[ NNSquad ] Apple claims iPhone 4 antenna problems are "just a display issue"

[Lauren Weinstein <lauren@vortex.com>]

Apple claims iPhone 4 antenna problems are "just a display issue"

http://bit.ly/c9PpVV  (Slashdot)

Apple is now claiming that widely-reported antenna-related problems on
the iPhone 4 are due to bad code that causes the bar display to show
*too many* bars in weak signal areas.  Therefore, ya' see, if you
think handling the phone causes calls to drop, it must be all in your
head.  So to speak.

The key aspect (for your peace of mind) according to Apple is
apparently to not get flustered over a couple of bars variation
in the signal strength display.

Apple will be issuing a patch to "fix" the display problem.  I'm told
that Apple removed the user-accessible "field test" code from the
iPhone 4, making it difficult for users to obtain signal strength
readouts other than the bar display.

Luckily, a source within Apple has already provided me with the logic
flow of the patch's code:

    /* Patch ipy4-393-2dkb-getthemoffourdamnbacks            */
    /* Some smoke and mirrors to shut up the unwashed masses */
    /* Let's see 'em figure out what's really going on now!  */

    if (real_signal_bars == 0) {   /* nuttin' there, not to worry */
       displayed_signal_bars = 0;
    }
    else if (real_signal_bars >= 3) {  /* sometimes you feel like a nut */
       displayed_signal_bars = 5;
    }
    else if (real_signal_bars < 3) {   /* sometimes you don't */
       displayed_signal_bars = 1;
    }

 - - -

--Lauren--
NNSquad Moderator