Tag Archives: Software Update

Apple Sued Over iPhone Case Cracks

November 15, 2008 – 11:22 am

I first wrote about the cases on the iPhone 3G showing hairline cracks very soon after the 3G model was released. Nothing really happened after that; the story seemed to peter out, despite the large number of complaints on various forums.However, now …

By Mario | Posted in Interesting | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Apple Recalls Millions of iPhone 3G Power Adapters

September 20, 2008 – 9:18 am

On Friday afternoon (after the stock market close, go figure) Apple recalled millions of iPhone 3G power adapters. The recall covers Latin America, North America and Japan. The problem: weak prongs on the adapter may break off and remain stuck in an outlet, causing a risk of shock.

I wonder if they would replace an expensive powerstrip or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) if such an event happened and ruined one of those? Apple has received reports of such breakages already, so we know it’s happened.

In a clever spin campaign, Apple has called the recall the “Apple Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange Program.” Ah, yes, we are exchanging the defective merchandise we gave you.

But Apple definitely doesn’t need additional bad press about its iPhone 3G, which came out of the gate like a Kentucky Derby winner but has since been hobbled by issues such as poor 3G performance (resulting in multiple lawsuits) and bad battery life. Much of this seems to have been resolved with the iPhone 2.1 software update, but before Apple gets a chance to bask in the glory of a 3G fix, boom!

Of course this recall (oh, I’m sorry, exchange) will cost them millions, but not the multi-millions that an iPhone recall would have cost them, so the software fix enabled them to dodge a bullet there. I still wonder if a new teardown in a few months would reveal a different 3G chipset.

Details on the exchange program are here. Actual exchanges will not being to take place until Oct. 10th.

There are two ways to exchange your current ultracompact Apple USB power adapter for a new, redesigned adapter.

The two ways to get a replacement:

  • Order a replacement adapter via the web. These replacement adapters will ship within three weeks of your order, starting on Friday, October 10.
  • Exchange your adapter at an Apple Retail Store starting on October 10.

Apple recommends that owners stop using the adapter immediately. So, the only way to charge: via USB to your computer, using a 3rd party adapter, or one of the standard-sized Apple USB Power Adapter (with fold up prongs).

Not that you will have one yet, but replacement adapters will have a green dot, as shown.

One more thing: to get a replacement you’ll need your iPhone 3G’s serial number. This can be found in two places:

  • Connect to iTunes and you’ll see it on the Summary page.
  • Or look on the iPhone and tap Settings>General>About. The serial number is the ninth item on the list.

By trompyx | Posted in Interesting | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

IPhone 3G Users Using Less Internet Than Expected; Guess Why?

September 19, 2008 – 10:17 am

AT&T CTO John Donovan told investors and analysts at Goldman Sach’s Communacopia Thursday morning that although there has been a spike in data usage from the new iPhone 3G, it hasn’t met their expectations.

The carrier anticipated a 5X growth in data consumption over the 2G iPhone, but it’s been closer to a 3X jump. When asked about post-device launch upgrades to network infrastructure due to the iPhone, Donovan said AT&T has improved everything from radios to towers and backhaul where usage surged due to overwhelming iPhone use in specific regions: “The only thing that is an emergency is the sense of urgency that we apply to it.”

While not noted, it should be obvious why data usage hasn’t spiked further: poor 3G performance on the iPhone. While there were many theories posited, it appears that most users who were experiencing difficulties didn’t get relief until the 2.1 software update.

And yes, as I said previously, why blame AT&T when it was happening worldwide, and other 3G devices were just fine. The 2.1 update seems to have proven me right.

Despite the update, there has been a post-patch lawsuit filed (to join the others) filed by Aaron Walters, of Little Rock, Arkansas. His lawsuit was filed last Friday, just as the update was coming out.

The proposed class action lawsuit alleges Apple and AT&T misled the public and violated state trade laws with advertising claims that the new iPhone’s cellular data speeds would be “twice as fast” as the original model. This is pretty much the same argument as prior lawsuits.

Walters also adds in the locking of the device to the carrier as well as the $10 premium charged for the data plan as opposed to the original iPhone as parts of his lawsuit. While I have to admit the AT&T network isn’t as widespread as one might hope (and thus people in non-3G areas shouldn’t, IMHO, be charged that premium), it’s also true that the new plan is in line with AT&T’s data plans for other devices, intimating that the original iPhone’s data plan was priced differently because of the lack of device subsidization.

And as far as locking it to AT&T, it would be great if that weren’t the case, but that’s probably not something for this lawsuit.

Still, I’m sure people who were having difficulties wouldn’t mind getting their money back for the crappy service they received until 2.1 came out. You can, as I did, complain, and you might get a refund (as I did).

And let’s be honest: I still see posts about poor 3G service with the 2.1 software. It appears while it’s sure fixed issues for many, there are still problems out there.

By trompyx | Posted in Interesting | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)