iPhone 4 Press Event Thoughts
Apple held a press conference to stave off “antennagate” — complaints that the iPhone 4 has crappy reception because of a poor antenna design. Watch the whole thing here.
The Good
- Plain facts regarding the number of returns, corroborating some personal research — No iPhone 4 owner I know has returned theirs.
- Free bumpers / case. This counts as the “concession” I was hoping for. Everyone, even Consumer Reports agrees that using a case eliminates the reception problem. So, free case, no more reception problem.
- Apple will let you return your iPhone 4 for a full refund; trying it out is risk free.
- Repeated statements that Apple just want to make the best products possible and give users what they want. Making killer products got Apple to where it is today; they better not forget this.
The Bad
- Steve rattling off a bunch of stats occasionally came off as arrogant. When you’re the individual with a problem, to be told you’re statistically insignificant can feel like a personal insult. The research that all other smart phones have the same problem (why are you picking on me? He did it too!) seemed like a childish diversionary tactic — something I’d expect from a kid (or a politician).
- Was secretly hoping for “Face Time with Steve” — if you have a reception problem, talk directly to the head guy and he’ll personally demonstrate how to hold the iPhone properly while berating your intelligence. (Kidding…!)
Conclusion
Despite a few moments where I saw Steve through the eyes of a Windows lover, all in all, I’m satisfied. Free case, money-back guarantee. No reason to hold off getting an iPhone 4 because of this antenna issue.
Will this be enough to stem “antennagate?” I think Apple split the difference between their usual strategy of silent denial and an outright hardware recall. The press conference itself was a statement that they’re listening and working hard, while the free case should satisfy the majority with legitimate antenna-related complaints. That’s good enough for me.
Personally, “antennagate” is over. Where’s my iPhone 4?