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Apple's IPhone 3G Firmware Update Bombs

JagsLive writes "After lots of complaints about iPhone 3G connection issues, Apple released a firmware update Monday with hopes it would fix the issues. But early reports suggest it didn't work as planned. Complaints have included dropped calls, abrupt network switches, poor reception, and service interruptions. Apple declined to offer details about its iPhone 2.0.1 update, other than saying it included 'bug fixes.' However, comments in Apple's support forum say plenty about the latest attempt to rectify poor user experiences. In fact, the update seems to be causing new issues, apparently interfering with the GPS function, among others."

6 of 423 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Obligatory... by Doddman · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The reason this one is getting so much press is Apple's "It Just Works" campaign. They're saying it just works, and when it turns out to not "just work", it's a pretty big issue.

    --
    If creativity is the field, copyright is the fence.
  2. Re:Obligatory... by snl2587 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It's pretty sad that the 3G iPhone is running into problems. Especially since it has such high visibility due to everyone wanting one.

    But the real kicker is that this is Apple's own hardware. I can understand when Microsoft's updates fail (at least to some extent) because of the multitude of different machines trying to run the software. But Apple owns the specs and built the machines. To me, failed software updates from them are inexcusable, but likely the fault of the bean-counters with MBA's (I like that expression for some reason, but I can't remember who to attribute it to) pushing out the update too fast.

    Based on other comments, I get the impression that this news is a little outdated, and I know that anti-Apple statements are a sure-fire way to get modded down. But please: consider all the factors of Apple products, especially if Apple insists on preventing other companies from writing OSes for their devices.

  3. Re:Obligatory... by kannibal_klown · · Score: 5, Insightful

    First, I don't have an iPhone nor do I plan on getting one. And while I use a MacBook Pro at home I'm not a zealot... I've had tech issues with my Apple products.

    Apple isn't perfect. They have the occasional hardware issue with their rev A systems and a poor OS update here and there. As a whole their systems are usually pretty darn stable, but they still get major issues.

    Heck, I was suffering with a known keyboard issue on my MacBook Pro for a year before they fixed it. A year.

    But in their defense, they're still somewhat new to the Cellphone arena. Sure, this is their second phone and some of the insides are similar to the iPod touch, but they're still new. It's like if a Car designer was asked to design and build a great riding lawn mower. They'd make one, but their first 2 models might have issues.

    Meanwhile, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, etc have been pumping out Cellphones for a while and have gone through their growing pains. They know what to avoid when designing hardware and what to do when sending out a software update. And yet with all of this neither they are perfect.

    I've had issues with cellphones from other companies, and know some people that experience MAJOR issues with other cellphones. It happens.

    Here's hoping that third time's a charm.

  4. Re:Obligatory... by saintm · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You don't get the mainstream press interested in a new phone being released, but they were all out for the iPhone.

    Live by the sword and all that.

  5. Re:"it just works my ass" by Belial6 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I haven't used a Macs enough to complain about them, but I've been using an iPhone for a few weeks now. I'm not going to say the device is crap, it's not, but I definitely would not call the UI a gold standard. I'm still trying to figure out who's nephew they hired to make the decision that you should need to plug the phone into an entire computer to get audio onto this wifi device. I mean really. They shipped a wifi enabled, web surfing music player that cannot download PODCASTS from the internet. I do find it funny though that when Apple implemented a UI element that has been in Lotus Notes from the beginning, the UI element magically went from being the worst thing ever to being a gold standard.

  6. Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch by idobi · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You mean the people quoting the idiot financial analyst who is trying to manipulate the stock? The same financial analyst that also claimed the first iPhone would have to be recalled because the touchscreen was defective? It's interesting that every article claiming a hardware problem goes back to the same source.