Nations



USA Today has a new article about the problems plaguing the most anticipated and hyped electronics device of the year.

“From New York to Stockholm, 3G iPhone owners are complaining loudly about connection failures — sometimes repeatedly — during calls,” the article states. The problem typically occurs when the device attempts to move from 3G to another network.”

It even mentions the “R” word, a prospect that must have Apple’s executives stunned, if not curled in the fetal position under their desks.

“The bad news: If a simple software fix isn't feasible, Apple could be forced to issue a worldwide recall. Such a step would be costly and time-consuming,” USA Today said.

Top Reasons Not to Buy 3g Iphone



1.)Increased monthly fees.
2.)Charges for basic text messaging.
3.)Inefficient battery life while running 3G and GPS.
4.)Camera not upgraded.
5.)No video camera.
6.)No significant storage upgrade.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Best Phone Ever

Qik Enables Live Video Streaming From 3G iPhone

Qik, the startup that allows users to stream live mobile video from their cell phones, has released an application that allows users to use the service from their 3G iPhones. Unfortunately, the application isn’t available through Apple’s sanctioned App Store, so users will need to jailbreak (hack) their iPhones to use it. And because Apple has yet to enable video capture on the iPhone, we probably won’t be seeing a “legit” application any time soon.

Last week Qik released support for iPhones running the old (1.1.4) firmware, which was made obsolete by the 2.0 software that was released in July and gives users access to Apple’s App Store. This new release also supports the older iPhone, but users won’t be able to stream over the slow EDGE network.

The following instructions are included in the company’s blog post:

You can get Qikking with the iPhone 3G (and earlier models running iPhone OS 2.0!) by doing the following:

1. If you have not already, you’ll need to sign up at http://qik.com/sign_up and receive an SMS from us to activate the application.
2. Launch Cydia.
3. Go to the “Sections” tab at the bottom and scroll down to “Multimedia.”
4. Under Multimedia, you will find Qik. Tap on it then select “Install” at the top right, then in the same spot tap “Confirm.”
5. Now you will see Qik get installed. You may hit the “Return to Cydia” button at the bottom or just quit Cydia when it is done installing.
6. You’ll now notice a “Qik” icon on your home screen - Go ahead and launch it.
7. As long as your initial signup SMS/text message is still in your inbox for the first launch, your account will be linked to your device.
8. Make sure you have 3G service or are on WiFi (edge is not sufficient enough to stream video) before you begin broadcasting.
9. Hit record and enjoy Qik!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

FLAWED 3G IPHONE CHIP!

As recently discussed, many 3G iPhone users are experiencing dropped connections as they wander between the EDGE and HSDPA portions of AT&T's network. According to Richard Windsor, an analyst with Nomura Securities, the problem is most likely a flaw in Infineon’s 3G chip. "We believe that these issues are typical of an immature chipset and radio protocol stack where we are almost certain Infineon is the 3G supplier," said Windsor this week in a research note to investors. According to Windsor, the problem likely isn't firmware upgradeable, meaning that Apple would need to physically replace the chips on phones exhibiting the behavior.

3g Iphone - Electronic Giant to Start Selling 3g Iphones




On Sept. 7th Best Buy will become the first U.S. chain to sell the 3g Iphone. In the past your could only ge the phone at AT&T stores or Apple inc.

Boost for holidays: The timing is good for the nation's largest consumer electronics company. Like many U.S. retailers, Best Buy has seen its sales slump as consumers pull back on discretionary purchases. A boost in September could give it some momentum heading into the holiday season.



HEY CHECK THIS: LINK FOR CONNECTION ISSUE AND STOCK PRICES:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1243645856/bctid1716487895

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Sony Ericsson P1i - Best Phone on Market



Ericsson has expanded the company’s P-series range with the release of the P1i. Building on the feature set of earlier models, the Sony Ericsson P1i supports a range of push corporate and consumer email, is WLAN and VoIPVoice over Internet Protocol enabled and supports connectivity via hi-speed 3G and WiFihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WIFI . Designed as a complete mobile office solution with its compact size and multimedia capabilities, the P1i is powered by the Symbian operating system (v9.1) and UIQ 3.1, an open platform based on Symbian OS v9.2.
Offering support for a broad range of push email services including Exchange ActiveSynchttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ActiveSync and Blackberryresearch-in-motion-4q-profit-soars Apr-3-2008 Connect the P1i allows for remote wiping of email and PIM data in case the phone is stolen or misplaced. Email and data downloads are via 3G and integrated WiFi with web surfing handled by the included Opera Web Browser that displays pages in horizontal or vertical, wide screen aspect.

General 2G Network GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network UMTS 2100
- QWERTY keyboard
- Handwriting recognition
Ringtones Type Polyphonic (72 channels), MP3, AAC
Customization Download, order now
Vibration Yes
HSCSD Yes
3G Yes, 384 kbps
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11b
Bluetooth Yes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared port Yes
USB Yes, v2.0
Features OS Symbian OS v9.1, UIQ 3.0
Messaging SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
Browser HTML (Opera), RSS reader
Games Pro Golf, Qudrapop + downloadable, order now
Colors Silver Black
Camera 3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels, autofocus, video, flash; secondary VGA videocall camera
- Java MIDP 2.0
- Video playback
- FM radio with RDS
- Media Player (MP3, AAC)
- Sync ML
- Office applications
- Business card scanning
- Organiser
- Photo album
- Voice memo
- Built-in handsfree

FREE 3G IPHONE - LADY PAYS FOR PLACE IN LINE!

PLEASE CHECK THIS LINK OUT...THIS LADY PAYS $800 FOR FIRST PLACE IN LINE TO BUY $100,000 IN IPHONES...SHE DOESN'T KNOW THERE IS A LIMIT!

Motorola Atila = 3g Iphone Killer



The all new touchscreen 3g Iphone killer by Motorola!

Thankfully, the Motorola Atila that you see pictured here nixes that too-weird sliding QWERTY keyboard on the Motorola Alexander.


The Motorola Atila boasts a quad-band (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM/EDGE radio with a right-proper tri-band (850/1900/2100Mhz) UMTS/HSPA radio that should have the touchscreen device pulling down wireless data at true-blue 3G data speeds

Atila can prove to capture a significant share of the touchscreen smartphone market, where handsets like the iPhone 3G, HTC Touch Diamond, and Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 are expected to reign king, remains to be seen

Here’s a quick rundown of the Motorola Atila’s spec sheet:

Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
Qualcomm 7201A chipset
Quad-band (850/900/1800/1900Mhz) GSM/EDGE
Tri-band (850/1900/2100MHz) UMTS/HSPA
7.2Mbps HSDPA, 1.8Mbps HSUPA
WiFi b/g
2.8? QVGA 240 x 320 screen
1130mAh battery

Monday, August 11, 2008

AT&T Silent on Horrible 3g Network



Widespread complaints about the 3g network have been posted all over apple and AT&T's websites since the drop of the iphone!

iPhone 3G users are having trouble connecting, and staying connected, to the 3G networks in their areas.

Users say the iPhone 3G will switch between 3G networks and EDGE networks even when the device is sitting still.

This is horrible for the limited places that have 3g networks, because you've got to pay extra for the new phone service.




An AT&T representative stated:

"What we're seeing is that the iPhone 3G is performing very well," said Mark Siegel, a spokesman for AT&T. "I'm not denying that people are having problems. But we have to deal with these on a case-by-case basis."

This shows that AT&T and Apple released the phone to early to do as many tests as they needed!

PLUS FOR US IN IOWA......WE STILL DO NOT HAVE A 3G NETWORK...BUT AT&T PROMISES TO HAVE IT HEAR BY THE 4TH QUARTER!

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Iphone Customers Angry - Start Apple Hate Website




A man soo upset with "horrible 3G reception of the 3G Iphone" to encourage Apple and AT&T to improve it. He shares his negative experience with Apple customer service, and he asks other users with similar troubles to comment with their iPhone 3G reception issues. As of this writing, about 40 users have commented with their negative experiences






On a personal level I ruined my first generation iphone, and I started posting in the customer service forum. I was posting controversial remarks, and right when they got posted on the site. Apple deleted them and one of their customers servie reps. from California called me to talk about my experience. He did nothing to help just tried to talk me down.









Friday, August 8, 2008

APPLE RELEASED FIRMWARE: 2.0.1



I phone released the first firmware update to the 3g Iphone since the initial release of the phone. There was no word given on any new features in the update, but most believe that it was a general bug fix.

The bug fix should fix most hiccups and pauses that were experience with the 2.0 firmware.




This is just a minor update, but overall it should fix a few errors. The next big update should be firmware 2.1 This should introduce new features.




THE NEW FIRMWARE COULD POTENTIAL BRICK ANY UNLOCKED IPHONES!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING HOW TO MAKE A CUSTOM RINGTONE FOR THE 3G IPHONE CHECK OUT:
http://iphone-cheats.com/news/custom-3g-iphone-ringtone/

Thursday, August 7, 2008

I AM RICH ....... APPLICATION

APPLE PULLS APPLICATION FROM THE APPLICATION STORE FOR THE 3G IPHONE:






"The red icon on your iPhone or iPod Touch always reminds you (and others when you show it to them) that you were able to afford this. It's a work of art with no hidden function at all."

Add to Technorati Favorites

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

3g Iphone critic

The iphone and Iphone 3g have both made vast improvements to the worlds of telecommunications!

THE APP. STORE IS AN AMAZING FEATURE AND GPS IS GREAT BUUUUUTT!!

There are still many features that are needed for both the phone and service:

FIRST A CRITICS REVIEW:



NOW WHAT PEOPLE HATE THAT THE PHONE DOESN'T HAVE!

1.) No MMS messaging.

This feature is almost a standard on all phones! I understand that fact that Apple believes we all should have email accounts set up to where we can simply email photos. When it comes to video messages the phone does not support a way to view these messages from you email (YIKES)!

2.) Copy and Paste

This makes for no efficient way to send messages via email or text message!

3.) Flash Support

This feature would help to view any type of video that would come to the phone!

4.) Replaceable battery

This has to be the most annoying feature especially when the 3g network is stealing all of you battery life. Having a battery that would be replaceable would just allow for a more user friendly experience.

THERE ARE MANY MORE GRIPPS ABOUT THE 3G IPHONE!

On a personal level I'm upset that there is no 3g network in IOWA! The phone rolls out talking about how fast the 3g network is, but many states do not have a 3g network. So I'd advise to check out AT&T's network coverage!