Apple's IPhone 3G Firmware Update Bombs 423
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."
Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:5, Interesting)
Not at all. Just reduce the "number of bars" shown in the user interface and make the phone lose connection predictably at a higher threshold. Problem fixed.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Nothing to see, move along...
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:5, Interesting)
Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch
Tweak the firmware so the hardware issues are less obvious. Drop to edge quicker.
That's the problem (Score:5, Interesting)
Actually, some independent analysis has shown that's the issue - the firmware is too anxious to jump to EDGE. Another problem is that in some places, ATT's equipment is placed at 2.5G distances, but 3G needs closer towers, so ATT needs to step up and get some upgrades in place. But there are a lot of indicators that it's the immature software ON the infineon chip, not the chip itself, that is causing issues.
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:4, Informative)
I haven't seen any official source that was that specific -- even the notion that the 2.0.2 update was supposed to fix the 3G issues seems unsupported. Any references?
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:5, Informative)
Yes, except that several European countries do not have an Edge network (we went straight from GPRS to UMTS/3G), so people *will* notice if they do that. The issues have been quite widely reported in the Netherlands, also in mainstream news.
I predict more drama bombs if it turns out this is indeed what the update is mostly about...
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:4, Insightful)
It's fortunate that there's a 30 day return policy. I returned my iPhone 3G at 29 days and went back to Verizon and got a Blackerry Curve. Though the Blackberry doesn't have as nice of an interface, it's much more stable. In the argument of stability vs usablity, stability wins. I had a friend who also returned his. I'm not sure how many more will return theirs, but I don't feel like taking chances with my $200.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Yes I know what you mean. I haven't drank beer since 1984 either. I shotgunned a six pack of Animal Beer and I can't imagine trying a real beer today because of that bad experience at 11.
Also sex. I had a bad experience in 1984, and swore it off.
Also breathing. My family ran over a skunk while on vacation, and it smelled so bad I just stopped breathing.
I hate beer, sex, and breathing now. I can't imagine ever revisiting those decisions again. But the IIc I really liked.
Will Windows Mobile Play DOS to Apple [roughlydrafted.com]
Re: (Score:2, Funny)
OS-X: it Just Costs(tm)
Linux: it Just Works In Text-only Mode(tm)
Re:"it just works my ass" (Score:5, Funny)
No way man, you're forgetting how Macs are like, TOTALLY the gold standard in interface design unless you want to do something crazy like look up stuff in the help feature or add titles to a video or change the box sizes for titles in iMovie or close a rules window in Mail without having to hide your dock or extract stills in iMovie without adding the still to the video or have it wait until you're finished recording multiple videos before it makes you wait for it to break them up or upload a picture to photobucket that iPhoto has kidnapped or actually have a fucking clue what your emails to others will look like when you embed pictures in the text or want to see at a glance which email address you're sending to or use Adobe Acrobat without annoying update warnings that require good reflexes to turn off or charge your iPod without having good enough reflexes to keep it from deleting everything when you don't want to sync or move the iPod library on one computer to another or ...
Oh, I'm sorry, was it hard for you read all of that in one sentence? Now, pretend I told you that that style was the gold standard in writing, and now you know what it's like to use a Mac.
Re:"it just works my ass" (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:"it just works my ass" (Score:5, Insightful)
While I do agree that WiFi transfer would be nice, I would hardly call that a UI problem. That's more like a missing feature than a UI problem or inconsitancy. I've never used Lotus Notes, so I have no idea what UI element you are refering to with the last statement.
What I don't understand is, where is the BLUETOOTH transfer? Isn't this what Bluetooth was DESIGNED to do, is to sync hardware devices by simply being in proximity? My Mac Pro has Bluetooth, my iPhone has Bluetooth, so where's my auto-sync?
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Are any of these complaints about Mac OS X itself? Seems like a lot of bitching about iphoto, mail, acrobat, and itunes.
...You're kidding. You're asking: OTHER than all the software that comes with the OS, that they ADVERTISE as coming with the OS and making it awesome, and which they specifically promote as integrating so SEAMLESSLY and making your experience with the OS that much f'ing better than Windows -- implying that you're actually supposed to USE it -- do I have any complaints about the OS?
Right...
And let me guess: OTHER than the waitresses with tits hoisted up and crammed into each other, what did I think about Ho
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
So you've uploaded a picture that's being managed by iPhoto to a neutral site like photobucket before? Because for me, that has on occasion been so unusable that I had to upload the photos straight from the external drive. Sorry, iPhoto is completely unintuitive, and it's been really flaky before with letting me edit and use a photo I brought over from photobooth.
Sure. Just drag the photo from the iPhoto window to wherever you want it, including the upload dialog for a website. It just works, and if you think about it, it's VERY intuitive if you're not trying to do things the hard way. I can't address your flakiness from photobooth, I've never seen that fail to work perfectly.
Mail: So do you like how it darkens the background of the the subject lines in the view that lists all of your emails? Because it sure did that for me and Help was no help.
What are you talking about? I've never see it do that unless you've got a rule set to change the background color of a message - and you'd have to do that intentionally.
Do you think it's acceptable for a Rules window in Mail to be uncloseable? In my case, it spilled over onto the dock so I couldn't click cancel to get out. NO, COMMAND-W DID NOT WORK, THANKS FOR ASKING, not that that would be acceptable anyway.
Try command-period t
Re:"it just works my ass" (Score:5, Funny)
Vista: It Just Works (on tomorrow's hardware)
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:4, Insightful)
Why would they? There are countless iPhones that do work correctly, and it seems most of the issues are a software problem. I would expect if the problems were consistant across all the iPhones they can fix the problem quicker. However I suspect it is one of those conditions that A then B then C need to meet and the cell towers need to aligned right for the problem to occur. Making it difficult to track down. So except for fixing the problem like an engineer where they can duplicate the problem then apply the fix and know it will work they will need to work more like doctors. Using their knowledge of the system and think of what possible could cause this (not an easy task as when they developed it they tried to think of all situations already) then apply a patch in hope it may fix it, with hit or miss results. Returning all the iPhones will not do any good as it reduces the number of people who report the problem and may finally get the clue on what is the problem.
Yes you paid to be a Beta Tester it kinda sucks at least if they fix the problems you will have a nice phone.
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:4, Funny)
Unfortunately that joke doesn't apply to the web. The only way to tell the joke properly is to not post the joke at all. For all those who didn't post anything. Good show!
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:5, Informative)
But the chances of that happening are zero. apple has never did a recall and replace of defective equipment.
Not true, there have been numerous defective logic board and battery replacement programs.
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:4, Informative)
Never?
They just announced TWO yesterday.. One for bad batteries in first-gen iPod nanos that stopped being sold in December 2006, and one for MagSafe adapters with bad connectors on the end.
Re:Tough to fix hardware issue with firmware patch (Score:5, Insightful)
2.0.1? (Score:5, Informative)
The crap linked article doesn't even get the version number right - I recommend reading ars techinca's take [arstechnica.com] (the amusingly named Hope you didn't plan to actually make calls on iPhone 2.0.2) or even Apple insider. [appleinsider.com]
I for one welcome our new haha overlords.
Re:2.0.1? (Score:5, Informative)
Well, in the summary's defense, they were referring to 2.0.1 and the lack of information Apple put out about that one. But the new update (unnumbered in the summary) has "plenty of information", at least from the people who had the misfortune of installing it.
Anyway, thanks for the links.
Re:2.0.1? (Score:4, Informative)
Re: (Score:2)
Re:2.0.1? (Score:4, Insightful)
Steve Jobs is out to kill us... (Score:2, Funny)
First it's a kill switch, and then when that didn't work, they made the iPhones into bombs. What next? iPhones that leak chemical/nuclear/biological weapons?
Re: (Score:2)
Obligatory... (Score:5, Insightful)
"Just Works" post.....
Interestingly, I find it fairly insightful to see how the great unwashed masses are complaining about this, yet, for the most part, Apple is getting a "free pass" from pundit's, media, and most of the public because of past marketing.
What would the reaction have been if this was some other company?
Just a though that rattles around in my brain.
Re:Obligatory... (Score:5, Insightful)
Well, if it were MS, there would be a 'defectivebydesign' tag already
Re:Obligatory... (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:Obligatory... (Score:5, Interesting)
It's pretty sad that the 3G iPhone is running into problems. Especially since it has such high visibility due to everyone wanting one.
Actually, if this was any other cellphone company you would just get some bad reviews on a hardware site... and that's it. The fact that it's Apple means that it is appearing in more mainstream media.
Oh no, the Nokia xxxx is dropping calls left and right. Yawn. Oh no the Razor isn't great. Yawn.
Umm there's a problem with the iPho... OMG! CNN needs to cover this!
I've had/used cellphones that were pieces of garbage; dropped calls, poor reception, etc.
I guess that's the problem with a re-design; had they just refreshed the original iPhone there would be few technical glitches. But rolling out a new circuit board is causing them some headaches.
Re:Obligatory... (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.
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Its a Phone. Just a Phone. Apple is a computer maker toying with other markets. Look how well they did in the game console market http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandai_Pippin [wikipedia.org] or the hand held market http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Newton [wikipedia.org] or other things http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Mac_G4_Cube [wikipedia.org]
Sometimes they hit one out of the park, sometimes they fail. This iPhone looks like a little of both.
Re:Obligatory... (Score:5, Insightful)
You must have missed all the "Google is now evil" stories floating around.
Anyway, IJW isn't an ideal as you put it. According to Apple it's practically the primary reason to buy their hardware. Why buy a Mac if not because of IJW? Are they really going to change their ad campaigns to "It just has prettier icons"? I think not.
If you attack your competition with arrogant adverts that personify them as unattractive, old fashioned people that don't work, and then sell stuff that doesn't work, people are going to notice. That's life.
Re:Obligatory... (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.
Re:Obligatory... (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.
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Obligatory... (Score:4, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Obligatory... (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.
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
Apple also doesn't release 50 different models of something all at once, with seemingly random numbers identifying them. At any given moment I can find 10 models of Nokia phones in any store. They all have completely different designs, and it is unclear which ones are better than others. There's no iPhone 7649, iPhone 5486, iPhone 8764e, etc. And Apple won't completely redesign the iPhone and release 10 more models in 3 months. And they won't sell the same models under 3 other names with yet different m
Re:Obligatory... (Score:4, Informative)
Within each series, typically, the higher the number, the better, newer the model.
No, but if they ever did it cross-platform they'd end up with the iPhone Sprint, instead. Hint: this joke is an affectation of the carrier, not the manufacturer, either wanting custom firmware or using different radio frequencies. So unless you want either a) to stick with one carrier for your phone offering, or b) are planning on getting a six-plus band radio installed in it, whoever you are, you'll be making different models for the US carriers. It's a sad travesty that any other tri/quad band phone can work with every other carrier on the planet (leaving aside GSM vs CDMA etc), yet you can't get a GSM phone in the US that'll work on all US GSM networks, everywhere (pockets of [unique]mhz coverage only).
Re:Obligatory... (Score:5, Insightful)
Apple is getting a "free pass" from pundit's, media, and most of the public because of past marketing.
It's always "marketing", isn't it? It certainly isn't that people buy their products and honestly like them.
Re:Obligatory... (Score:5, Funny)
Stop mocking Apple d00d...
I'm posting this from my updated iPhone, and obviou
Re: (Score:2)
You think they're getting a free pass? I've seen at least 5 articles touching on this in the past week, and several from here. Then you've got the few articles that make it to AP feeds and go from there.
I think your definition of free pass differs from reality. But hey, if you want it so, you can just claim so on slashdot and everyone believes you.
re: a free pass? (Score:3, Interesting)
Actually, I chalked it up to a little bit of journalistic integrity. There's no way you can download a new firmware update that has NO description of what was improved/changed in the description (other than "misc. bug fixes"), read about 24-48 hours worth of random comments on forums, and write a good article explaining the "fact" that said upgrade was GOOD or BAD!
Over on macrumors.com, I was following this update, yesterday, and I got the distinct impression that results were quite mixed. A good percenta
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
I got the distinct impression that results were quite mixed. A good percentage of people reported about 1 more bar of signal strength on the 3g network than they saw before the update
It appears that Apple may have changed how many bars are displayed for different signal strengths. [apple.com]
That could explain the contradictory information.
Re:Obligatory... (Score:5, Interesting)
"Just Works" post.....
Interestingly, I find it fairly insightful to see how the great unwashed masses are complaining about this, yet, for the most part, Apple is getting a "free pass" from pundit's, media, and most of the public because of past marketing.
What would the reaction have been if this was some other company?
Just a though that rattles around in my brain.
Not only is it "past marketing," it's the clamorous fan-base that sends death-threats to columnists who say negative things about Apple products that make them very reluctant to criticize too quickly.
The RDF is real. When I used Windows, if something was broken or I needed some application to do something, I would get a range of suggestions and, frequently, sympathetic remarks from other Windows users with the same problems. The attitude from Apple forums is generally that if an Apple product doesn't meet my needs or expectations, there's something wrong with my needs and expectations. There is a lot I like about my MacBook, but I'm getting fed up.
never buy 1st gen apple hardware (Score:5, Insightful)
Right now, i'm feeling pretty damn happy I decided to wait on the iphone 3g. I do have an iphone and it works perfectly. I think i'll wait for a few more months before I upgrade to the 3g
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
But i thought the iPhone 3g was supposed to be 2nd gen.
Re: (Score:2, Interesting)
Honestly, why even upgrade to the 3g at all? The old iPhone you have works perfectly for you now. The only thing different about the new iPhone is the 3g, otherwise everything else is the same. I know a few people that rushed out and upgraded to the 3g from their 1st gen iPhones and now they're pissed because it doesn't work as well as the old one. I guess I'm just confused by people who rush out to buy the new phone, which is exactly the same as the old one except for a little bit faster speed, when th
Re:never buy 1st gen apple hardware (Score:4, Insightful)
I totally agree (Score:2)
I have a 2nd revision aluminum iMac 20 inch and the 16 GB version of the first iPhone... the one that came out 6 months before the first release date. I have had unusual reception issues, where my reception jumps up and down constantly in places when before the 2.0 update it was consistent. They aren't severe though, as this usually only happens in areas with poor receiption anyway. But that does make me sympathize with the 3G users and makes me think it's a firmware issue.
Even so, in terms of roll outs
The update was to 2.0.2 (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:The update was to 2.0.2 (Score:5, Informative)
2.0.1 was the last update 2.0.2 is the most recent. And for the record my first gen iPhone works fine. The update fixed the slow typing bug and the battery drain bug. I don't know yet if it fixed the shuffle my home screen icons bug. True I wish Apple would give a complete change log. It sure would make it easier for us to give them feedback about those bugs if we knew what they were.
Well let me prefix this with "I love my iPhone 3G, but..." *cough* yeah right..
Apple doesn't want feedback. It's a privilege to use their products, if you don't like it, you know where to take it.
The audiobook reader speed adjustment is *STILL* broken on my 5G iPod, I haven't dared to try on my iPhone 3G. Apple will never fix it. I'm afraid the same applies for many bugs on the iPhone.
And no, I still have the slow keyboard bug with 2.0.2, except now my contacts list of 60 is unresponsive for up to 30 seconds after launching it. Excellent!!
2.0.1? (Score:2, Insightful)
Yep I noticed the wrong ver in the article too (Score:4, Interesting)
I am more frustrated at the fact it has to do a complete reload, not just a patch. I've been generally happy with my iPhone (3G) but tying up your phone for almost 30 minutes while it downloads (at work no less) isn't pleasant. Then, I absolutely had to use it and forgot it was still downloading. I had a brick until I could spend another 10-20 minutes doing a "restore". The Apple software doesn't update after a restore, so guess what...I clicked, "Next" thinking it would continue to something else, but nope, got to wait another 20 minutes while it restored a second time.
As far as changes, I still have keyboard lag and the little quirks it had before 2.01 and 2.02. Battery drain I can't comment because I'm constantly plugging it in due to the habit I formed after having it die so often the first week I had it. I now instinctively plug into the car charger while driving, plug in at work, and then plug in at home. I even leave a cable attached to my XBOX360 to charge (even though the 360 won't recognize the iPhone like it would my iPod Video).
Disabled Apps (Score:5, Interesting)
On my iPhone, 2.02 completely disabled all 3rd party apps. Any apps installed run for just a few seconds before returning to the app screen. Deleting and re-installing doesn't help.
Good job apple.
Re:Disabled Apps (Score:4, Informative)
Time for a Windows Mobile v. iPhone ad series. (Score:2, Offtopic)
Microsoft is upset over the Mac v. PC, Leopard v. Vista commercials. They want to play dirty themselves, obviously, since they're showing idealized videotaped demos of their OS to gullible people under a fake name and saying "That's Vista, ain't it great?". So where are all the Microsoft-purchased ads slamming the iPhone's inability to even be a phone, while Windows Mobile phones get shit done?
Re: (Score:2)
>Windows Mobile phones get shit done
i always thought they did bugger all. have yet to see one go a day with out a crash/needing a recharge after 60 minutes away from a power supply.
recently added to the list of of it looked cool but didn't last 5 minutes with the guy who was going to buy one. htc touch diamond. reason for giving up on it. he fired it up. went to the browser. took 3-4 clicks before it launched for some reason. it connected to google using our wifi. all well and good. till he trie
Re: (Score:2)
I'm looking at the Symbian phones, particularly from Nokia, myself. I still have just a Razr for now. I used to have a Psion Series 5mx and I still miss it.
I'm no fan of Windows Mobile. I don't see why Microsoft is missing this opportunity even if they have to stretch the truth a bit. Apple certainly did in their ads, and Microsoft's been known to do much worse than what Apple did for their ads.
It's a smart thing to do, even if Microsoft's phones aren't all that. Leopard isn't all that either, although it i
Re: (Score:2)
Like I said in #24674295 [slashdot.org], the press surrounding the iPhone 3G is what matters. The Apple ads were not entirely fair, although they were based in ideas that were basically true. Microsoft has been known for spreading FUD for years, and this is a perfect opportunity to use those skills.
why not iphone? (Score:2, Funny)
http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=iphone
This is why I am glad... (Score:2)
I always find it interesting how you get a slew of "I am glad I never jail broke my iphone" comments when a new release comes out that breaks the jail break.
Well in this case, I am glad I jail broke my iphone because I did not upgrade to the new firmware. In some ways it is nice, because you let everyone else find out what is broken. So in this case, even if they come out with the new pwnage for the new firmware, I am sure I am going to just wait until the new release from apple come out.
Paging RoughlyDrafted.. (Score:5, Funny)
From: steve.jobs@apple.com
To: daniel@roughlydrafted.com
Subj: Hello
Daniel,
Looks like we're in a bit of bind right now. QA signed off on the 3G 2.0.1 update despite not testing it fully. (The guilty parties are being punished as we speak.) For the time being, could you write another pro-iPhone article? Be sure to mention how it is "substantially less buggy" than competitors phones, and how beautiful it is. Also, be sure to make a jab at Zune (the Internet always eats that stuff up.) It'd also be great if you could work chair throwing in there as well. Thankfully, the masses eat up tired memes without even realizing it. One article should buy us enough time and mindshare to fix these issues.
Sincerely,
Steve
terrible article (Score:5, Informative)
First off, the firmware that was just released was 2.0.2, not 2.0.1 which had been out for a while already. Second, Apple never claimed that this update contains the 3G fix. As usual, they have been secretive and cryptic about what the update actually contains, but this was just a minor update, not the big radio firmware fix we've been waiting for. And finally, although a few people have complained about the GPS in the new version, most of the reports seem to indicate that the GPS has IMPROVED.
Disclaimer: I own an iPhone and am suffering from the 3G issues. I'm certainly no fan of the way Apple has handled this so far, but this article is just a pointless and error-filled troll.
Re: (Score:2)
Are you having the *new* 3G issue? Because the one thing that seems (anecdotally) to be in common for all those affected that I've heard from is an old SIM card (i.e. not the one that came in the box).
People who have the 'I can't get on the 3G network' issue have reported their problems go away when switching to the new SIM. Maybe that's worth trying?
I have 2.0.2 (Score:2, Informative)
For what it's worth, I have a 16GB White 3G iPhone that I bought about a week after launch, and have had no call issues (call quality is actually reported by people I talk to as being "amazing"), no GPS issues, etc.
The first weekend I had it I lost internet and had to restart it, and since then have had no issues with big things like GPS/3G/etc. I updated to 2.0.2 last night and used the GPS in town and it was actually super-fast and stable.
That said, the contact/SMS slowdown business, and somewhat crash-ha
I'm glad (Score:2)
since 2.0.1 is such a steaming pile, that I'm using 2.0.2. So far no problems.
apple: "just works"? (Score:2)
I wonder how all the apple fanboys feel when they say their products "just work", as this update is clearly showing. /sarcasm
Meanwhile, it'd be nice to see the iphone actually work, although I'm impressed by the continual problems sprouting up. How did something look so sleek end up so crappy? It's like putting a prius engine in a ferrari or something.
2.0.2 nonsense on the iPod Touch (Score:3, Interesting)
First, let me say that others have not had the same experience, so it isn't universal, but I've also seen others saying they had the same result, so it isn't unique to my iPod Touch either.
After I updated to 2.0.2 on my 16 GB iPod Touch, I could no longer launch any 3rd party apps. They would start to load, then quit back to the home screen. I tried powering off and starting back up. Didn't help. I tried a restore and setup from backup. No help. Finally I resorted to a restore and setup as a new iPod. This worked (at least so far). Of course, it means that I lost all my app data. Fortunately all my key data was recoverable (contacts, calendar, email and SplashID), but my progress in the game Vay, for example, is gone as well as other games.
This isn't the first problem I've had with 2.0.x firmware. Previously I had individual applications stop working. In some cases powering off and on would fix it, but more recently (with 2.0.1) I had some applications where that didn't help. In fact, neither did a restore and setup from backup. Indeed, the most recent restore and setup as a new device is the *second* time I've done it.
Also, twice I experienced a problem where I tried to launch the AppStore app where it never finished loading. It didn't quit to the home screen, it just got stuck. Pressing Home didn't do anything. Nor did pressing the sleep button. Finally I held the Home button down to force quit the AppStore, but instead of just force quitting the app, it caused an onscreen flash and then my iPod started to reboot, but it never finished. I tried forcing another reboot and still it didn't finish starting up. Endless Apple logo. I let it go for hours and it never finished. Finally I had to force my iPod into recovery mode and do a restore and setup from backup. In this case, that worked, but it happened again another time and again I had to restore from backup.
The 2.0.x firmware has, as far as I'm concerned, been pretty much a disaster. I love the features it brings to my iPod, but this is beta, or really alpha software. It shouldn't have been released, or at least it should have been labeled as such and not been distributed through normal means. Then the problems wouldn't sting quite so much if you ran into them.
I hope the promised September update will put all this nonsense to rest and finally give us release-quality firmware. I must admit to being a bit skeptical, though.
Some of us are having no problems... (Score:2, Informative)
Exactly. AT&T Employee admits problem with net (Score:3, Informative)
"After complaining to a manager, Goodman was able to get a replacement unit, but the reception issues persisted. On Thursday, he was told by an AT&T customer service representative that its cell towers are having trouble recognizing the iPhone 3G on the network, and that a fix was forthcoming."
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10017657-37.html?tag=nefd.lede [cnet.com]
This is the first comment by an AT&T employee where they appear to admit that these issues are partially their fault. Did I call it or what? I bet they decided to call Fido as I suggested on various boards and ended up finding something.
News to me (Score:2)
just like the iProduct (Score:5, Funny)
"I buy Apple products. It just makes me feel special."
http://cache.gizmodo.com/gadgets/images/iProduct.gif [gizmodo.com]
Location features not working since 2.0.0 (Score:3, Informative)
The location feature on every 1st gen iPhone I know of (around 12) have not been working since the 2.0.0 update. Apple say that they know about this, but there has been no sign of a fix yet :(
This really brings me more joy than it should (Score:5, Funny)
Makes me want to whack some crazy Apple fanboy with a one-button mouse while they're down.
It's all Steve Jobs' fault for yelling (Score:5, Interesting)
I happen to know the guy who headed the RF software group for the original iPhone. He's a low-key sort, from the industrial high-reliability real time world. He did not like being yelled at by Steve Jobs. So, shortly after the first iPhones were out and working, he quit.
Apple found someone else to do the 3G version. Probably not someone from the industrial high-reliability real time world.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
The Plural of Anecdote is Not Data (Score:5, Insightful)
...however, since everyone is offering anecdotal "evidence", I'll point out that we have two 3G iPhones in our home, and neither have had 3G issues. A few applications crash on startup, but most of my apps run just fine, before and after the 2.0.2 update.
My biggest gripe is -- Apple has neither stated there is a known 3G connectivity problem, nor did they state the 2.0.2 patch contains a 'fix' for any such problems. So ask yourself, how have these people writing articles about it able to claim such a thing? The answer is, the same reason everyone thinks there's a widespread problem with 3G... hear-say.
Re:Oh, come on (Score:5, Insightful)
Because Apple gets a premium for its product based on the style and the "just works" philosophy. Nearly everyone will agree that apple products do not have the breadth of features or the extent of customization of many other products in their respective niche. Their market success has been based on the basic feature set being nearly bulletproof - a claim that many others cannot make. This is exactly the thing Apple users have come to forget happens with mediocre CE.
It also means that someone wasn't minding the store when it went out, and it can mean a serious problem with their growth process. Steve can't be around to hold their hand forever.
Re:Oh, come on (Score:4, Insightful)
Why are bug reports on the iPhone always blown way the hell out of proportion?
My twenty dollar Nokia doesn't drop calls, nor have service interruptions, or any of the other problems the iPhone has.
A six hundred dollar telephone ought to work. Period. There is no such thing as "blowing it out of proportion."
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
The 3G iPhones go for $200. I bought my first-gen iPhone for $400. It doesn't drop calls or have service interruptions either. My coworkers with 3G's don't have these problems either. That was the entire point of the GP: just because a handful of people whine about it in a forum doesn't mean that the problems are actually widespread.
Your twenty dollar Nokia doesn't drop calls, but someone with a defective version of the same phone, or who lives in an area with poor reception, might.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Its only $200 stop blowing the price out of proportion.
Re:Oh, come on (Score:5, Funny)
They've come down in price that much? I mught buy one once they get out of beta.
Re:Oh, come on (Score:5, Insightful)
It's what else is on the market. It is a perfectly fair comparison, the iPhone doesn't live in a vacuum.
Re:Oh, come on (Score:4, Insightful)
Why are bug reports on the iPhone always blown way the hell out of proportion?
Maybe it's because some are insisting that a phone should be able to make phone calls, while other are using a metric based on "user experience"?
Re: (Score:2)
Flamebait? (Score:2)
Seriously?
I'm answering the question! Sorry, should I not have questioned the superiority of everything that comes out of the fruit-based company?
Perhaps slashdot ought to have "-1, Heresy"
Re: (Score:2, Insightful)
Reason 1 - Hype - people are pissed off at those who sound so happy with their apple stuff that they'd fellate the great steve, when technically it's not that special (even if the user experience generally is)
Reason 2 - Hype - the hype is always "It just works". It's virus free and PERFECT out of the box. This is what Macfans use to slag off both MS and Linux. It's delightful to see this falling down.
Reason 3 - Actually, with most mobile phones (see Nokia/LG etc) they do just work and firmware isn't updated.
You're going to hate me then, because I have an iPhone 3G and It Just Works. No dropped calls, no data losses, no unusually low battery life, and I'm on the 2.0.1 update (haven't updated to 2.0.2 yet). Sorry your self esteem is hurt by my lack of misery.
You sneer at user experience, but if the experience helps you get things done, then inevitable technical issues won't bother you as much. I'm also unaware of any Mac users slagging Linux for being virus-ridden.
Dunno why, in order to be happy, you want to see
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
The only interesting part is that iPhone users can drive the software update process without it being forced upon them by the carrier, and/or users can upgrade it without having to buy a rarely-available cable.
As can BlackBerry users. With a standard mini-USB cable. And the software included on the CD that comes with the device.
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
If you don't care then don't click on the link. If you don't want it on the front page visit the firehose and vote against it.
I don't have an iPhone (I might get one if they come down to $50) but I thought the summary, at least, and the ensuing discussion was worth my time.
Then Turn Off Apple Stories. (Score:5, Insightful)