Friday, August 15, 2008
What's Behind the iPhone 3G Glitches ?
Dropped calls and choppy Web surfing on Apple's latest smartphone stem from an Infineon chip. One source says Apple programmed the Infineon chip to demand a more powerful 3G signal than the iPhone really requires. So if too many people try to make a call or go on the Internet in a given area, some of the devices will decide there's insufficient power and switch to the slower network—even if there is enough 3G bandwidth available. A fix is on the way.
Nomura's Windsor notes that the glitches are reminiscent of the problems carriers had with handsets from Nokia (NOK) and other manufacturers earlier in the decade when they were rolling out their 3G networks in Europe, adding that they may not have a lasting impact on Apple's reputation, especially if the company is able to avoid a recall. In other words, the iPhone may simply be suffering the growing pains common to cutting-edge technologies that are anything but common.
In the meantime, Apple customers are careful.
Nomura's Windsor notes that the glitches are reminiscent of the problems carriers had with handsets from Nokia (NOK) and other manufacturers earlier in the decade when they were rolling out their 3G networks in Europe, adding that they may not have a lasting impact on Apple's reputation, especially if the company is able to avoid a recall. In other words, the iPhone may simply be suffering the growing pains common to cutting-edge technologies that are anything but common.
In the meantime, Apple customers are careful.
THIS LINK posted by Joseph Bell : 8:09 AM
