UK Homes Adopting Mobile Over Landline
As crucial as landline communication technology might be, more and more folks in the UK are now letting go of their landline connections and are sticking to mobile phone technology when it comes to communication solutions.
A recent study has shown that about 1 in 5 households in Wales are now solely mobile based when it comes to telecommunications options. To say that the rest of the UK is going to be following the trend is not a far shot.
The big draw here is that landlines have a monthly bill that needs to be settled. With already pretty pricey deals on great smart phones like the Samsung Galaxy S or the Apple iPhone 4 –particularly those that provide decent data plans. Instead of having to handle two different bills, sticking with just the mobile plan is a much better idea.
This is even better in households where all the mobile phones use the basic pay as you go payment option. In the meanwhile, this shift towards mobile phones is seen as a bad thing for stronger and better broadband networks as less people are subscribing to landline connections.
For folks who are often on the go and rarely ever at home, the decision to switch to mobile instead of sticking with a landline connection is a pretty easy decision to make.
The trend is actually not surprising to see; this is particularly true and most applicable to young adults and small families where being able to squeeze the value out of every single quid is a must for day to day living.
Of course, it is unlikely that landlines would ever be completely replaced by mobile phone technology. After all, landlines are still more stable and in many ways, cheaper than the average mobile phone for people who use it every single day. As stated above, broadband internet connectivity tends to be reliant on the landline connection as well.
Free iPhone 4 Bumper App is Online
It is finally here, Apple’s promise to give users free bumpers to help fix the issue the faulty antenna. Of course, a bumper will not actually repair the mobile phone’s actual hardware, but it provides users with a way to use the smart phone without worrying about calls being dropped all of a sudden.
According to reports, the Apple iPhone 4’s antenna is prone to losing signal and worse, dropping calls. Many users have complained that the smart phone would often drop calls in the middle of a conversation, which was both wasteful of resources and also frustrating for people having the call. For a while, the cause of the issue was hard to pin down, and it was not until many people complained online that it was known that the antenna was the cause for the problem.
However, identifying the cause did not bode well for anyone, the only solution to a hardware problem that affects the hardware for all devices is a recall for all iPhone 4 units, and with over a million of the devices already purchased by consumers, it was a logistical nightmare that Apple did not want to wade into.
The solution came about 22 days later after the launch of the iPhone 4, a full three weeks after the device has been out on the market and almost as much time since users have identified the problem that plagues the device. Apple’s answer came in the form of an emergency conference where the problem has been dubbed as “antennagate”.
Steve Jobs took the stage and gave a rousing speech about how the issue is not really Apple’s problem but a problem for all phone makers. Naturally, it only took days before other phone makers countered Jobs’ arguments, stating that only the iPhone 4 has such as history and experience with so many dropped calls.
Apple’s Free Cases: Par for the Course
Are we really expecting so much of Apple? Or to rephrase that question, did we really expect any better?
As Steve Jobs has pointed out, Apple has been in the industry for about three decades now, and while it is one thing to point out that the folks at Cupertino have not learned a thing at all, it would be sad to realize that the industry itself has not either –at least in regards to Apple and how they deal with things.
If the first half of 2010 is to be used as a reference point, it is easy to see how Apple quickly broke down relations between them and Adobe, gotten Taiwanese manufacturer HTC riled up and has also managed to show the world how tough they can get on developers.
So when they have managed to sell over 1.7 million units of a device with a faulty antenna, did we really think that they would do the noble thing and start a recall? Maybe the tech industry is simply far too optimistic.
It has already been revealed by many financial experts that a recall would cost Apple almost a solid billion worth of Pounds (USD estimates are at 1.5 billion). Apple would never take in such a loss, and that estimate is bound to get higher once the company steps into the perilous task of recalling such a large volume of expensive devices.
In any case, it seems that Apple has at least made a decision about what course of action they would be taking. While it makes no sense that the company has taken 22 days to decide on a course of action, it is still good that they have finally come out to provide the world with a more viable solution than a software update to the signal meter.
Apple’s iPhone 4 Issues could have been Avoided
The current state of things is: Apple has already sold over 1.7 million defective iPhone 4 units. The issue is something that cannot be easily resolved and in order to sort things out, Apple has already declared that they will be holding a press conference.
What makes things really tough to take in is the rumor that Apple was already aware that there was an antenna problem during the prototype testing of the handset. According to an informant from within Apple; the senior engineer, Ruben Caballero was told not to speak to the public about such matters. It is ironic however, as the rumors point to Ruben as the man who found the secret location in the first place.
Knowing that Apple could have prevented all of this from happening in the first place is a truly disappointing realization. After all, so many users has been affected by the omission of this one single step; had the iPhone 4’s antenna been okay, then no one would be worried about dropped calls and not massive lawsuits would need to be fired.
As to why Apple refused to listen to a chief engineer, no one can tell. But one can only assume that they are already deep in the production process when they realized that they could not afford to change the devices as they are.
In the meanwhile, millions of iPhone users are already looking towards the big conference, hopefully Apple would be announcing a solution to the issue and that a fix would be made available for users. Still, that is unlikely as it is believed that the hardware issue cannot be resolved by an over the air update. It is only a short while before Apple’s conference; we will finally get to find out what Apple has been up to regarding the issue.
Why iPhone 4 Users Should get Fring
The iPhone 4 is certainly one handset that people love. Apple managed to sell 1.7 million units in just three days, which is a major retailing feat by any standards. Of course, there is more to the iPhone 4 than just the Apple brand (though it cannot be denied that that also served as a major factor in sales); the smart phone is indeed a device that lives up to the reputation of the iconic handset.
Aside from having organized folders, new customizable settings and multi tasking, the iPhone 4 also features a front facing camera. This new addition has been on the wish lists of Apple iPhone users since the 2G version came out. Now, about three years later, the feature has been added.
While we all celebrated the news when it was announced a couple of months back, the joy suddenly turned to disappointment after Apple suddenly announced the FaceTime app that would be limiting how users will be able to use the new front facing camera. Video chat is only enabled for WiFi networks, and only other iPhone 4 users can be contacted.
Not only was the new rule restrictive, but it basically made any reason for owning a handset with a front facing camera a moot point. The VoIP specialists of Fring however, had different ideas in their mind.
The new Fring app turns the Apple iPhone 4 into the handset that it is supposed to be –at least, in terms of video calling capabilities. Video calls can now be done on 3G and WiFi, depending on the preference of the user. Also the iPhone 4 will allow users to chat with Android and Symbian handset owners too.
This video chat app for the Apple iPhone 4 is already out and users can download it straight from the Apple iTunes store.
iPhone 4 Problem List Grows Long, This Time the USB Port Catches Fire
Yet another problem has reared its ugly head, much to the dismay of Apple fans all over the world. The issues keep on piling up, possibly because these smart phones were wheeled out much quicker than it should have been before strict quality checks could be performed. This time, the issue has caused many a burned hand as iPhone 4 USB ports end up malfunctioning and catching on fire.
As if yellow screen blotches, dwindling reception issues and broken displays were not enough, now the device suddenly catches fire by simply plugging it in for a charge.
The USB malfunction results in a messy goo of burnt plastic and melted metal near the USB port. This looks to be the most dangerous flaw yet, leaving the owner with skin injuries and an expensive mobile phone paperweight.
According to reports, one such owner verified that he only plugged his device in to charge the iPhone 4 when its connection caught on fire. The owner of the toasty device then tried to return his dangerous mobile phone to Apple via their official store. Unfortunately, he went home with nothing due to the unavailability of a replacement handset.
Apple Store techs confirmed that the unlucky owner’s iPhone 4 did indeed have a malfunction when it was plugged in, which can be attributed to a defective USB port.
Because of all the bad publicity, Apple still refuses to go for a mass recall or give out freebies for their unsatisfied customers. At least they did offer a full refund to those who would rather be rid of their iPhone 4 devices, but this is hardly enough to address the prevalent (and now, utterly dangerous) issues that the initial iPhone 4 batches are experiencing. It is truly shocking the way that the mobile phone giant has skimped out on the quality of their fast selling device.
Apple’s Solution: Not Working
According to Apple, there is no problem with the antenna on the iPhone 4. The issue is that users are not able to make calls when they are in areas with low reception. Unfortunately, since the iPhone 4 (and all the other iPhones) are not able to show the proper amount of signal strength in a given location, users are unable to determine where they should be able to make a call.
Now that is basically how we sum up Apple’s recently posted letter regarding the iPhone 4 issue. In order to rectify the situation, Apple has decided that they would be releasing a new patch that would accurately depict the signal strength in a given area. This is hard to believe. Sure, Apple is pointing out a real problem with the iOS, but that is not the root of the antenna issue.
The root of the antenna issue is the antenna itself. The problem here is that the phone loses all reception when that antenna is touched by a hand. Hands apparently, have not been tested properly at Apple’s super sterilize laboratories. Apparently, a dirty, greasy hand is more likely to drain signal than newly washed hands wearing sterilized gloves in a tech room.
While Apple’s letter will not fix your iPhone’s antenna, here is a quick list of solutions that do work. First off, use nail polish. When we do not exactly recommend this tip that has been circulating the net, it does take minimum effort and is a great fit for those who do not want to resort to using a large case. And that is another solution; getting a case. Since this would prevent the hand from touching the antenna directly -that will no longer be an issue.
Lastly, unsatisfied users can return the handset within 14 days of purchase –and buy an Android smart phone instead.
Disney to Establish Footing in iPhone App Development
It looks like the iPhone OS is going to be the next gaming platform that Disney Interactive is setting its eyes on.
Disney has already been an established brand in the video game market –especially in the past few years. With their purchase of the Kingdom Hearts license from (then) Squaresoft (now known as Square Enix) to the development of the Disney Interactive studios that focuses heavily on creating games internally. This latest game, Epic Mickey is an expansive third person adventure game for next generation consoles.
Now, it appears that Disney is seeing the value of games on smart phones and would like to start creating their own apps particularly for the Apple iPhone. Their Apple-preference is seen in the acquisition of Tapuluous, the developer of successful iPhone apps such as Tap Tap Revenge. Tapulous is not just a well known app developer, but they are also an established Apple supporter. The choice to get Tapulous is also quite strategic; the company is currently working on social games for the iPhone.
In any case, this makes purchasing an iPhone 4 (or sticking to the older iPhone 3G/3Gs) a pretty nice alternative for any Disney fans –because with this, no official Disney apps will be released for other platforms.
So far, there has been announcement as to exactly what apps and games will be made available for the iPhone -though some expect some tie-ups with existing console titles or even some functional apps that provide insight into the history of Disney and its works.
In many ways, it is not surprising to see Disney making such a move. The entertainment company has always been at the forefront of the industry and with smart phones becoming a heavily influential media channel –it is natural that Disney would step into the industry as well.
AppleCare Up and Ready to Handle iPhone 4 Reception Complaints
Everyone knows that the iPhone 4 has topped all the mobile phone sales charts. In fact, it sold a whopping 1.7 million units just this weekend. Unfortunately, the device has also, gotten quite notorious for its signal issues and screen blotches. That being said, it comes as no surprise that a lot of clever lawyers are encouraging people to band together for a class action lawsuit against the mobile industry giant.
Since modern consumers are more savvy about the gadgets they buy, the concept that Apple might have made a very poor design decision has been accepted easily. The antenna seems to have been placed in an unforgiving position for those who are left handed.
While Apple has kept quite mum about the way they designed their iPhone 4 units, they have at least prepped their customer care representatives for the number of incoming complaint calls:
"Keep all of the positioning statements in the BN handy – your tone when delivering this information is important."
It seems that AppleCare representatives are still supposed to push suggestions about changing their customers’ grip in order to improve the iPhone 4’s performance. To solve the reception problem, all the customer has to do is to avoid having skin contact with the black strip attached to the metal band’s lower-left corner.
Or buy a Bumper so they can hold the unit any way they want. No freebies will be offered to customers though and no trouble shooting will be performed unless the problem occurs while the iPhone 4 unit is laying flat on a table.
Because the issue does not seem to have stopped people from buying their products, Apple is not recalling first batch units or even trying to appease anyone. Would this lack of concern be the core argument of impending lawsuits? We will have to wait and see.
Why the HTC Desire is in the Running for the Best Smartphone of 2010
Picking a competent mobile phone to purchase for one’s personal use is hard enough. There are literally hundreds of different available models in the market and for the uneducated consumer, it can truly be confusing. Perhaps an even more difficult task is identifying the best Smartphone for the whole year. There are just too many categories to consider and way too much mobiles to choose from. However, one Smartphone that we believe should be on the list of any critic is the highly impressive HTC Desire. Here are some reasons why we believe so.
The Screening Process
If we were to identify a number of outstanding features of the HTC Desire, then one of them has got to be its mega-sized 3.7-inch touch screen display. Not only is it one of the largest in the business, but it also delivers picture quality of the highest calibre (480 x 800-pixel resolution). The screen also makes use of the AMOLED capacitive technology which guarantees hassle-free and extremely responsive touch functions on the device.
Improving the Android
The Google Android is already quite impressive in itself. However, what the HTC Desire does is it pairs it up with its Sense UI, thereby creating a one-of-a-kind combination that duly delivers. This is by far the best UI + OS combo we’ve ever experienced and the fact that the Anroid Eclair (the OS version installed on the Desire) was already top class even before it was infused with the Sense UI makes the enhanced combination all the more impressive.
On the Horizon
While all the praises sent towards the way of the HTC Desire are all well and good, one thing we must keep in mind is that 2010 is also the year that has seen the launch of the latest addition to the iPhone family – the Apple iPhone 4G. The 3G performed pretty well in the market since it was launched last year and if this is any indication of how the 4G will do, then the Desire will definitely have its work cut out for it.