Sweden’s leading engineering publication reported Wednesday that broadband connectivity issues with some of the new Apple iPhones are likely the result of a hardware problem introduced during mass production of the device.
Ny Teknik, a weekly publication, said they had obtained a report about test results that showed some iPhones had sensitivity levels to third-generation (3G) network signals that were far less than those called for in the 3G standard.
3G networks allow for faster Web surfing on mobile phone browsers, and make high-bandwidth applications like video calling possible. 3G standards, set and maintained by the Geneva-based International Telecommunication Union (ITU), include the engineering and technical specifications that 3G phones must meet.
According to the report, the likely cause of the 3G iPhone’s problems is faulty adjustments between the handset’s antenna and an amplifier that receives very weak signals from the antenna. Such a defect could result in inadequate 3G connectivity and slower data speeds.
The iPhone 3G, which became available July 11 in the United States and 21 other countries, was intended to provide higher-speed Web browsing than the initial year-old model. Since its launch, the company’s message boards have been inundated with complaints of dropped calls and poor connectivity. Some users in Canada, the U.S., Japan, Britain and other countries reported connectivity problems with their 3G iPhone in locations where 3G phones from other manufacturers did not experience such issues.
According to a Reuters report, Natalie Kerris, an Apple spokeswoman, declined to comment on whether the problem was in the iPhone's hardware or software, or an issue with the carriers' 3G networks.
AT&T Inc. is currently the only wireless provider in the U.S. to sell the iPhone. Mark Siegel, a spokesman for AT&T's wireless unit, told Reuters the company had not received a substantial number of complaints.
"Overall, the new iPhone is performing just great on our 3G network."
Siegel advised 3G iPhone users to frequently sync their phones with Apple's iTunes to receive the most up to date software and any potential improvements.
The iPhone’s connectivity problem is not the only issue with the 3G iPhone.
Just hours before the new phones went on sale, users of the older data-synching service were locked out of their accounts as Apple scrambled to get the new version, MobileMe, up and going.
On the day of the launch, the company’s servers choked as buyers attempted in-store activations of their iPhones while owners of older iPhones and the iPod Touch reactivated and updated their devices from home.
Francis Sideco, a senior analyst for El Segundo, Calif.-based research group iSuppli Corp., told Reuters the connectivity issues described by users, in particular the number of dropped calls and the low number of bars shown on the handset display, could be caused by a variety of components. These could include the antenna, amplifier, radio frequency transceiver or the baseband that processes signals and sends them to the screen or speaker. Such a problem could cause the phone to sense inadequate signal strength to keep a call connected, prompting it to display too few bars, Sideco said.
Parts from different manufacturers also vary in their ability to receive 3G signals, he said. This would support claims by users that side by side comparisons of iPhones to those made by other manufacturers displayed a different number of bars.
Ny Teknik's report indicated the fault was introduced during mass production. Cell phone chips, or the phones themselves, undergo a testing and certification process before reaching consumers, but only a small fraction of the chips or handsets are tested, Sideco said.
"We've seen this in the past before, in Motorola's Razr line. It was a very big seller, but the first version of that phone had RF (radio frequency) problems. They had to recall it, fix it, (and) put it back out there," he said, adding that such a problem could explain the 3G iPhone’s shorter-than-expected batter life, another common complaint.
"It could end up drawing more power because now the phone thinks it's (getting a) worse signal than it actually is. When it goes to talk to the network, it speaks louder than it needs to," he said.
When people in more than one geographic location lodge similar complaints, it indicates the problem is with the phone, not the network, Sideco said. However, without knowing precisely what has gone wrong, he did not specify whether Apple would be facing a recall scenario, or whether a software or firmware update might instead fix the problem.
Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports
Thank iPhone 3G
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
AT&T should embrace iPhone VoIP over 3G
When the App Store was announced and Steve Jobs was discussing the possibility of iPhone applications totally transforming the way we use Apple's devices, he was asked if it would support VoIP on the iPhone. In response, Apple confirmed that VoIP would be available in the App Store as long as it was running on Wi-Fi, but not AT&T's 3G network. The company claimed that any VoIP solution running on 3G would be in violation of its exclusivity deal with AT&T.
But now that Global IP Solutions has released VoIP software for the developer community, I think it's time we explore why AT&T doesn't want iPhone VoIP running on its network.
Now I know that the first response will be because the company will lose substantial revenue as people use VoIP instead of its own network, resulting in less usage and fewer overage charges, but I think that's a bit short-sighted.
First off, no one is telling AT&T to allow VoIP on all its devices, just the iPhone. Secondly, why can't AT&T get in on the sale of VoIP solutions and encourage people to buy them from the App Store as way to reduce overages?
It may sound radical, but it just might work.
One of the main concerns every cell phone owner has is whether or not they will be charged additional fees for spending too much time on the phone. But with the help of VoIP, they'll be able to reduce the number of minutes they use and in turn, save some cash each month. In the process, AT&T will lose revenue and probably feel the effect of VoIP in no time.
And while the initial shock of lost revenue could be jarring, we can't forget that the iPhone customers are just one segment of AT&T's revenue source and they certainly don't account for the majority of users. That said, iPhone users are most likely to add apps to their devices and are more likely to use a VoIP app than someone using a BlackBerry or Treo.
But who cares? AT&T will lose some revenue in the short-term, sure, but why wouldn't it create a VoIP application of its own and sell it on the App Store, dubbing it the "official VoIP application for the iPhone 3G?" That app may not make up for the lost revenue in overage charges, but it will effectively create a PR campaign that the company can exploit for months: AT&T is the only cell phone carrier that's willing to let you use a different voice communication solution on its own platform, and thus, save you money.
The long-term effect of allowing iPhone 3G users to use VoIP over 3G could have a major impact on AT&T's bottom line. Current users would tell others that after buying an iPhone, they too will be able to reduce their monthly payment to one offering less minutes and use VoIP instead. In the process, AT&T could advertise that simple fact and probably see an influx of customers that are looking to save some cash on cell plans and own an iPhone at the same time.
It may be a risky move, especially considering AT&T may not be the desired carrier for some people, but I think it's a risk worth taking. Let's face it -- not all iPhone users will use VoIP anyway and more often than not, it'll be easier for them to make calls with their phone than to use VoIP on the device, since 3G is hardly ubiquitous.
But for every risk, there's the possibility of enjoying a huge reward. AT&T could lead the pack in VoIP communications over a cell network and exploit its "desire to make customers happy" to steal more customers from competing carriers.
Cell phones are quickly reaching saturation and cell carriers will be forced to steal customers from now on instead of gaining those without plans. And as that happens, they will need to differentiate themselves and try to entice more people to their side. And what better way to do that than to use the iPhone 3G as a test market and offer customers the opportunity to come to AT&T and enjoy all the benefits of VoIP?
Sure, it's radical. But at this point, throwing some caution to the wind wouldn't be such a bad idea for AT&T. And let's not forget that no one has a gun to the executives' heads: they can always stop supporting VoIP whenever they feel like it if it puts too much of a strain on the company's bottom line.
AT&T should embrace iPhone VoIP over 3G
Posted by Don Reisinger
iPhone 3G
But now that Global IP Solutions has released VoIP software for the developer community, I think it's time we explore why AT&T doesn't want iPhone VoIP running on its network.
Now I know that the first response will be because the company will lose substantial revenue as people use VoIP instead of its own network, resulting in less usage and fewer overage charges, but I think that's a bit short-sighted.
First off, no one is telling AT&T to allow VoIP on all its devices, just the iPhone. Secondly, why can't AT&T get in on the sale of VoIP solutions and encourage people to buy them from the App Store as way to reduce overages?
It may sound radical, but it just might work.
One of the main concerns every cell phone owner has is whether or not they will be charged additional fees for spending too much time on the phone. But with the help of VoIP, they'll be able to reduce the number of minutes they use and in turn, save some cash each month. In the process, AT&T will lose revenue and probably feel the effect of VoIP in no time.
And while the initial shock of lost revenue could be jarring, we can't forget that the iPhone customers are just one segment of AT&T's revenue source and they certainly don't account for the majority of users. That said, iPhone users are most likely to add apps to their devices and are more likely to use a VoIP app than someone using a BlackBerry or Treo.
But who cares? AT&T will lose some revenue in the short-term, sure, but why wouldn't it create a VoIP application of its own and sell it on the App Store, dubbing it the "official VoIP application for the iPhone 3G?" That app may not make up for the lost revenue in overage charges, but it will effectively create a PR campaign that the company can exploit for months: AT&T is the only cell phone carrier that's willing to let you use a different voice communication solution on its own platform, and thus, save you money.
The long-term effect of allowing iPhone 3G users to use VoIP over 3G could have a major impact on AT&T's bottom line. Current users would tell others that after buying an iPhone, they too will be able to reduce their monthly payment to one offering less minutes and use VoIP instead. In the process, AT&T could advertise that simple fact and probably see an influx of customers that are looking to save some cash on cell plans and own an iPhone at the same time.
It may be a risky move, especially considering AT&T may not be the desired carrier for some people, but I think it's a risk worth taking. Let's face it -- not all iPhone users will use VoIP anyway and more often than not, it'll be easier for them to make calls with their phone than to use VoIP on the device, since 3G is hardly ubiquitous.
But for every risk, there's the possibility of enjoying a huge reward. AT&T could lead the pack in VoIP communications over a cell network and exploit its "desire to make customers happy" to steal more customers from competing carriers.
Cell phones are quickly reaching saturation and cell carriers will be forced to steal customers from now on instead of gaining those without plans. And as that happens, they will need to differentiate themselves and try to entice more people to their side. And what better way to do that than to use the iPhone 3G as a test market and offer customers the opportunity to come to AT&T and enjoy all the benefits of VoIP?
Sure, it's radical. But at this point, throwing some caution to the wind wouldn't be such a bad idea for AT&T. And let's not forget that no one has a gun to the executives' heads: they can always stop supporting VoIP whenever they feel like it if it puts too much of a strain on the company's bottom line.
AT&T should embrace iPhone VoIP over 3G
Posted by Don Reisinger
iPhone 3G
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Phase 2 Deployment Expands iPhone 3G Across the Globe
On Friday, August 22, 2008 the second phase of iPhone 3G deployment begins to more foreign countries, as announced in Apple’s Q3 2008 financial results call recently. Plans are to deploy the phone in 20 additional countries this month which brings the iPhone 3G to over 40 countries in total. The remaining 30 or so countries will have the iPhone 3G before the end of the 2008 calendar year. It’s been confirmed that the device will make its debut in ten countries in Latin America, more in Europe and India.
The company America Movil and Telfonica will release the iPhone 3G in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. However it appears that America Movil will have the exclusive release in Honduras and Paraguay. America Movil is a leading provider of 3G technologies in Latin America offering 3G services in 15 countries in that region.
Country/operator combinations include: Estonia (EMT), the Czech republic (Vodafone), Hungary (T-Mobile), India, the Philippines (Globe), Poland and Romania (Orange).
In many case, pricing and availability in these regions is not available. Customers are advised to check with their local carrier many of whom are offering registration to receive notification as to when the iPhone 3G will be available, rate plans, etc.
what the best of iPhone 3G ?
The company America Movil and Telfonica will release the iPhone 3G in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. However it appears that America Movil will have the exclusive release in Honduras and Paraguay. America Movil is a leading provider of 3G technologies in Latin America offering 3G services in 15 countries in that region.
Country/operator combinations include: Estonia (EMT), the Czech republic (Vodafone), Hungary (T-Mobile), India, the Philippines (Globe), Poland and Romania (Orange).
In many case, pricing and availability in these regions is not available. Customers are advised to check with their local carrier many of whom are offering registration to receive notification as to when the iPhone 3G will be available, rate plans, etc.
what the best of iPhone 3G ?
Apple testing fix for iPhone 3G signal issues
A BusinessWeek article purports that Apple is currently testing a fix for widespread loss-of-signal, poor signal and fluctuating signal issues with the iPhone 3G.
Peter Burrows writes:
“Apple and Infineon are currently testing the fix, which will be included in a broader update of the iPhone’s software. iPhone owners will be prompted to install the update when they synch their iPhones to a PC, just as they have on many other occasions. In its statement, AT&T said, ‘We urge our customers to synch iPhone 3G to iTunes frequently to ensure they have the latest software updates.’”
Users, in droves, have reported signal strength/reception issues with the iPhone 3G when utilizing the 3G network in areas with purportedly strong coverage, per AT&T and other carriers’ maps. Most disconcertingly, phones from other manufacturers often deliver excellent 3G signal strength on the same network and in the same location as signal-crippled iPhone 3Gs.
Several users have exchanged their iPhones for replacement units with no improvement.
The iPhone 3G automatically switches between 3G and 2G networks for voice and data connections. In theory, the phone should hop off 3G when signal strength is too low or non-existent, and hop back on when the signal gets better. In our experience, however, the iPhone 3G isn’t aggressive enough regarding the switch from 3G to 2G. In other words, you may find that your phone stays connected to a 3G network when the signal strength is too low to allow incoming or outgoing calls.
The simple solution is to manually turn 3G connectivity, forcing a switch to 2G — which may take several seconds — and likely a boost in signal strength.
Enjoy to use iPhone 3G
Peter Burrows writes:
“Apple and Infineon are currently testing the fix, which will be included in a broader update of the iPhone’s software. iPhone owners will be prompted to install the update when they synch their iPhones to a PC, just as they have on many other occasions. In its statement, AT&T said, ‘We urge our customers to synch iPhone 3G to iTunes frequently to ensure they have the latest software updates.’”
Users, in droves, have reported signal strength/reception issues with the iPhone 3G when utilizing the 3G network in areas with purportedly strong coverage, per AT&T and other carriers’ maps. Most disconcertingly, phones from other manufacturers often deliver excellent 3G signal strength on the same network and in the same location as signal-crippled iPhone 3Gs.
Several users have exchanged their iPhones for replacement units with no improvement.
The iPhone 3G automatically switches between 3G and 2G networks for voice and data connections. In theory, the phone should hop off 3G when signal strength is too low or non-existent, and hop back on when the signal gets better. In our experience, however, the iPhone 3G isn’t aggressive enough regarding the switch from 3G to 2G. In other words, you may find that your phone stays connected to a 3G network when the signal strength is too low to allow incoming or outgoing calls.
The simple solution is to manually turn 3G connectivity, forcing a switch to 2G — which may take several seconds — and likely a boost in signal strength.
Enjoy to use iPhone 3G
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
