Yesterday I decided not to write about Consumer Reports rescinding its recommendation on the iPhone 4 due to its reception issues. The story has been played out. Most tech enthusiasts have already made up their minds about the issue — they either believe it’s a problem or they don’t. What I did find interesting is that Apple has allegedly been killing of discussions about Consumer Reports’ findings in its forums. According to TUAW:
If you were looking for a message thread on Apple’s support forums pointing to Consumer Reports’ article ‘not recommending’ the iPhone 4, it’s not there any more. Apple’s support forum moderators deleted the thread. Bing cached it.
If it happened once, maybe you’d say it was a glitch. But what if it happened twice? Three times? Four times, five, six?
The approach is unusual. I’m surprised that Apple didn’t have a bunch of rapid responses at the ready. Deleting forum threads make it look like it’s trying to sweep the issue under the rug or ignore its existence.
Watching Apple deal with this issue is simply fascinating. First it was “you’re holding it wrong” then it was a “software issue” about the bars improperly reporting signal. Any guesses on what the next response will be?
Some of the threads have reappeared though.
I can see Apple saying, "we're a bunch of noobs and just fork over our money. You know you want to anyways." This issue is blown out of proportion just buy a bumper or cover, consumer reports even confirmed that the reception is a non-issue when you have something preventing a hand from touching the antenna.
@smartguy None of the ones linked in the source have reappeared.
Doesn't anybody remember this episode from Star Trek: The Next Generation?
"Riker to Picard; The Apple reality distortion field is weakening, shall we fire phasers?"
"Not yet, Number One, wait until Microsoft exploits the situation, then move in."
"Aye, sir."
-M
apple seems to be following BP's strategy with lies, cover ups, withheld information, and fixes that many 3rd graders could've come up with -__-
this whole story has been blown way out of proportion. I usually forget about the antenna issues until some new story comes up about it. I think it's mostly people who don't own the phone that are bitching about it, that and news sites.
On that note though, I think Apple is going to need to come up with more than a software update to please everyone. Though I've already been happy with my phone for a while now. I don't see any way out of this mess without some sort of hardware recall.
@shockwave
it looks like you and CNET have the same idea.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31322_3-20010352-256.ht…
but i don't agree with it. If the reception issues are not affected with the bumper or case then Apple should offer the bumper at least. It would ease the issue and be very PR friendly.
As with most things Apple I can usually find a link to 1984 somewhere…in this case it looks like they are doing the job of the Mini Truth. For those of you who don't know, the Ministry of Truth in the book is where all of the newspapers, books, publications, et cetera, are edited and republished so that it looks like the publication in question has always been saying one thing or another. Basically, Big Brother can always change the facts of the past to make itself always look right.
"and if you don't know, now you know"
@tokz
Giving bumpers away won't silence the issue. People will complain that they want to use the device without any kind of case. Rightfully so since it does look very nice. An initial hardware recall will probably take place instead of giving out bumpers.
@rpad – The Yankees have lost some great men in only a few short days. it's a shame
@tokz – If I was offered a free bumper I wouldn't even use it. I like this phone exactly as is, and the service has been an improvement over my 3GS
although you may be right, a bumper is probably all Apple is obligated to do. I don't think news agencies will be satisfied with anything less than a recall. I don't see a recall as realistic, but it may be the only thing that gets iPhone out of the bad spotlight.
I use a bumper because I do not have a dock at work. I like how it keeps the glass front or back from touching my desk.
A recall would be tremendously expensive. Free bumpers seems way more likely. MG Siegler at TechCrunch compared it to Nintendo sending Wii owners free wrist straps after too many people threw WiiMotes at their televisions.
@Ray
Wrist straps and hardware failures are too different. Much like the RROD that MS dealt with Apple has an insurance policy for this. The loss would be offset.
@smartguy The Xbox 360 was never recalled, so I don't see how that example works. I still don't see a recall happening. Apple wouldn't do it voluntarily because of the cost. The BBB won't mandate a recall unless a product is endangering customers.
@Ray
The 360 was fixed or replaced free of charge because of hardware failure.
Apple can recall or exchange to maintain good relations with early adopters and a loyal fanbase
@smartguy Fixng and replacing a percentage of products is WAY different than a recall.
I don't see them doing anything that they haven't already done. Pretend no one is having issues, releases a "fix", and finally revert back to pretending nothing is wrong or was wrong. Media control at its best. If Apple ignores it, the media can't keep talking about it.