No magic hardware fix coming, Apple to continue providing free bumpers after September 30th?
by Justin Horn on Sep 10th, 2010 @ 5:57 pmToday Apple reiterated the iPhone 4 case program was coming to an end:
We now know that the iPhone 4 antenna attenuation issue is even smaller than we originally thought. A small percentage of iPhone 4 users need a case, and we want to continue providing them a Bumper case for free. For everyone else, we are discontinuing the free case program on all iPhone 4s sold after September 30, 2010. We are also returning to our normal returns policy for all iPhone 4s sold after September 30. Users experiencing antenna issues should call AppleCare to request a free Bumper case.
The “iPhone 4 case program” which allows iPhone 4 owners, through the use of a special iPhone app, to order a free bumper or third party case is clearly coming to an end September 30th. Although the program is ending, if I’m reading that last line correctly, users that purchase an iPhone 4 after September 30th will still be able to request a free bumper to fix their antenna issues by calling AppleCare. The previous policy, posted by Boy Genius, was quite different:
We ARE NOT appeasing customers with free bumpers – DON’T promise a free bumper to customers.
I assume Apple has changed their policy as a cheap way to keep the story from flaring up again. I admit, it seems the majority of users don’t notice the issue, but for the group of post September 30th iPhone 4 buyers that do, Apple can keep them quiet with a free bumper.
I always doubted Apple would fix the iPhone 4 antenna issue with a production line tweak. Even if they could, can you imagine the backlash from all the iPhone 4 owners that have the issue? Giving away a free case to “help general mobile phone attenuation issues” is one thing, but for Apple to fix the issue would be admitting there was one.
Follow me on Twitter @justin_horn
Comments Off
Antenna Issue, iPhone 4, iPhone 4 free case program
New iPod touch only has 256MB of RAM
by Justin Horn on Sep 8th, 2010 @ 4:19 pmBreaking news: the iPod Touch has only 256 MB RAM, same Samsung part markings as iPad.
Very disappointing, but I guess when it’s selling at the $400 less than the iPhone, they got to cut something. Remember the iPhone 4 32GB is $699 – $400 subsidy from AT&T for that 2 year contract.
Follow me on Twitter @justin_horn
Comments Off
iPod
Confirmed: iOS 4.1 HDR photos iPhone 4 only
by Justin Horn on Sep 8th, 2010 @ 1:19 pmAs seen in official iOS 4.1 the release notes:
High dynamic range (HDR) photos on iPhone 4
Follow me on Twitter @justin_horn
iOS 4.1 released, go get it!
by Justin Horn on Sep 8th, 2010 @ 1:13 pmHere are the release notes:
iOS 4.1 Software Update
This update contains improvements, including the following:
• Game Center
- Send and receive friend requests
- Invite friends to multi-player games over the Internet
- Play multi-player games by auto-matching with other
players
- View Leaderboards and Achievements
- Discover new games from friends
• High dynamic range (HDR) photos on iPhone 4
• Support for TV show rentals on iTunes
• Ability to upload HD videos to YouTube and MobileMe
over Wi-Fi on iPhone 4
• Additional support for AVRCP-supported accessories,
including next & previous track control
• FaceTime calling directly from Favorites
• Bug fixes, including:
- iPhone 4 proximity sensor performance
- iPhone 3G performance
- Nike+iPod fixes
- Bluetooth improvementsProducts compatible with this software update:
• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 3G
• iPod touch 2nd generation, or laterGame Center requires iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 2nd generation or later.
Follow me on Twitter @justin_horn
Google releases Google Instant
by Justin Horn on Sep 8th, 2010 @ 1:10 pmFaster Searches: By predicting your search and showing results before you finish typing, Google Instant can save 2-5 seconds per search.
Smarter Predictions: Even when you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, predictions help guide your search. The top prediction is shown in grey text directly in the search box, so you can stop typing as soon as you see what you need.
Instant Results: Start typing and results appear right before your eyes. Until now, you had to type a full search term, hit return, and hope for the right results. Now results appear instantly as you type, helping you see where you’re headed, every step of the way.
Sorry, doesn’t work on iPhone’s mobile Safari just yet, but it does work in Chrome v5/6, Firefox v3, Safari v5 for Mac and Internet Explorer v8. I’ve given it a try in the latest version of Chrome and it’s actually pretty cool, too bad Google is Evil now.
Follow me on Twitter @justin_horn
Nike+ GPS app released to app store, hopefully this finds its way into the built in version soon
by Justin Horn on Sep 6th, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
Nike has just released a new iPhone app, Nike+ GPS (iTunes – $1.99). Unlike the built in version (which Apple develops), it doesn’t require any special equipment. Like many apps already on the app store, it uses the GPS and accelerometer to track your speed and route. The app also works with the Nike+ website for tracking all your runs.
The release of this app comes shortly after Adidas released miCoach (iTunes – Free). miCoach works similar to Nike+ GPS app and has the full website integration for keeping track of all your stats.
I’d love to see GPS tracking added to the built in app along with heart rate monitor support.
(via Mashable)
Follow me on Twitter @justin_horn
