By Chris Maxcer MacNewsWorld Part of the ECT News Network
09/15/08 12:08 PM PT
After a weekend of use, Apple's iPhone 2.1 software update has some users rejoicing about better 3G reception. Others, however, say they're still experiencing problems. Connectivity issues weren't the only problems 2.1 addressed, though -- app crashes and battery life were also on the list.
Crystal Reports - Discover the Latest Innovations. Download a free trial, view real-time 'behind the scenes' functionality, and learn about new Crystal Reports Server trade in options! Learn more.
On Friday, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) released a new iPhone 2.1 software update designed to tweak some of the handset's features and fix a variety of bugs. For some iPhone 3G owners, the most troubling issue has been consistent problems with 3G connectivity -- dropped calls, trouble switching from 3G to EDGE cellular services, and an inability to use 3G in areas that seem to have solid 3G signals for other cell phones.
For others, the battery life has been dismal. Many have complained that backing up the phone via iTunes took longer than it should. In addition, third-party apps sometimes crashed or took a long time to install, contacts searching was slow, and the text messaging app experienced odd delays while the user typed. Friday's patch was designed to address these issues.
Of course, not all users reported these problems -- or noticed them. After all, some iPhone owners don't use the same applications often enough to notice any issues, or they never had them in the first place. When it comes to network connectivity, much of it depends on location and the signal provided by the cellular service company.
Still, the Problems Are Real
The question is, has the 2.1 software update actually fixed the issues at hand?
"If you're not playing Cro-magnon Rally all day, the battery life after the upgrade is vastly improved. I charged it sunday morning, used it pretty often during they day with push notifications, location services, and 3G on. That would previously have left me with a 20% charge late in the day. When I got up this morning, there was still better than a 50% charge. To me this is bigger than even the stability improvements. Additionally, 3G seems a lot more consistent, I haven't seen an app crash, apps install very fast (unless it is a big download), no more sluggish contacts. It's good to see they focused on the most important things first. Now that the foundational stuff is solid, I think we'll now start seeing some sought-after features appear."
"I must be in the 2% then, because 2.1 did nothing for my issues with dropped calls. The frustrating thing for me is that even the wireless network doesn't work. I'm headed to the Apple store today to see what a 'genius' has to say."
"Phone is definitely more responsive. Contact list comes up nice and quick. Backups are also much faster now and that is one thing I was really looking for in this update. Wow, Safari is really responsive. Gmail comes up alot quicker now, did they improve the javascript engine? Never really had a problem with 3G here in Atlanta so can't tell if calls are better. Will have to play some more."
-- Posted by cdawg92 on AppleInsider.com
The mix of software updates intended to fix problems also seems to point back to hardware problems for some iPhone owners -- and with hundreds of thousands of iPhones out in the wild in different countries of the world, there's definitely room for a few hardware problems.
"I now have a phone that claims four bars of 3G coverage but can't use them, dropping to GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) after a minute or two of use. Once it has dropped to GPRS it never switches back to 3G. I have to switch 3G off and on again to get another minute of poor 3G connectivity -- in areas with strong 3G coverage. I really think it's time people started talking about the hardware. This is the fourth version of the software and now it's even worse because not only is the reception poor, the signal indicator is completely misleading as well."
After just a weekend of use, at this time it may be too early to tell how successful Apple's 2.1 software update has really been.
"Several iPhone 3G owners have reported improved battery life with 2.1, and I seem to be in that group -- although only with a few days of testing," Raven Zachary, founder of iPhoneDevCamp and a contributing analyst for The 451 Group, told MacNewsWorld.
As for the improved battery life, "I would love to know what Apple has done to achieve these improvements," Zachary added.
The Wild World of iPhone 3G Accessories September 15, 2008
Like the iPod before it, the iPhone has sparked a cottage industry of cases, speakers, power peripherals and other sub-gadgets. From protecting your iPhone 3G from scratches to sending its video to a big-screen TV, here are some of the best and most useful iPhone accessories out there.
Related Stories
Hard Choices: iPhone, iPod Nano and Gates-Seinfeld September 15, 2008
Rob Enderle has good things to say about Apple this week, praising the company for making the tough choice to return the iPod nano to its original form factor and telling his readers they no longer need to avoid the iPhone 3G. Yes, he really means it.
Related News Alerts
More by Chris Maxcer
Let's Give the iPhone Hackers a Big Round of Applause November 06, 2009
It's safe to say most Apple customers are satisfied living in the walled-off ecosystem that the company has created for products like the iPhone. Still, it's good to know that it is possible -- and relatively easy, even -- to bust through those walls if one should ever want to. The work of iPhone hackers is appreciated even by those who've never felt the jailbreak itch.
What the iPhone Needs to Keep the Android Hordes at Bay October 30, 2009
The Android platform is growing fast, and Verizon is readying what may be the best Android phone yet. Consumers are getting more Android options on more networks. Meanwhile, Apple is sticking to a consistent device design on a single network. The iPhone doesn't need to branch off into multiple sizes and styles to be the dominant platform, but its single-U.S.-carrier situation is another story.
Apple Is Saving the Best for Last October 23, 2009
Sifting through the language used in Apple's quarterly results conference calls can sometimes yield clues to the highly secretive company's next moves. Apple's latest phone chat with analysts included a few comments about December shipping costs and a mystery "product." Here's why we might see an Apple tablet before the new year.
Headline Feeds
Talkback: 
