Jul 05

Putting hard numbers to the iPhone 4 antenna issue

iSharing No Comments »

The discovery that gripping the iPhone 4 in a way that bridges the left and bottom antennas can cause serious signal problems has resulted in—to say the least—a lot of controversy. However, most of the data that either “proves” or “refutes” that existence of said problem has been anecdotal at best.

So AnandTech used a clever hack to get an iPhone 4 to report actual signal strength instead of “bars,” giving some quantitative data about how bridging the antennas can negatively affect signal strength. The analysis explains why not all users are affected by the problem, and further investigation also shows that the antenna design does in fact improve reception as long as the left-bottom area isn’t bridged when holding the device.

Other mobile handsets definitely have antenna attenuation problems—when cupping an iPhone 3GS or Google Nexus One in the manner that causes problems with the iPhone 4, AnandTech measured 14dB and 18dB drops, respectively. However, the problem with the iPhone 4′s external antenna is worse; bridging the antennas detunes 3G reception by a full 24dB.

Continue reading »

Tagged with: • • • •
Jun 29

iPhone 4 antenna issues: Software or hardware?

general No Comments »

A few reports are surfacing that claim the current reception problem with the iPhone 4 could be an issue with the phone’s OS software instead of the phone’s construction.

Similar to the recent videos showing the grip on the iPhone 4 resulting in signal loss, others have released videos showing the same things happening on older models after having upgraded to iOS 4. This indicates the problem is in the operating system instead of the phone’s hardware, which is promising for people who have been impacted by the reception issue.

In looking at what is happening, the root of this problem is in the hardware. When you physically bridge two parts of the phone with your hand the signal drops, and then reappears when you change your grip. This happens because of interference in the RF signal, where the user’s hand will either shield, ground, or introduce noise in the signal. This will happen to some degree on every electronic device that uses RF signals (bluetooth mice, wifi routers, and other phones), but may happen more prevalently on the iPhone 4 because of its exposed antennas.

While the root of the problem is in hardware, there is a second component, which is how the software handles fluctuations in signal quality. This noise introduction alters the signal’s characteristics in such a way that the phone can no longer identify it. Since this happens on both newer and older iPhone models that are running iOS 4, it indicates the current OS version is not handling signal fluctuations very well.

Therefore, fixes coming in the form of an OS or firmware update will not necessarily eliminate the situation for the iPhone 4, but may help it by increasing the device’s tolerance of noise in the RF signal. Even with a software fix the iPhone 4 may still be susceptible to greater signal fluctuations, but we can hopefully look forward to an update making this problem less noticeable. Meanwhile, the only fixes are to change your hand grip (or using no grip with headphones or a bluetooth earpiece), or using a protective case.

Quote from: reviews.cnet.com

Tagged with: • • • •
Feb 03

Apple releases iPhone OS SDK 3.1.3

iNews No Comments »

Apple has released an update for the iPhone SDK, bringing the current version of the SDK to 3.1.3.

The new SDK 3.1.3 includes Xcode, which is available in versions that are compatible with Leopard and Snow Leopard for iPhone and iPod Touch developers.

The SDK update, according to information we received from a developer, is required if you plan on developing apps for devices running iPhone OS 3.1.3. According to Apple, the corresponding iPhone OS 3.1.3 update contains important bug fixes and security patches.

If you are interested in developing for the iPad, you will need to download iPhone OS and SDK 3.2 beta released for specifically for the new device.

Quote from reviews.cnet.com

Tagged with: • • • •
Jan 20

iPhone Google search could be dumped for Microsoft Bing?

iNews No Comments »

Hold off on the sarcasm; the rumor is bizarre enough on its own. According to Business Week’s sources, Apple and Microsoft are currently negotiating to make Microsoft Bing the default search engine on Apple’s upcoming iPhone OS, a move which would replace Google. Two sources have apparently told the publication that talks have been in progress for weeks: “Apple and Google know the other is their primary enemy” one explained, adding “Microsoft is now a pawn in that battle.”

Continue reading »

Tagged with: • • • •
Jan 19

Fox News ‘Confirms’ Apple Tablet, iLife 2010, and Next iPhone OS

rumors No Comments »

Fox News posted an article Monday claiming that not only will next week’s now-confirmed Apple event play host to the long-rumored tablet unveiling, but it will also see the next iteration of Apple’s iLife software on show. Fox’s report also claims that Apple will discuss the next iPhone OS update.

Continue reading »

Tagged with: • • • •
preload preload preload