Update regarding the antenna issue:
It could be a software problem, as the signal-switching software may be confused by the interruption created by bridging the iPhone antennae. Stay tuned for a potential software update.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
What's Causing the Antenna Issue? Apple Rep. Responds
As I mentioned earlier, the black iPhone 4 I have is experiencing the dreaded antenna issue. So I decided to do some digging and find out what's behind the problem. Here's what I discovered.
A lot of people have speculated that the issue is caused by a faulty design, noting that an antenna on the outside is logically going to be affected by contact from skin, and that testing should have picked this issue up right away. The design, as cool as it is, should've been nixed as impractical.
However, this ignores the fact that the issue is sporadic. Not every phone is impacted, only some. I further learned that simply sticking a piece of scotch tape over the lower left corner of the phone alleviated the issue. So I got to thinking. If adhesive tape is enough to prevent the problem, why didn't Apple put some kind of high-tech, insulating coating over the top of the antenna pieces.
Turns out, they did.
As reported by Ars Technica, though they buried it in the story (presumably because bagging on Steve Jobs is a reliable way to earn clicks), an Apple CSR confirmed that a coating was in fact applied to the parts to prevent the issue, but some units did not receive the coating by mistake. That CSR made those comments when replacing a user's phone.
To confirm this, I decided to make a call of my own. Calling Apple Tech support, I told them I was having the antenna issue, and then asked if they were aware that a missing coating on the antennae was causing the issue. The rep. I spoke to said that they are fully investigating the problem, and should have an answer for the iPhone 4-owning public very soon. He said that Apple was advising FOR NOW that people do 3 things:
1. Reset the network settings.
2. Flip airport mode on and off.
3. Avoid holding the phone in the lower left corner.
He didn't offer to replace my iPhone 4 outright, but did say that once a solution is decided upon, I would be able to get it repaired or replaced at an Apple store free of charge.
The verdict? Don't run out and buy covers or attempt a home fix, or gasp think about becoming a Droidbag. Though Steve's exhortations on the issue seemed insensitive, Apple is working very hard to resolve the issue in a way that doesn't involve giving you hand cramps or covering up that pretty phone with an ugly case or scotch tape.
For white iPhone 4 buyers, this is exceptional news. Essentially, we're going to be getting a 4.1 release of iPhone 4, with the most glaring initial bug resolved before the handset even goes on sale. So cheers, everyone. The white iPhone 4 has spared those waiting for it some angst. Add that to the list of reasons it's worth waiting for.
A lot of people have speculated that the issue is caused by a faulty design, noting that an antenna on the outside is logically going to be affected by contact from skin, and that testing should have picked this issue up right away. The design, as cool as it is, should've been nixed as impractical.
However, this ignores the fact that the issue is sporadic. Not every phone is impacted, only some. I further learned that simply sticking a piece of scotch tape over the lower left corner of the phone alleviated the issue. So I got to thinking. If adhesive tape is enough to prevent the problem, why didn't Apple put some kind of high-tech, insulating coating over the top of the antenna pieces.
Turns out, they did.
As reported by Ars Technica, though they buried it in the story (presumably because bagging on Steve Jobs is a reliable way to earn clicks), an Apple CSR confirmed that a coating was in fact applied to the parts to prevent the issue, but some units did not receive the coating by mistake. That CSR made those comments when replacing a user's phone.
To confirm this, I decided to make a call of my own. Calling Apple Tech support, I told them I was having the antenna issue, and then asked if they were aware that a missing coating on the antennae was causing the issue. The rep. I spoke to said that they are fully investigating the problem, and should have an answer for the iPhone 4-owning public very soon. He said that Apple was advising FOR NOW that people do 3 things:
1. Reset the network settings.
2. Flip airport mode on and off.
3. Avoid holding the phone in the lower left corner.
He didn't offer to replace my iPhone 4 outright, but did say that once a solution is decided upon, I would be able to get it repaired or replaced at an Apple store free of charge.
The verdict? Don't run out and buy covers or attempt a home fix, or gasp think about becoming a Droidbag. Though Steve's exhortations on the issue seemed insensitive, Apple is working very hard to resolve the issue in a way that doesn't involve giving you hand cramps or covering up that pretty phone with an ugly case or scotch tape.
For white iPhone 4 buyers, this is exceptional news. Essentially, we're going to be getting a 4.1 release of iPhone 4, with the most glaring initial bug resolved before the handset even goes on sale. So cheers, everyone. The white iPhone 4 has spared those waiting for it some angst. Add that to the list of reasons it's worth waiting for.
iPhone 4 News and Rumor Roundup, June 24-25, 2010
Well, yesterday was a crazy day for me, as it was for everyone else in the iPhone nation. Mine was for different reasons though.
Consequently, I didn't get the chance to post anything yesterday, and there was a TON of news, not all white iPhone 4 related, but definitely iPhone related. Read on for a summary of the most interesting points.
1. The Launch Was Freaking Huge!
This one probably goes without saying, but an Oppenheimer analyst estimates over 1.5 million units sold yesterday. There were long lines, and every iPhone 4 out there yesterday is now owned (or on eBay). Speaking of eBay, a 32 GB iPhone 4 is going for around $900.00 over there right now. Craziness.
2. Not a White iPhone 4 in Sight
True to its press release, Apple didn't ship a single white iPhone 4. Nobody got one. Nobody saw one. Nothing. I would speculate that this was to prevent creating an excessively short supply of the stock they've likely already manufactured and an accompanying massive price-gouging on eBay.
3. iPhone 4 Has Some Issues
New owners reported that iPhone 4 has some antennae issues, along with some units having spotty screens. Regarding the screens, there was some manufacturing adhesive that was hastily applied to some screens that remained bubbled between the glass and the screen. Apple will likely replace these screens as factory defects, so no worries there.
However, the antenna issue is more problematic. Essentially, if you hold the phone on the lower left "black band" in just such a way, your bars will slowly disappear. I've been able to replicate this on the test unit I received yesterday (more on that later) if I hold the phone just so in my left hand. On mine, it drops to two bars. This of course is interesting regarding the white iPhone 4, as many of them are still in production, I wonder if a pre-delivery fix could be in the works? I think we might expect a recall and a visit to the Apple store to have the geniouses unscrew the phone to fix this before to long, as a simple insulating coating might resolve the issue. Either way, I did have to hold it just so to replicate the issue, and it's easy enough to avoid.
The current official Apple fix? "Don't hold it like that."
At least if I want to get off the phone, I can force calls to drop now. "Sorry, I'm driving through a bad reception area!" Sweetness.
4. The Haters are Running Rampant
With all the issues out there, Apple hate is as virulent as it can get right now. Just check out Gizmodo's piece here to see what I mean. People are bagging on everything from the above-mentioned issues to the design to the users themselves.
One blogger, whom I refuse to link to directly because of how awfully biased and terrible his article is, even went so far as to put anti-iPhone 4 jokes he's "seen around the web" in so-called "news" article about the iPhone 4's problems. Somehow it's linked to Google's first page of "iPhone 4" news search results. The partial address is: http://www.wikipeers.com/news/3977-iPhone-4-Problems-Shoddy-Antennae-Defective-Touchscreens-plus-IMADOUCHE.html. If you want to view it, replace the word "IMADOUCHE" with the word "more" in the URL. But he might make ad revenue off of it, so before you go, be sure to get a good ad-blocker fired up.
5. The Phone is Awesome
Despite the glitches and haters, iPhone 4 is the most stunning, beautiful and capable piece of hardware I've ever owned. I'd sooner give up my laptop, my TV, my Xbox 360 or my home than give up this piece of hardware. And I don't even have the white one yet. More in my forthcoming review.
6. White iPhone 4 Might be a Glass Change Away
I heard an unsubstantiated rumor that because of the compartmentalized nature of the iPhone's glass (for easy replacement), you might be able to go into an Apple store and pay the geniouses to change your phone's color from black to white or white to black. All they'd have to do is pull off the black glass and put on white. What that would cost is another question entirely, but if you have a black one and take care of it, they might make a 1 for 1 trade. You never know.
Anyway, it's been a big 24 hours, my friends. I'll be back with a comprehensive review of the black iPhone 4 I recieved yesterday a bit later this evening. Here's a hint: It's like the One Ring with WiFi, 3G, and a sweet, sweet touchscreen. I'm still getting a white one, but the black one I got has definitely become "my precious." More on that later.
Consequently, I didn't get the chance to post anything yesterday, and there was a TON of news, not all white iPhone 4 related, but definitely iPhone related. Read on for a summary of the most interesting points.
1. The Launch Was Freaking Huge!
This one probably goes without saying, but an Oppenheimer analyst estimates over 1.5 million units sold yesterday. There were long lines, and every iPhone 4 out there yesterday is now owned (or on eBay). Speaking of eBay, a 32 GB iPhone 4 is going for around $900.00 over there right now. Craziness.
2. Not a White iPhone 4 in Sight
True to its press release, Apple didn't ship a single white iPhone 4. Nobody got one. Nobody saw one. Nothing. I would speculate that this was to prevent creating an excessively short supply of the stock they've likely already manufactured and an accompanying massive price-gouging on eBay.
3. iPhone 4 Has Some Issues
New owners reported that iPhone 4 has some antennae issues, along with some units having spotty screens. Regarding the screens, there was some manufacturing adhesive that was hastily applied to some screens that remained bubbled between the glass and the screen. Apple will likely replace these screens as factory defects, so no worries there.
However, the antenna issue is more problematic. Essentially, if you hold the phone on the lower left "black band" in just such a way, your bars will slowly disappear. I've been able to replicate this on the test unit I received yesterday (more on that later) if I hold the phone just so in my left hand. On mine, it drops to two bars. This of course is interesting regarding the white iPhone 4, as many of them are still in production, I wonder if a pre-delivery fix could be in the works? I think we might expect a recall and a visit to the Apple store to have the geniouses unscrew the phone to fix this before to long, as a simple insulating coating might resolve the issue. Either way, I did have to hold it just so to replicate the issue, and it's easy enough to avoid.
The current official Apple fix? "Don't hold it like that."
At least if I want to get off the phone, I can force calls to drop now. "Sorry, I'm driving through a bad reception area!" Sweetness.
4. The Haters are Running Rampant
With all the issues out there, Apple hate is as virulent as it can get right now. Just check out Gizmodo's piece here to see what I mean. People are bagging on everything from the above-mentioned issues to the design to the users themselves.
One blogger, whom I refuse to link to directly because of how awfully biased and terrible his article is, even went so far as to put anti-iPhone 4 jokes he's "seen around the web" in so-called "news" article about the iPhone 4's problems. Somehow it's linked to Google's first page of "iPhone 4" news search results. The partial address is: http://www.wikipeers.com/news/3977-iPhone-4-Problems-Shoddy-Antennae-Defective-Touchscreens-plus-IMADOUCHE.html. If you want to view it, replace the word "IMADOUCHE" with the word "more" in the URL. But he might make ad revenue off of it, so before you go, be sure to get a good ad-blocker fired up.
5. The Phone is Awesome
Despite the glitches and haters, iPhone 4 is the most stunning, beautiful and capable piece of hardware I've ever owned. I'd sooner give up my laptop, my TV, my Xbox 360 or my home than give up this piece of hardware. And I don't even have the white one yet. More in my forthcoming review.
6. White iPhone 4 Might be a Glass Change Away
I heard an unsubstantiated rumor that because of the compartmentalized nature of the iPhone's glass (for easy replacement), you might be able to go into an Apple store and pay the geniouses to change your phone's color from black to white or white to black. All they'd have to do is pull off the black glass and put on white. What that would cost is another question entirely, but if you have a black one and take care of it, they might make a 1 for 1 trade. You never know.
Anyway, it's been a big 24 hours, my friends. I'll be back with a comprehensive review of the black iPhone 4 I recieved yesterday a bit later this evening. Here's a hint: It's like the One Ring with WiFi, 3G, and a sweet, sweet touchscreen. I'm still getting a white one, but the black one I got has definitely become "my precious." More on that later.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Launch Mania!
Well, us white iPhone waiters may have something to relax about, for now. The pre-orders that were given to be filled by Best Buy, Radio Shack and Wal-Mart are gone, and the stores received fewer phones than they expected.
So now, if you want a launch day iPhone and you didn't pre-order, you'd better be in line at an Apple store, because that's the only place you'll find one.
Best Buys are getting one or two extra units, if any. Wal-Mart and Radio Shack are the same. These things are selling out like hotcakes. So if you're not reading this from the line, from your new iPhone 4, or sitting outside your home waiting for the Fed Ex truck, you're probably out of luck for a few weeks. In other news, the price of an AT&T-locked iPhone 4 is skyrocketing on eBay, with prices now averaging near $1,000.00.
Stay tuned for more.
Source: here.
So now, if you want a launch day iPhone and you didn't pre-order, you'd better be in line at an Apple store, because that's the only place you'll find one.
Best Buys are getting one or two extra units, if any. Wal-Mart and Radio Shack are the same. These things are selling out like hotcakes. So if you're not reading this from the line, from your new iPhone 4, or sitting outside your home waiting for the Fed Ex truck, you're probably out of luck for a few weeks. In other news, the price of an AT&T-locked iPhone 4 is skyrocketing on eBay, with prices now averaging near $1,000.00.
Stay tuned for more.
Source: here.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Why the White iPhone 4 is Delayed! Really!!!
Well, I didn't expect such a thorough response, but it would seem our good friend nfs8932 has found commentary that really elucidates the potential situation. Check out what nfs8932 uncovered, and read my explanation and impressions.
While the first explanation, that the application of white paint makes handling the glass problematic (glue won't stick, etc.), the second explanation is what really rang a bell for me. Here, ladies and gents, is why we don't have a white iPhone 4 today.
The second part of nfs8932's quote from a Gizmodo article about the white iPhone 4's delay reads as follows:
1. A white iPhone faceplate and backing are screenprinted white.
2. The glass pieces go through quality control.
3. The quality control worker compares the color of the glass to a range of acceptable samples.
4. When the sample doesn't meet acceptable tolerance levels, which seems to be the case frequently,the glass is discarded or recycled. It will NOT be used in a phone.
5. The engineers sit there and get pissed when significant numbers of their prints are being returned with instructions to "make it whiter."
It makes sense, doesn't it! If they had to print 10 pieces of glass to get one within the acceptable color range, it would take 20 times as long to manufacture white iPhones as it would to make the same quantity of white ones (2 pieces of glass = 1 phone).
Also, remember back to WWDC, and how it seemed the white iPhone 4s looked a little off-white in the lighting?
It's all coming together!
What do you thing guys? Did we solve the great white iPhone mystery? I think we did. Let me know what you think.
Oh, if you're interested, the Gizmodo article is here, and special thanks again to nfs8932! Great find!
While the first explanation, that the application of white paint makes handling the glass problematic (glue won't stick, etc.), the second explanation is what really rang a bell for me. Here, ladies and gents, is why we don't have a white iPhone 4 today.
The second part of nfs8932's quote from a Gizmodo article about the white iPhone 4's delay reads as follows:
"UPDATE 2: From another reader who cannot disclose their identity:For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term color tolerances (as I was a few minutes ago), it is defined as follows:
'Actually the white on the iPhone is not painted, it is screen printed. I cannot say who I am as Apple does have a non-disclosure in effect for this, but: The color specifications for the white on the new iPhones are just crazy. The tolerances they are trying to achieve with the white really is the cause of the delay. As screen printing goes, it is somewhat controllable, doesn't have the tolerance that Apple is wanting to hold the color specification of the white too. Talk about anal...'"
color tolerance, n – the permissible color difference between sample and specified color (Standard).So the folks at Apple are being exacting about what a successfully whitened white iPhone must look like before a unit is considered not defective. So what's happening over at the white iPhone factory right now is this:
1. A white iPhone faceplate and backing are screenprinted white.
2. The glass pieces go through quality control.
3. The quality control worker compares the color of the glass to a range of acceptable samples.
4. When the sample doesn't meet acceptable tolerance levels, which seems to be the case frequently,the glass is discarded or recycled. It will NOT be used in a phone.
5. The engineers sit there and get pissed when significant numbers of their prints are being returned with instructions to "make it whiter."
It makes sense, doesn't it! If they had to print 10 pieces of glass to get one within the acceptable color range, it would take 20 times as long to manufacture white iPhones as it would to make the same quantity of white ones (2 pieces of glass = 1 phone).
Also, remember back to WWDC, and how it seemed the white iPhone 4s looked a little off-white in the lighting?
A little dingy? That isn't the light!
It's all coming together!
What do you thing guys? Did we solve the great white iPhone mystery? I think we did. Let me know what you think.
Oh, if you're interested, the Gizmodo article is here, and special thanks again to nfs8932! Great find!
So You're Waiting for the White iPhone 4, What to do with Your Old One?
While many people are selling their old iPhone 3Gs and 3GS' right now to help pay for their upgrades, people waiting for the white are faced with a problem. On the one hand, you want to get the most value out of the sale of your old iPhone. On the other hand, you want to use your iPhone while you wait. So I've taken some time to examine the best options.
Option 1: Sell Sell Sell!
The price is dropping fast at the online buyers' websites, and you can forget about eBay. As the flood of old iPhones reaches its peak, they're going to continue to lose value as supply outstrips demand by vast margins. If you want to maximize value, sell fast, sell hard, and sell now. Of course, that leaves you with an iPhoneless gap where you'll have to pull out an old AT&T or unlocked crap-phone, or even pick one up on eBay for $10.00. But you'll preserve the equity in your current handset so you can put it toward your white iPhone 4. If you do sell now, make sure to save the proceeds somewhere safe! You don't want to accidentally drain away your iPhone money. That equity is your ticket to an inexpensive upgrade.
Sellers' tip: the best prices I've found today are on Bewoop.com. They're still offering nearly $300.00 for a 32 GB 3GS in good condition, shipping included. This definitely won't last.
Option 2: Save and Sell Later
If you think you can handle saving a couple hundred bucks, you should be confident that your 32 GB will retain at least $100.00 of value through the end of July. So use it carefully, and start pinching those pennies. Put it away in a safe place, and as above in option 1, don't touch that money! It's your iPhone money!
Option 3: Buy Black Now, Sell It Right Away and Buy Unsubsidized White
If you were to, hypothetically, go wait in line for a black iPhone 4 and immediately turn around and list it on eBay, you'd make enough to recoup your costs and then buy a white iPhone 4 at the unsubsidized price. Then, you can do whatever you want with your old one, because you will actually profit from the black one you buy tomorrow. Not a bad way to go if you can handle buying a black one, not even opening the box, and then turning around and gouging black iPhone buyers on eBay or Craigslist. I've seen some people selling their pre-orders successfully for as much as $900.00. (If you jailbreak it and unlock it first, as much as $1,250.00 is possible).
Option 4: Give Up
You could just pick up a lame Android handset and develop an obnoxious ego with included logic deficiency. Oh, wait. That would suck. If you pick this one, life has made you a doormat and you should consider a more permanent type of giving up. Like buying a snuggie and moving into your parents' basement. Please. Don't be a Droidbag.
Option 5: Be Rich
If you're loaded, you can just dump your old iPhone 3GS in the trash, give it to a poor friend, or even better, toss it in the drawer with your iPhone 3G and your 2 original iPhones to wait patiently for your estate sale. In fact, you probably should just go ahead and get a black iPhone 4 and a white one, so you can do Facetime calls to yourself while you wait for the feature to be implemented on devices your poor friends and family own. Hell, pick up a third one. They're pretty cool looking, and you could display it in a glass case or wall mount it or even use it as an expensive coaster. The bottom line is, we all wish we could go with option 5. So if you're reading this and thinking, "Yeah, this sounds like the way I'll go," I'll just say it for all of us. You suck, you jerk. But not as much as the basement-dwelling snuggie-clad Droidbag in option 4.
However you do it, the important thing is to have a plan of action. Someday very soon, you'll be opening up your new white iPhone 4, and all will be right with the world. So to all you future white iPhoneers out there, keep your spirits up. The wait will be worth it.
Option 1: Sell Sell Sell!
The price is dropping fast at the online buyers' websites, and you can forget about eBay. As the flood of old iPhones reaches its peak, they're going to continue to lose value as supply outstrips demand by vast margins. If you want to maximize value, sell fast, sell hard, and sell now. Of course, that leaves you with an iPhoneless gap where you'll have to pull out an old AT&T or unlocked crap-phone, or even pick one up on eBay for $10.00. But you'll preserve the equity in your current handset so you can put it toward your white iPhone 4. If you do sell now, make sure to save the proceeds somewhere safe! You don't want to accidentally drain away your iPhone money. That equity is your ticket to an inexpensive upgrade.
Sellers' tip: the best prices I've found today are on Bewoop.com. They're still offering nearly $300.00 for a 32 GB 3GS in good condition, shipping included. This definitely won't last.
Option 2: Save and Sell Later
If you think you can handle saving a couple hundred bucks, you should be confident that your 32 GB will retain at least $100.00 of value through the end of July. So use it carefully, and start pinching those pennies. Put it away in a safe place, and as above in option 1, don't touch that money! It's your iPhone money!
Option 3: Buy Black Now, Sell It Right Away and Buy Unsubsidized White
If you were to, hypothetically, go wait in line for a black iPhone 4 and immediately turn around and list it on eBay, you'd make enough to recoup your costs and then buy a white iPhone 4 at the unsubsidized price. Then, you can do whatever you want with your old one, because you will actually profit from the black one you buy tomorrow. Not a bad way to go if you can handle buying a black one, not even opening the box, and then turning around and gouging black iPhone buyers on eBay or Craigslist. I've seen some people selling their pre-orders successfully for as much as $900.00. (If you jailbreak it and unlock it first, as much as $1,250.00 is possible).
Option 4: Give Up
You could just pick up a lame Android handset and develop an obnoxious ego with included logic deficiency. Oh, wait. That would suck. If you pick this one, life has made you a doormat and you should consider a more permanent type of giving up. Like buying a snuggie and moving into your parents' basement. Please. Don't be a Droidbag.
Option 5: Be Rich
If you're loaded, you can just dump your old iPhone 3GS in the trash, give it to a poor friend, or even better, toss it in the drawer with your iPhone 3G and your 2 original iPhones to wait patiently for your estate sale. In fact, you probably should just go ahead and get a black iPhone 4 and a white one, so you can do Facetime calls to yourself while you wait for the feature to be implemented on devices your poor friends and family own. Hell, pick up a third one. They're pretty cool looking, and you could display it in a glass case or wall mount it or even use it as an expensive coaster. The bottom line is, we all wish we could go with option 5. So if you're reading this and thinking, "Yeah, this sounds like the way I'll go," I'll just say it for all of us. You suck, you jerk. But not as much as the basement-dwelling snuggie-clad Droidbag in option 4.
However you do it, the important thing is to have a plan of action. Someday very soon, you'll be opening up your new white iPhone 4, and all will be right with the world. So to all you future white iPhoneers out there, keep your spirits up. The wait will be worth it.
What Kind of Manufacturing Difficulties? Let's figure it out!
So we now know that the delay of our favorite white enigma is due to difficulties in manufacturing. Since we know the only difference between the two models is the color, what could be harder about it?
I want to do a full story on it, but I want your feedback first!
Add your comments, and I'll take a look. They can be funny, serious, technical or artistic. Let's just compile what we can all dream up, and then I'll do a write-up. Credit will go to whoever's ideas go into the story!
Cheers everyone! Let's make the long ride to the end of July a fun one!
I want to do a full story on it, but I want your feedback first!
Add your comments, and I'll take a look. They can be funny, serious, technical or artistic. Let's just compile what we can all dream up, and then I'll do a write-up. Credit will go to whoever's ideas go into the story!
Cheers everyone! Let's make the long ride to the end of July a fun one!
Official Word from Apple: Not Until the Second Half of July
In an unceremonious press release, Apple announced that the white iPhone 4 will not be available until sometime in the second half of July due to manufacturing challenges.
Apple's announcment comes late to the party, with little more than a few hours to go before people really start lining up in droves. Hopefully the news will be disseminated rapidly to Apple store employees and line-waiters to preven too much confusion and wasted time.
It is interesting that in Apple's press release is that it claims the black iPhone 4 is more popular. Rarely will you see a company take a shot at its own product, so they really must be trying to keep people from getting to excited about white lest it damage the reputation of the black one they're getting ready to start selling tomorrow.
Also interesting is Apple's statement that it is more challenging than expected to manufacture a white iPhone 4. One wonders just what goes into the white iPhone 4 that makes it such a challenge to produce? Just what makes it white anyway, angel's tears and unicorn teeth?
In light of this news, the idea of waiting in line for one seems nigh ridiculous. Yet, I'll leave the poll up in case any of you are very brave souls who think Apple's stores will defy its own press release. Any thoughts? Comment away!
Also, thanks to several posters for the link to Apple's statement. You can see it on Apple's website here.
Apple's announcment comes late to the party, with little more than a few hours to go before people really start lining up in droves. Hopefully the news will be disseminated rapidly to Apple store employees and line-waiters to preven too much confusion and wasted time.
It is interesting that in Apple's press release is that it claims the black iPhone 4 is more popular. Rarely will you see a company take a shot at its own product, so they really must be trying to keep people from getting to excited about white lest it damage the reputation of the black one they're getting ready to start selling tomorrow.
Also interesting is Apple's statement that it is more challenging than expected to manufacture a white iPhone 4. One wonders just what goes into the white iPhone 4 that makes it such a challenge to produce? Just what makes it white anyway, angel's tears and unicorn teeth?
In light of this news, the idea of waiting in line for one seems nigh ridiculous. Yet, I'll leave the poll up in case any of you are very brave souls who think Apple's stores will defy its own press release. Any thoughts? Comment away!
Also, thanks to several posters for the link to Apple's statement. You can see it on Apple's website here.
No News From Apple on White iPhone 4, Launch Day Closing In
Well, as you've probably seen in previous posts, I expected that Apple would make some sort of precautionary announcment regarding availability of the white iPhone 4, soon enough to stop people from getting in line for it. So far, they've proven me wrong.
With people starting to line up in larger numbers all over the country, those of us expecting news from Apple regarding the white iPhone 4 have heard nothing but silence. As 5:00 p.m. rolls around, and people get off work to head over for an all-night wait outside an Apple store, things will start to get real. Apple, notorious for its distaste for publishing bad news, has not released any information regarding the availability of the white iPhone 4.
Third-party retailer Best Buy has already told its customers that the white iPhone 4 won't be available in its stores at launch. AT&T gave up the ghost long ago. Apple, however, remains obstinate. Will they have one at launch? It seems exceedingly unlikely. Will that stop all of us from trying anyway? Probably not, unless Apple says something. Get ready for a storm of tired, jilted line-standers, because that's where it looks like we're headed.
Are you waiting in line for white? Comment and vote in our poll!
With people starting to line up in larger numbers all over the country, those of us expecting news from Apple regarding the white iPhone 4 have heard nothing but silence. As 5:00 p.m. rolls around, and people get off work to head over for an all-night wait outside an Apple store, things will start to get real. Apple, notorious for its distaste for publishing bad news, has not released any information regarding the availability of the white iPhone 4.
Third-party retailer Best Buy has already told its customers that the white iPhone 4 won't be available in its stores at launch. AT&T gave up the ghost long ago. Apple, however, remains obstinate. Will they have one at launch? It seems exceedingly unlikely. Will that stop all of us from trying anyway? Probably not, unless Apple says something. Get ready for a storm of tired, jilted line-standers, because that's where it looks like we're headed.
Are you waiting in line for white? Comment and vote in our poll!
The Coolest Place for Your New iPhone Case
So you're either getting the new iPhone in black today or tomorrow, or waiting and planning for the white one. Problem: How do you keep it safe once you have it? Solution: A case. BUT, you don't just want any old plastic piece of ugly from Best Buy blocking all that beautiful engineering from the world's envious eyes.
Where do you turn?
I think I've found the coolest place there is for iPhone cases. Imagine this. Instead of buying something mass-produced that turns your iPhone 4 from a show horse into a workhorse, get a hand-made case from a small merchant/artisan.
You can do that here.
Etsy.com has a moderate selection of cases for iPhone, and some specifically designed for iPhone 4, made to suit any taste from whimsical (think monkey-faces), to executive (leather cases with integrated wallets). They're all hand-made, and they're all reasonably priced. Well, except the steampunk one. Only for 3GS and crazy! Sweet though.
Now you can have custom, unique accessories that few others will have. Plus, you get to help out a starving artist, instead of a huge corporate case manufacturer. What could be better?
More accessory site reviews to come.
Where do you turn?
I think I've found the coolest place there is for iPhone cases. Imagine this. Instead of buying something mass-produced that turns your iPhone 4 from a show horse into a workhorse, get a hand-made case from a small merchant/artisan.
You can do that here.
Etsy.com has a moderate selection of cases for iPhone, and some specifically designed for iPhone 4, made to suit any taste from whimsical (think monkey-faces), to executive (leather cases with integrated wallets). They're all hand-made, and they're all reasonably priced. Well, except the steampunk one. Only for 3GS and crazy! Sweet though.
Now you can have custom, unique accessories that few others will have. Plus, you get to help out a starving artist, instead of a huge corporate case manufacturer. What could be better?
More accessory site reviews to come.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Entrepreneur Rents Out a Place in Line at a San Francisco Apple Store
An iPhone convert has decided to rent out his extra place in line at the Apple Store on Stockton Street in San Francisco. Got $200.00? Buy a shot at a white iPhone 4.
It seems a tautology to say that if there is a white iPhone 4 released, it will be sold at an Apple store. It makes even more sense that an Apple store in San Francisco, a.k.a. one of the more chic places in the states, would be an even more likely bet to have one.
Chris Bank, though he hasn't said anything about a white iPhone 4 yet, is saving a place for one lucky person in front of the Stockton Street Apple Store in San Francisco. He's never owned an iPhone, and will be happily tossing away his Blackberry for a new iPhone 4 as soon as the doors open in what is now almost 30 hours. You could be sitting next to him.
The White iPhone 4 Blog has followed him on Twitter (@sbanker), and tossed him a message asking about white iPhone 4. No reply yet, but we'll keep our fingers crossed.
While we wait, check out his to-die-for rental property here.
It seems a tautology to say that if there is a white iPhone 4 released, it will be sold at an Apple store. It makes even more sense that an Apple store in San Francisco, a.k.a. one of the more chic places in the states, would be an even more likely bet to have one.
Chris Bank, though he hasn't said anything about a white iPhone 4 yet, is saving a place for one lucky person in front of the Stockton Street Apple Store in San Francisco. He's never owned an iPhone, and will be happily tossing away his Blackberry for a new iPhone 4 as soon as the doors open in what is now almost 30 hours. You could be sitting next to him.
The White iPhone 4 Blog has followed him on Twitter (@sbanker), and tossed him a message asking about white iPhone 4. No reply yet, but we'll keep our fingers crossed.
While we wait, check out his to-die-for rental property here.
White iPhone 4 Listed on Wal-Mart's Website
Is the white iPhone 4 going to be at Wal-Mart? Some recent posts on Google News have suggested so. But how much credibility is in these reports?
I hate to rain on anyone's parade, and this would indeed be awesome news if it were true, but the recent rash of stories highlighting Wal-Mart's potential white iPhone availability are anything but conclusive.
After searching iPhone 4 in Electronics, however, I got this page:
I hate to rain on anyone's parade, and this would indeed be awesome news if it were true, but the recent rash of stories highlighting Wal-Mart's potential white iPhone availability are anything but conclusive.
First, the stories only link to the white iPhone 4 page on the Wal-Mart site. In fact, the only way to find this page is to search in the electronics department. There are no links to the iPhone 4 on the main page or the electronics page (at the time of this posting). No ads, no nothing.
Clicking on either one revealed identical screens, except for the color.
Note they weren't available for online order, and both say that information is not available, only to check stores for availability. It then asks us to click "Learn More." So, I did. Here's what I got for both screens:
It seems to me these pages aren't really designed to tell anyone anything about what is or isn't available. They're placeholders. These are the pages we'll see linked to the homepage after both phones are in regular circulation. Until then, they stuck these up there to provide a template for the web designers to follow when the phones are actually in stores. Note, however, that information for the black one is JUST as vague as it is for the white one on Wal-Mart's website, so this isn't a strike against the white iPhone 4 being at Wal-Mart for launch, it just doesn't really provide any positive evidence that it will be.
Thoughts on the matter? We'll have the answers soon, but if you've got two cents, I've got a penny jar below. Let us know what you think.
A Quest from the White Apple Knight to You
Everyone who reads this and wants to go on a little mission, I've got a great idea.
We know that Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, Best Buy and Apple stores might just have white iPhone 4 units in tomorrow. Let's try and be the first to break the news, and maybe in the process be the first to get our hands on them.
You are officially a reporter for The White iPhone 4 Blog. With your new press credentials, I bid you go to the nearest Radio Shack, Best Buy, Wal-Mart or Apple stores tomorrow in the late afternoon or evening, and ask a manager or employee to check the iPhone 4 stock to see if there are white iPhone 4s available.
Tell them you're doing research for a blog, and you'd really appreciate their help. Based on Apple's past branding, the color should be written right on the outside of the box, on the small sticker on the lower back side. The front picture may also be of a white iPhone 4. If you can talk them into taking you back to snap a quick photo, do so. Report back with at least the following information: Store name and location, what was said, and if possible, a general idea of how many white ones the store has, if any.
I'd guess we'll have the best luck getting employees at the 3rd party retailers to check for us. But it never hurts to go to an Apple store and ask. They may be sympathetic to tech bloggers.
Let's have some fun on this one, and take the battle back to those who would keep us in the dark. More to follow.
We know that Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, Best Buy and Apple stores might just have white iPhone 4 units in tomorrow. Let's try and be the first to break the news, and maybe in the process be the first to get our hands on them.
You are officially a reporter for The White iPhone 4 Blog. With your new press credentials, I bid you go to the nearest Radio Shack, Best Buy, Wal-Mart or Apple stores tomorrow in the late afternoon or evening, and ask a manager or employee to check the iPhone 4 stock to see if there are white iPhone 4s available.
Tell them you're doing research for a blog, and you'd really appreciate their help. Based on Apple's past branding, the color should be written right on the outside of the box, on the small sticker on the lower back side. The front picture may also be of a white iPhone 4. If you can talk them into taking you back to snap a quick photo, do so. Report back with at least the following information: Store name and location, what was said, and if possible, a general idea of how many white ones the store has, if any.
I'd guess we'll have the best luck getting employees at the 3rd party retailers to check for us. But it never hurts to go to an Apple store and ask. They may be sympathetic to tech bloggers.
Let's have some fun on this one, and take the battle back to those who would keep us in the dark. More to follow.
White iPhone 4s Given to Reviewers!
Thanks to Kenyon for this information. After checking out his message on the blog, I went to the WSJ review and yes, in fact, Walt Mossberg is reviewing a white iPhone 4!
While not mentioned in the text of the article, if you click on the video, this pops up:
And woah! He flashes a white iPhone 4. But just for a second. The really strange part about the video, and the story, is that it really neglects to highlight just what a jewel Mr. Mossberg has in his hands. Most of the video consists of stock footage, the photo gallery on the site consists ENTIRELY of stock photos, the article doesn't mention the fact that he's testing the white one even ONCE, and the video, like I said, only features him showing his test unit for a second, as if to prove only that he in fact has a test phone while playing down the color of it.
Kenyon also posted that David Pogue of the NY Times might have one as well, but I was unable to verify this, as the only visual media on the page appears to be a stock photo taken from the WWDC unveiling (note the wood table background).
Here's the question. Did Apple instruct these reviewers to ignore, play down, and hide the fact that they were reviewing white units, or are the reviewers in question completely blind to the fact that Apple said there would be no white iPhone 4 until some distant point before fall? (Remember MMS was enabled last year 4 days after the autumnal equinox, the last day of summer; Apple said that MMS would be ready by late summer.)
It is downright conspiracy-theory strange. They should have been blown away, or shocked, or at least moved to make a SINGLE comment on the issue. News organizations salivate over these kinds of stories. Why didn't they say something?
If I had to bet, I'd be willing to put some money on the notion that Apple gave them the units on condition of silence regarding the color issue. Something very strange is up regarding the white iPhone 4. Something Apple REALLY doesn't want to talk about. This seems to have gone beyond simple PR mind games. Maybe we'll know soon. But for now, this strange bit of in-the-open secrecy just adds more to the enigma that is the white iPhone 4.
While not mentioned in the text of the article, if you click on the video, this pops up:
And woah! He flashes a white iPhone 4. But just for a second. The really strange part about the video, and the story, is that it really neglects to highlight just what a jewel Mr. Mossberg has in his hands. Most of the video consists of stock footage, the photo gallery on the site consists ENTIRELY of stock photos, the article doesn't mention the fact that he's testing the white one even ONCE, and the video, like I said, only features him showing his test unit for a second, as if to prove only that he in fact has a test phone while playing down the color of it.
Kenyon also posted that David Pogue of the NY Times might have one as well, but I was unable to verify this, as the only visual media on the page appears to be a stock photo taken from the WWDC unveiling (note the wood table background).
Here's the question. Did Apple instruct these reviewers to ignore, play down, and hide the fact that they were reviewing white units, or are the reviewers in question completely blind to the fact that Apple said there would be no white iPhone 4 until some distant point before fall? (Remember MMS was enabled last year 4 days after the autumnal equinox, the last day of summer; Apple said that MMS would be ready by late summer.)
It is downright conspiracy-theory strange. They should have been blown away, or shocked, or at least moved to make a SINGLE comment on the issue. News organizations salivate over these kinds of stories. Why didn't they say something?
If I had to bet, I'd be willing to put some money on the notion that Apple gave them the units on condition of silence regarding the color issue. Something very strange is up regarding the white iPhone 4. Something Apple REALLY doesn't want to talk about. This seems to have gone beyond simple PR mind games. Maybe we'll know soon. But for now, this strange bit of in-the-open secrecy just adds more to the enigma that is the white iPhone 4.
Some iPhone 4 Pre-orders Will Ship Early
Some people who managed to get the iPhone 4 pre-ordered will get it early, says Apple.
The L.A. Times reports that Apple sent an email to some pre-order customers, notifying them that their phones would arrive a day early. This is a departure from previous launches, in that FedEx had previously been instructed to hold for delivery until the specified launch day.
Some have speculated that this is Apple's way of saying "sorry" to all of those troubled by the obnoxious pre-order procedure. Still no "sorry" or news for the complete and surprising absence of the white iPhone 4. Well, hopefully if they're going to such lengths to make amends, we'll see something about the white iPhone 4 very soon.
As far as our test unit is concerned, it still appears to be slated to ship on actual launch day. If that changes, I'll post right away. Stay tuned for more.
The L.A. Times reports that Apple sent an email to some pre-order customers, notifying them that their phones would arrive a day early. This is a departure from previous launches, in that FedEx had previously been instructed to hold for delivery until the specified launch day.
Some have speculated that this is Apple's way of saying "sorry" to all of those troubled by the obnoxious pre-order procedure. Still no "sorry" or news for the complete and surprising absence of the white iPhone 4. Well, hopefully if they're going to such lengths to make amends, we'll see something about the white iPhone 4 very soon.
As far as our test unit is concerned, it still appears to be slated to ship on actual launch day. If that changes, I'll post right away. Stay tuned for more.
Poll Results Are In!
69% of you said you were waiting! That takes some serious drive and desire!
See the rest of the results:
As you can see, the second largest group is undecided at 20%. 10% of you already got a black one. Finally, none of you are non-iPhone people. Meaning no Droidbags have found their way to The White iPhone 4 Blog. Yay.
A new poll will be up soon, so stay tuned white iPhoneers!
See the rest of the results:
As you can see, the second largest group is undecided at 20%. 10% of you already got a black one. Finally, none of you are non-iPhone people. Meaning no Droidbags have found their way to The White iPhone 4 Blog. Yay.
A new poll will be up soon, so stay tuned white iPhoneers!
The First Reviews for iPhone 4
It would seem that the first reviews are in for the iPhone 4, as Apple has handed the phone to a select number of tech journalists around this time last week. As we all knew and expected, the reviews are glowing. However, there is no mention of the white iPhone 4 in any of the reviews I've read so far. Go figure. Anyway, if you're interested in checking out the reviews, I've compiled some of the better ones into a convenient list:
1. Engadget
2. Wall Street Journal
3. New York Times
4. USA Today
5. BoingBoing
The reviews are pretty good, with some great pics and perspectives. Again, there is no news of the white iPhone 4. The reviews sure get me excited about the device though. As a bonus, I've reposted the video in the USA Today review below:
Pretty freaking sweet stuff there. Get excited kids! The white iPhone 4 can't be far away!
1. Engadget
2. Wall Street Journal
3. New York Times
4. USA Today
5. BoingBoing
The reviews are pretty good, with some great pics and perspectives. Again, there is no news of the white iPhone 4. The reviews sure get me excited about the device though. As a bonus, I've reposted the video in the USA Today review below:
Pretty freaking sweet stuff there. Get excited kids! The white iPhone 4 can't be far away!
A Deep Dark Void of White iPhone 4 News
Today is a dark day for white iPhone 4 enthusiasts, quite literally. There is no news at all from any source. The same played-out rumors, speculation, and repackaged news that we all already knew on launch day is all we have on the web to sustain us. However, this void is, in and of itself, news.
As I discussed yesterday, the problem is one of PR. Apple, in its silence, has let hope for white iPhone 4 on launch day to continue unabated. While I hope it's available for all of you that pre-ordered at Best Buy or plan to camp for one, what if it isn't?
What if you wait in line from 5 p.m. tomorrow after you get off work until they open the Apple store on the morning of the 24th, you get in store, and find out there was never going to be a white iPhone available? What if you wait longer than that? What if one in every five people in line are doing the same thing, hoping to get it in white?
The potential PR disaster that would occur if Apple doesn't say a word, and just lets its most avid fans do that to themselves would be immense. Apple could lose some followers right there on the spot. It would be letting down the people who showed it the most trust and faith. What's more, we already trust Apple not to screw us over, so the longer they remain silent the more people will believe that white iPhones are waiting for them at the end of the queue.
All Apple has to do to avoid it is make one little announcement. When and where will the white iPhone 4 be available? It doesn't even have to be a set date. They just need to give people a general idea. That will be enough to prevent irrational behavior that will end up costing Apple serious publicity points. If it doesn't make such an announcement, it might as well be saying, "Come on down! We'll have them on day one!" Should that not be the case, and no announcement is made, Apple's dug itself a hole, and it will start filling up with disgruntled white iPhone seekers on launch day, muddying the message on a day that's supposed to be rife with positive headlines.
Let's hope they know what they're doing over there in Cupertino.
As I discussed yesterday, the problem is one of PR. Apple, in its silence, has let hope for white iPhone 4 on launch day to continue unabated. While I hope it's available for all of you that pre-ordered at Best Buy or plan to camp for one, what if it isn't?
What if you wait in line from 5 p.m. tomorrow after you get off work until they open the Apple store on the morning of the 24th, you get in store, and find out there was never going to be a white iPhone available? What if you wait longer than that? What if one in every five people in line are doing the same thing, hoping to get it in white?
The potential PR disaster that would occur if Apple doesn't say a word, and just lets its most avid fans do that to themselves would be immense. Apple could lose some followers right there on the spot. It would be letting down the people who showed it the most trust and faith. What's more, we already trust Apple not to screw us over, so the longer they remain silent the more people will believe that white iPhones are waiting for them at the end of the queue.
All Apple has to do to avoid it is make one little announcement. When and where will the white iPhone 4 be available? It doesn't even have to be a set date. They just need to give people a general idea. That will be enough to prevent irrational behavior that will end up costing Apple serious publicity points. If it doesn't make such an announcement, it might as well be saying, "Come on down! We'll have them on day one!" Should that not be the case, and no announcement is made, Apple's dug itself a hole, and it will start filling up with disgruntled white iPhone seekers on launch day, muddying the message on a day that's supposed to be rife with positive headlines.
Let's hope they know what they're doing over there in Cupertino.
Monday, June 21, 2010
iOS 4 Hands-on
So after checking iTunes sporadically for most of the morning, in the early afternoon I found that iOS 4 was ready for installation! I plugged the 3GS into the USB port, and started the download. Now you can read about my experience here.
First things first. The download and installation went very smoothly. While there have been some reports have suggested that there may be some problems with the update, mine worked like a dream. I plugged it in, hit "Update," and away it went. Once the actual update began, it couldn't have taken more than 10 minutes.
Once it was done, I slid to unlock and discovered my 3GS had become an entirely different, more impressive animal. Here's a run-down of what really caught my eye.
1. Aesthetics
The first thing I noticed was how much smoother everything seemed to run. I don't know how, but I think iOS 4, despite all its new features, may actually work more efficiently with the RAM and processor in the 3GS. Maybe it's just my imagination, but it seems slicker.
Which brings me to the appearance. As soon as it unlocked, the icons flew in from the four corners of the phone in that neat fashion we've seen on the iPad and in the iPhone 4 demos. The background that was automatically selected for the home screen was initially the same as my lock screen, but I quickly figured out where to change that, and moved to one of the slick Apple-included backgrounds for the home screen. (Go to Settings, and then select Wallpaper. Pick the one you want, and it will ask you if you want to apply it to Home, Lock, or Both.)
I love the way the Home screen looks with the stone background I selected, and the 3D slab that the dock area now rests upon is a great touch. My 3GS now feels so much more personal, but it hasn't lost any polish or snap.
2. Multi-Tasking
Multi-tasking, in a word, is spectacular. Just double-tap, and instead of the old iPod widget in the middle of the screen, the 3D dock slab slides up, the screen above dims, and you see a row of open apps. Slide to the right to see more, if you've got more than four open, or slide to the left to access the music controls. Easy, elegant, Apple.
And it works almost perfectly! I tried a bunch of different apps, and they all worked great. I went from a Facebook photo album, to email, to phone, to and back to Facebook. There I was, on the same picture I was looking at before! The only problem I noticed was with a news app. It went to the "Technology" tab, but didn't go back to the story I was actually in. Fixes like this, though, are up to the app maker. I'll bet we'll see a slew of app updates very soon to make multi-tasking work perfectly for all of them!
The best part is, my battery, which got charged up to 100% while I was doing the update, and the battery life doesn't seem to be worse at all after the update. That means iOS 4 multi-tasking works its magic without sucking battery life like a blood-starved mosquito.
In short, this one's a big win.
3. Folders
How many Home screens do you have filled up? How many apps are on there that you've forgotten were there because you never really look for more than the one you're thinking of? If you're like me, then your Home screen is stuffed with apps, and you probably only use half of them because you forgot they were there.
Well, not any more. With folders, your Home screens will drop down from 9 to 3, or 10 to 3. Or 11 to 2 (if you just stuff every app you can into a folder, though I don't recommend that). I literally went down from 9 to 3 screens. It was nuts, and fun to do!
The interface is easy as hell. Just make like you're deleting an app or moving it, then move it on top of another app. Viola! Folder created. It's that easy.
The automatic naming works incredibly well also. There were a few categories that were too broad for my purposes. On page 3, for example, I decided to have a "games" page. So I started dropping games into folders, and it named them appropriately, as "Games." But I changed them to the specific genre immediately, and with great ease. So now I have "Board Games," "Action Games," and "Simulators" all on one row of one page. Three icons. Total number of apps stored? 30. Rock on.
After I put EVERYTHING, well, except the calendar, clock and camera into folders, it was very easy to find what I was looking for. And they were all within the first 3 pages. On page one, I put all my general interest information and communication apps. The first folder, for example, is called "Social." Inside is my MMS, Twitter, BeejiveIM, Facebook, YouTube, Blogpress, Bump, Foursquare and Contacts. So when I want to zap a message to the universe in any format by any medium, it's all right there in the very first folder.
On page 2 is my business stuff, and on page 3 are my games. Categorically sorted pages are now a reality. Time to harvest obscene amounts of apps. (Speaking of which, I just remembered to go get iBooks).
4. Conclusion
These are just my initial impressions. I only have one email address, so the unified in-box, while cool, is something I didn't get to test drive. As an overall package, this is bloody impressive stuff. Apple really blew the doors off with this one.
For us white iPhone 4 holdouts, this update is a lifesaver. We'll be able to enjoy 3GS quite a bit more while we wait because of this little download. Granted, the 3G doesn't get multi-tasking, and the original iPhone doesn't get the update at all, but for a lot of us, this update is quite a deal.
If you haven't already gotten your hands on this update, I recommend doing it five minutes ago. In fact, stop reading if you haven't done it. Go do it now. I'll wait.
...
Ok. Now that you've got it and spent some time playing with it, we're all on the same page. It's devastatingly awesome. Mated to a white iPhone 4, it might just tear a hole in the universe and suck us all into a dimension of pure pocket-computing joy. The sea has changed again, and iOS 4 is just the first wave.
First things first. The download and installation went very smoothly. While there have been some reports have suggested that there may be some problems with the update, mine worked like a dream. I plugged it in, hit "Update," and away it went. Once the actual update began, it couldn't have taken more than 10 minutes.
Once it was done, I slid to unlock and discovered my 3GS had become an entirely different, more impressive animal. Here's a run-down of what really caught my eye.
1. Aesthetics
The first thing I noticed was how much smoother everything seemed to run. I don't know how, but I think iOS 4, despite all its new features, may actually work more efficiently with the RAM and processor in the 3GS. Maybe it's just my imagination, but it seems slicker.
Which brings me to the appearance. As soon as it unlocked, the icons flew in from the four corners of the phone in that neat fashion we've seen on the iPad and in the iPhone 4 demos. The background that was automatically selected for the home screen was initially the same as my lock screen, but I quickly figured out where to change that, and moved to one of the slick Apple-included backgrounds for the home screen. (Go to Settings, and then select Wallpaper. Pick the one you want, and it will ask you if you want to apply it to Home, Lock, or Both.)
I love the way the Home screen looks with the stone background I selected, and the 3D slab that the dock area now rests upon is a great touch. My 3GS now feels so much more personal, but it hasn't lost any polish or snap.
2. Multi-Tasking
Multi-tasking, in a word, is spectacular. Just double-tap, and instead of the old iPod widget in the middle of the screen, the 3D dock slab slides up, the screen above dims, and you see a row of open apps. Slide to the right to see more, if you've got more than four open, or slide to the left to access the music controls. Easy, elegant, Apple.
And it works almost perfectly! I tried a bunch of different apps, and they all worked great. I went from a Facebook photo album, to email, to phone, to and back to Facebook. There I was, on the same picture I was looking at before! The only problem I noticed was with a news app. It went to the "Technology" tab, but didn't go back to the story I was actually in. Fixes like this, though, are up to the app maker. I'll bet we'll see a slew of app updates very soon to make multi-tasking work perfectly for all of them!
The best part is, my battery, which got charged up to 100% while I was doing the update, and the battery life doesn't seem to be worse at all after the update. That means iOS 4 multi-tasking works its magic without sucking battery life like a blood-starved mosquito.
In short, this one's a big win.
3. Folders
How many Home screens do you have filled up? How many apps are on there that you've forgotten were there because you never really look for more than the one you're thinking of? If you're like me, then your Home screen is stuffed with apps, and you probably only use half of them because you forgot they were there.
Well, not any more. With folders, your Home screens will drop down from 9 to 3, or 10 to 3. Or 11 to 2 (if you just stuff every app you can into a folder, though I don't recommend that). I literally went down from 9 to 3 screens. It was nuts, and fun to do!
The interface is easy as hell. Just make like you're deleting an app or moving it, then move it on top of another app. Viola! Folder created. It's that easy.
The automatic naming works incredibly well also. There were a few categories that were too broad for my purposes. On page 3, for example, I decided to have a "games" page. So I started dropping games into folders, and it named them appropriately, as "Games." But I changed them to the specific genre immediately, and with great ease. So now I have "Board Games," "Action Games," and "Simulators" all on one row of one page. Three icons. Total number of apps stored? 30. Rock on.
After I put EVERYTHING, well, except the calendar, clock and camera into folders, it was very easy to find what I was looking for. And they were all within the first 3 pages. On page one, I put all my general interest information and communication apps. The first folder, for example, is called "Social." Inside is my MMS, Twitter, BeejiveIM, Facebook, YouTube, Blogpress, Bump, Foursquare and Contacts. So when I want to zap a message to the universe in any format by any medium, it's all right there in the very first folder.
On page 2 is my business stuff, and on page 3 are my games. Categorically sorted pages are now a reality. Time to harvest obscene amounts of apps. (Speaking of which, I just remembered to go get iBooks).
4. Conclusion
These are just my initial impressions. I only have one email address, so the unified in-box, while cool, is something I didn't get to test drive. As an overall package, this is bloody impressive stuff. Apple really blew the doors off with this one.
For us white iPhone 4 holdouts, this update is a lifesaver. We'll be able to enjoy 3GS quite a bit more while we wait because of this little download. Granted, the 3G doesn't get multi-tasking, and the original iPhone doesn't get the update at all, but for a lot of us, this update is quite a deal.
If you haven't already gotten your hands on this update, I recommend doing it five minutes ago. In fact, stop reading if you haven't done it. Go do it now. I'll wait.
...
Ok. Now that you've got it and spent some time playing with it, we're all on the same page. It's devastatingly awesome. Mated to a white iPhone 4, it might just tear a hole in the universe and suck us all into a dimension of pure pocket-computing joy. The sea has changed again, and iOS 4 is just the first wave.
White HTC Evo an Implausible Substitute for White iPhone 4
The Droidbags are at it again.
Ever noticed an interesting media bias on the tech blogs? It seems like every one of them has this ridiculous love for all things Android. Even though they know iPhone is by far the better platform, and iOS is light-years ahead of Android in terms of user experience (UX), it seems every article they write grudgingly acknowledging the fact is wishing with all its might that Android phones will catch up.
So here's the latest joke to fly out of the chucklebucket that we know as the Android-Webmedia Complex.
Part of what the white iPhone 4 means is class. And Ahab's foe here makes a valiant effort, but really just ends up getting beached. Nice try. No sale.
Ever noticed an interesting media bias on the tech blogs? It seems like every one of them has this ridiculous love for all things Android. Even though they know iPhone is by far the better platform, and iOS is light-years ahead of Android in terms of user experience (UX), it seems every article they write grudgingly acknowledging the fact is wishing with all its might that Android phones will catch up.
So here's the latest joke to fly out of the chucklebucket that we know as the Android-Webmedia Complex.
It seems that tech sites all over the web are picking up a, "No White iPhone 4? Get a White HTC Evo Instead!" meme. Articles at FortuneTech, GeekSugar, News Provider Tech, and others are suggesting that the White HTC Evo is just as good. Either they're hoping to get bumped up higher in Googliath's search results, or they really have no idea what makes the white iPhone 4 so special.
Painting the Evo white, however, will just turn what's already a monstrosity into a great, white monstrosity. No longer will Captain Ahab be bored this summer folks. There's a new white whale in town for him to hunt down and harpoon. Let's take a look at a mockup picture of it, just for fun:
But does it come in "not ugly"?
Note the form factor hasn't been modified any. The same geegaws are tacked all over this hulk, with visionless bevels, misplaced controls, and of course (not pictured) the five different unnecessary buttons tacked to the bottom of the thing. It's like an explosion in a hardware store that someone glued back together and managed to get internet access on. Painting it white just doesn't change that.
Note also the tasteless use of branding decals at the top of the phone. Brazenly displayed on this unit are the words HTC and Sprint, with a little Sprint logo tossed in for good measure. Ever bought a used car? Ever tried to get the car dealer not to stick on the dealer markings? So what if you got your phone at Al Harrington's Discount Emporium and Warehouse? I don't want it on my hardware. If AT&T ever tried to stick their logo on an iPhone, what do you think Steve Jobs would say? I don't want to hear that conversation, but I'd be willing to bet he doesn't own any cars with dealer markings.
Besides, all that aside, the white Evo still has one major problem. It runs Android.
Part of what the white iPhone 4 means is class. And Ahab's foe here makes a valiant effort, but really just ends up getting beached. Nice try. No sale.
White iPhone 4 in Best Buy Stores at Launch?
A leaked Best Buy internal shipping document has the iPhone quarter of the web buzzing with the news that just maybe Best Buy will have some white ones on launch day. This article takes a look at that possibility.
According to a report by AppleInsider, leaked Best Buy shipping reports indicate that Best Buy stores were allowed to order white iPhone 4s. The numbers were much smaller than those placed for black iPhone 4s, jiving with the theory that they may be available in limited numbers.
However, the report does not show any have been shipped, and according to AppleInsider, Best Buy's own launch day manual indicates that there is no guarantee the orders will be filled. Does this bring a glimmer of hope? Yes. Shoud we get too excited? Not just yet.
One might expect, however, to hear something concrete regarding the white iPhone 4 from Apple within the next few days, as there may be people lining up trying to get them. The kind of PR disaster in which a customer waits in line for half a week to lay hands on a white iPhone 4 only to be denied at the register could be avoided with a simple anouncement on whether they'll have the phones in stock anywhere. I'd expect such an anouncement within the next few days, before people really have time to get in line. This, of course, is speculation only. Apple could just as well do nothing.
For now, we'll just have to wait and see. I'll keep my eye out for official news or promising rumors, and put them up right here for everyone to see. Either way, we'll have some fun while we wait. More to follow.
Source: AppleInsider
According to a report by AppleInsider, leaked Best Buy shipping reports indicate that Best Buy stores were allowed to order white iPhone 4s. The numbers were much smaller than those placed for black iPhone 4s, jiving with the theory that they may be available in limited numbers.
However, the report does not show any have been shipped, and according to AppleInsider, Best Buy's own launch day manual indicates that there is no guarantee the orders will be filled. Does this bring a glimmer of hope? Yes. Shoud we get too excited? Not just yet.
One might expect, however, to hear something concrete regarding the white iPhone 4 from Apple within the next few days, as there may be people lining up trying to get them. The kind of PR disaster in which a customer waits in line for half a week to lay hands on a white iPhone 4 only to be denied at the register could be avoided with a simple anouncement on whether they'll have the phones in stock anywhere. I'd expect such an anouncement within the next few days, before people really have time to get in line. This, of course, is speculation only. Apple could just as well do nothing.
For now, we'll just have to wait and see. I'll keep my eye out for official news or promising rumors, and put them up right here for everyone to see. Either way, we'll have some fun while we wait. More to follow.
Source: AppleInsider
Sunday, June 20, 2010
iPhone News and Rumor Roundup, June 20, 2010
Good evening everyone! I'm back from my trip and incredibly exhausted, but I had a great time. There was no reception where I was, so I haven't had the chance to update. Here's what's new:
1. Some iPhone 4s Have Shipped
Word is filtering in that some customers have received shipping notification on their pre-orders. This should put an end to stories suggesting that Apple was pushing back shipping of all pre-orders to July 14. I have yet to see an email, but I have no doubt I'll soon hear about the shipment of the test unit I ordered.
2. Still No Official White iPhone 4 News, Rumors Abound
The word on the street is now that a factory problem is the cause of the delay, per Best Buy employees. Apple has so far made no official move to explain the white one's absence, so what we think we know so far is:
A. White iPhone 4 isn't coming until at least August.
B. This is due to a manufacturing problem.
An AT&T rep. has been reported to have said white won't even be available until 2011. Given the known lifespan of an iPhone model, this rumor is highly unlikely to ne true. Anyway, still no good news to be had. Best Buy has cancelled the pre-orders it took for white iPhone 4s, and it appears that none will be out there on the 24th.
My source for the white iPhone news is here.
1. Some iPhone 4s Have Shipped
Word is filtering in that some customers have received shipping notification on their pre-orders. This should put an end to stories suggesting that Apple was pushing back shipping of all pre-orders to July 14. I have yet to see an email, but I have no doubt I'll soon hear about the shipment of the test unit I ordered.
2. Still No Official White iPhone 4 News, Rumors Abound
The word on the street is now that a factory problem is the cause of the delay, per Best Buy employees. Apple has so far made no official move to explain the white one's absence, so what we think we know so far is:
A. White iPhone 4 isn't coming until at least August.
B. This is due to a manufacturing problem.
An AT&T rep. has been reported to have said white won't even be available until 2011. Given the known lifespan of an iPhone model, this rumor is highly unlikely to ne true. Anyway, still no good news to be had. Best Buy has cancelled the pre-orders it took for white iPhone 4s, and it appears that none will be out there on the 24th.
My source for the white iPhone news is here.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Out of Town Until Sunday
Good evening fellow white iPhoneers!
The White Apple Knight will be out of town for the weekend. I'll still be in touch over my iPhone where I can be, and will make updates based on any on-point news I see. Just don't expect any crazy stories or conspiracy theorizing out of me this weekend. Also, I'll tweet whatever I find.
Have a great weekend my friends! I'll be back in full swing on Sunday night or Monday morning!
The White Apple Knight will be out of town for the weekend. I'll still be in touch over my iPhone where I can be, and will make updates based on any on-point news I see. Just don't expect any crazy stories or conspiracy theorizing out of me this weekend. Also, I'll tweet whatever I find.
Have a great weekend my friends! I'll be back in full swing on Sunday night or Monday morning!
GadgetCrave Has a Strange Idea of Sexy
So just for fun, I clicked on one of those "Droid X is Way Better Than iPhone Because I'm an Idiot" stories, and what I saw there nearly made me squirt milk out of my nose from a 1995 school cafeteria meal. What was so funny?
The article said, and I quote, "Yesterday, Engadget got a few paws on the upcoming Motorola Droid X, and it looks like it could be even sexier than the elusive white iPhone." EnGadget, now operating from a prison cell, managed to smuggle in a Droid X prototype to review. But the sickos over at GadgetCrave have kidnapped EnGadget's article and done some stuff to it EnGadget wouldn't like. Sound the Amber Alert, because their reasons why Droid X is sexier than a white iPhone 4 are creepy as hell.
Reason 1: "To start with, the thing looks absolutely monstrous, and that’s because it features a 4.4-inch screen with 854 x 480 res, pushing the bar dangerously close to tablet/smartbook territory."
Let's take a look at that rationale there. It's sexier than the white iPhone 4 because it's monstrous. OH! Ok, that makes sense! If you think monsters are sexy.
Hot.
On the upside, stuffing what is essentially a TC* in your pants has some advantages. Namely, you look very happy to see just about everyone you meet.
Reason 2: "It packs 1GHz worth of ARM v7 power under the hood and offers an 8-megapixel camera with 720p recording."
This statement boggles the mind. It's sexier than the white iPhone because of what's inside it? What are you, GadgetCrave, a serial killer? That would be like saying Johnny Depp is sexy because of how efficiently his digestive system works, or Megan Fox is sexy because she has such awesome eyesight.
Show me your appendix, baby!
Reason 3: "It also brings a multitouch keyboard that allows you to simultaneously hit two keys at once."
Gramatical redundancy aside, why is this sexy? I can't think of a single aesthetically pleasing thing one can do by finger-mashing a keyboard. Reading typing errors in messages gets you feeling randy? Hitting A and S at the same time with your thumb to see which one shows up on the screen first is foreplay? You, my friend, need a psychotherapist. Then again:
Slow down, you're hurting me!
So it would seem GadgetCrave has a thing for cutting open monsters and administering double-fisted smacks to the poor creatures' oh-so-sexy insidey-parts. Is Droid X hotter than a white iPhone? No. Should Motorola install a permanent rape whistle app into Droid X after giving it to EnGadget? Probably.
Hint: Reading the EnGadget article after reading this one makes the EnGadget one seem dirty.
*TC = Tablet Computer. I said it first.
The White iPhone 4 Blog Special Feature Announcement
Yesterday, I discussed how because of the likely August delivery date of the white iPhone 4, we were going to have to come up with a way to amuse ourselves while we waited. I also alluded to a few tricks I might have stuffed up my sleve. So I wanted to give everyone an idea of some of the things that I have planned, and why I'm excited about them.
1. White iPhone 4 Versus
I plan to do an periodic column pitting the white iPhone 4 up against other gadgets, works of art, or even people. We'll see how it stacks up against some of the greatest or most ridiculous things out there. The first one of those should be coming soon.
2. Deconstruction of Other Smartphones
I'll take rhetorical shots at just about every other smartphone on the market. And maybe a few dumbphones. Who knows, maybe even some MP3 players and cameras. Because your friend (or foe) with that other gadget is not just wrong about its superiority. She's comically wrong. Get ready to roll around and revel in fanpersonism.
3. Product Reviews
As I don't have a lot of money, these will be theoretical, for the most part. I'll take a look at all the iPhone accessories out there, and find the coolest ones to tell you about. As always, the focus will be white iPhone forward, with an eye towards what will look great with your white iPhone 4 when it finally goes home with you.
Sound good to everyone? Am I doing alright here?
One more thing.
4. A Hands-on iPhone 4 Review
That's right folks. Against my better judgment, I managed to get ahold of a pre-order for the black one. I had some spare money set aside to pick up a Project Natal device on release, and I decided to spend it on an iPhone 4 instead. Project Natal, now Kinect, looked incredibly lame at E3. (Hint: While some may find it cute, that poor motion-sensitive tiger is going to get abused at parties.) So on launch day, I'll be reviewing the iPhone 4 hands-on for all of you. We'll find out how much better it really is, from the perspective of an iPhone lover with an eye for some of the finer points that other reviewers often overlook. I'll bring you my take in images and words.
So cheer up, white iPhoneers. We've got a lot to do.
1. White iPhone 4 Versus
I plan to do an periodic column pitting the white iPhone 4 up against other gadgets, works of art, or even people. We'll see how it stacks up against some of the greatest or most ridiculous things out there. The first one of those should be coming soon.
2. Deconstruction of Other Smartphones
I'll take rhetorical shots at just about every other smartphone on the market. And maybe a few dumbphones. Who knows, maybe even some MP3 players and cameras. Because your friend (or foe) with that other gadget is not just wrong about its superiority. She's comically wrong. Get ready to roll around and revel in fanpersonism.
3. Product Reviews
As I don't have a lot of money, these will be theoretical, for the most part. I'll take a look at all the iPhone accessories out there, and find the coolest ones to tell you about. As always, the focus will be white iPhone forward, with an eye towards what will look great with your white iPhone 4 when it finally goes home with you.
Sound good to everyone? Am I doing alright here?
One more thing.
4. A Hands-on iPhone 4 Review
That's right folks. Against my better judgment, I managed to get ahold of a pre-order for the black one. I had some spare money set aside to pick up a Project Natal device on release, and I decided to spend it on an iPhone 4 instead. Project Natal, now Kinect, looked incredibly lame at E3. (Hint: While some may find it cute, that poor motion-sensitive tiger is going to get abused at parties.) So on launch day, I'll be reviewing the iPhone 4 hands-on for all of you. We'll find out how much better it really is, from the perspective of an iPhone lover with an eye for some of the finer points that other reviewers often overlook. I'll bring you my take in images and words.
So cheer up, white iPhoneers. We've got a lot to do.
iPhone 4 News and Rumor Roundup, June 17, 2010
Yet again, we have no news from Apple or anyone else regarding the white iPhone. However, a few interesting bits about iPhone in general are out there, and I'm here to bring them to you.
First, there's the release of iTunes 9.2. It is now available for download from Apple. This update brings iOS 4 and iPhone 4 comaptibility to iTunes, as well as new features like iBooks syncing. As always, it's free, so whenever you have a spare moment you can get it here.
Second, as reported yesterday, new pre-orders for the black iPhone now won't ship until July 14. This revelation, coupled with the fact that the white iPhone 4 is still not yet available for pre-order on Apple's site, leads me to believe that the August predictions are correct. As to whether some white units will be available in Apple stores or other retail outlets on launch day to those who get in line without a pre-order, your guess is as good as mine. We'll probably have to wait to find that one out on launch day.
Finally, Apple reported that 600,000 black iPhone 4s were pre-ordered between it and AT&T before they sold out. That, according to Apple, is the biggest launch they've ever had of anything EVER. So there may be a ton of new members of the little family we call iPhone users out there. So get ready to be the cool older brother or sister when you get your white iPhone 4.
That's all there is out there right now, but I'll be keeping an eye on things for you and getting back to you right here at The White iPhone 4 Blog. Cheers white iPhoneers.
First, there's the release of iTunes 9.2. It is now available for download from Apple. This update brings iOS 4 and iPhone 4 comaptibility to iTunes, as well as new features like iBooks syncing. As always, it's free, so whenever you have a spare moment you can get it here.
Second, as reported yesterday, new pre-orders for the black iPhone now won't ship until July 14. This revelation, coupled with the fact that the white iPhone 4 is still not yet available for pre-order on Apple's site, leads me to believe that the August predictions are correct. As to whether some white units will be available in Apple stores or other retail outlets on launch day to those who get in line without a pre-order, your guess is as good as mine. We'll probably have to wait to find that one out on launch day.
Finally, Apple reported that 600,000 black iPhone 4s were pre-ordered between it and AT&T before they sold out. That, according to Apple, is the biggest launch they've ever had of anything EVER. So there may be a ton of new members of the little family we call iPhone users out there. So get ready to be the cool older brother or sister when you get your white iPhone 4.
That's all there is out there right now, but I'll be keeping an eye on things for you and getting back to you right here at The White iPhone 4 Blog. Cheers white iPhoneers.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Pre-orders Continue to Roll In
Well, the pre-orders are still coming in fast and furious. According to Apple's website, iPhone 4 pre-orders made now won't actually arrive until July 14. That means they're already through the 2nd production run, and onto selling the third via pre-order.
Still no official news regarding the white one we so crave. Other news aggregators have picked up on a customer report of an August release. This, as reported in an earlier entry here, came from a Best Buy employee. While I initially questioned the credibility of the information, it seems more credible now that Apple's deadline is bumped back.
This of course is because the black iPhone is still available for pre-order, even though it will now currently ship in mid-July. If the white iPhone were available around then, it would stand to reason to start allowing pre-orders. So August is starting to look much more likely. I'll be keeping on top of the news as it comes in to try to get a more solid grasp on the situation.
Will there be a few in retail stores on the 24th, or on subsequent dates? We don't know yet. Again, I'll keep my eye out for news, as some of our posters and other websites are speculating that as a possibility. But, when it really comes down to it, this seems unlikely.
So now the question becomes, what will we do in the meantime? If you saw my earlier post regarding pre-ordering a black one and then selling it to get a white one, that's an option. Otherwise, we'll just have to amuse ourselves speculating, planning, dreaming, and reading reviews and news. I've got some great ideas up my sleve for how we can pass the time while not losing our excitement. More on that later.
Cheers, white iPhoneers. Looks like we might be in for a long summer.
This of course is because the black iPhone is still available for pre-order, even though it will now currently ship in mid-July. If the white iPhone were available around then, it would stand to reason to start allowing pre-orders. So August is starting to look much more likely. I'll be keeping on top of the news as it comes in to try to get a more solid grasp on the situation.
Will there be a few in retail stores on the 24th, or on subsequent dates? We don't know yet. Again, I'll keep my eye out for news, as some of our posters and other websites are speculating that as a possibility. But, when it really comes down to it, this seems unlikely.
So now the question becomes, what will we do in the meantime? If you saw my earlier post regarding pre-ordering a black one and then selling it to get a white one, that's an option. Otherwise, we'll just have to amuse ourselves speculating, planning, dreaming, and reading reviews and news. I've got some great ideas up my sleve for how we can pass the time while not losing our excitement. More on that later.
Cheers, white iPhoneers. Looks like we might be in for a long summer.
Not Until August?
Social Media SEO reports that the white iPhone 4 might not be available until August. However, their source is a commenter who allegedly heard it from a Best Buy employee. Not particularly credible, but who knows?
With still no official information, hearsay is the best we've got. Hang in there, white iPhoneers. Hopefully some better, more reliable information will emerge.
Read the whole story here.
With still no official information, hearsay is the best we've got. Hang in there, white iPhoneers. Hopefully some better, more reliable information will emerge.
Read the whole story here.
Black AND White iPhones, How to Have Your Cake and Eat It Too!
Good morning white iPhoneers! I just had an epiphany, and I can't wait to share it with you. Would you like to have a black iPhone 4 when it comes out, then switch to a white one when it's available? I mean, if Apple offered this would you sign up? Yes? Yes! Ok. Here's how to pull it off.
Step 1. Pre-order a Black iPhone 4
Though this may seem like a concession, or giving up, it's not. Trust me and read on.
Step 2. Enjoy Your Black iPhone 4 Very Carefully
Get a felt bag AND a protective case. Put on the case, and keep the iPhone in the bag when you're not using it. They sell felt bags on eBay for smartphones generally, and they're usually quite cheap. And get an ugly, full coverage case, just for now. I did this with my 3GS for an entire year (without the ugly case) and it doesn't have a scratch on it, only some very minor wear that only just recently became visible. Your temporary black iPhone will have both body and screen safe from harm.
Use it. Enjoy it. But be CAREFUL with it. Have fun and wait for step 3 to become necessary.
Step 3. eBay Your Black iPhone 4
Now, you just paid $199.99 or $299.00 for a black iPhone 4 and your upgrade is spent. However, you have an ace in the hole. If you sell it, you're selling it WITHOUT A CONTRACT. That jacks the value of it up to $699.99 or $799.99 new. And if the iPhone is sold out, as it likely will be, yours will be one of the few on the market.
Wait until Apple announces the white iPhone 4 is available, and put your listing up 9 days before if you can. If you only have 5 days' notice, do a 3-day auction.
In all likelihood, Apple will notify the world they intend to put it up for pre-order too (see the Why's it Late? story further down the blog for my reasons). Then put it up without a Buy It Now, (you don't want someone scooping it up before your white iPhone 4 is in your hands), including the felt bag and the case to sweeten the deal. Start the listing at $50.00 below the actual price (649.99 or 749.99, it will bid up to the price you want, I'd be willing to bet anything. The lower cost draws attention to your auction).
Time the auction so it ends two days before you get your white one (see step 4 below). Play up why you're selling it, and then explain just why it's in such good condition! You might even make more than it's worth, if they're sold out when you list it. Imagine that. Use an iPhone 4 while you wait, get the white one when it comes out, and make a little cash! Sweet deal.
Step 4. Pre-order the White iPhone 4
It's probably best to do this from a retail outlet, because you don't want to have to put up a whole lot of money to buy it from the Apple store (your new white iPhone 4 will have to be purchased at full price). But if you can't pre-order from a retail outlet, or you can afford to temporarily front the money, use the Apple store (that's the safer road). If you put it on your credit card, you'll be able to pay it off in the same month, so no interest charges will be applied.
Step 5. Activate Your New White iPhone 4 and Ship off the Black One
When you get your new iPhone 4, wipe your old black one's memory, activate your new white iPhone, and ship off the old one the same day. If you pre-ordered from a retail outlet, use the proceeds from the sale of your black one to buy your white one. If not, pay off your credit card or Apple credit account with the proceeds. Now you've got your new white iPhone 4, at little to no extra cost (or even a profit), and you didn't have to wait to start having iPhone fun!
Things to Remember
1. Don't set your auction price too high, no matter how much more the other iPhone 4s are going for. Remember that you're not trying to flip your black one for a massive profit, you're just trying to pay for your white one with the proceeds. So don't get greedy! If all the other iPhones on eBay are selling for $1,000.00, and starting bidding at $900.00, you'll be set sell it fast. And that's the goal.
2. Spend some time on the auction. Give good descriptions, play up your sale, and put up a real picture. Don't forget to mention that you have all original packaging, that the phone is in perfect condition, and that you're including a case and a felt bag as part of the auction. If you can avoid unwrapping the cords for the new one, or using the headphones, do so! Talk about that in the auction!
3. There's some risk involved with this. You might not get all of your costs recovered. So if you can't afford or don't want to possibly spend $50.00 or so on an auction that doesn't bid up past the price you want, or shipping, or the cost of accessories, then don't try this. You could come out way ahead, but you might not. All this trick does is make getting both affordable in the worst-case scenario.
Also, if you're not familiar with eBay and Paypal, or are clumsy with your phones, you might not want to try this. If you drop your black temp phone, and it is damaged, this plan's out the window and you're stuck with it. And if you can't make eBay work and end up not selling your black one, you're out some serious dough. I'm not advocating that you try to execute this plan, I'm just tossing it out there as an option for the "gotta-have-it-now" set (of which I'm a card-carrying member).
If you do decide to do this, it's at your own risk. In other words, don't you dare try to sue me. :)
Cheers, white iPhoneers! I'll be back later with more white iPhone updates.
Step 1. Pre-order a Black iPhone 4
Though this may seem like a concession, or giving up, it's not. Trust me and read on.
Step 2. Enjoy Your Black iPhone 4 Very Carefully
Get a felt bag AND a protective case. Put on the case, and keep the iPhone in the bag when you're not using it. They sell felt bags on eBay for smartphones generally, and they're usually quite cheap. And get an ugly, full coverage case, just for now. I did this with my 3GS for an entire year (without the ugly case) and it doesn't have a scratch on it, only some very minor wear that only just recently became visible. Your temporary black iPhone will have both body and screen safe from harm.
Use it. Enjoy it. But be CAREFUL with it. Have fun and wait for step 3 to become necessary.
Step 3. eBay Your Black iPhone 4
Now, you just paid $199.99 or $299.00 for a black iPhone 4 and your upgrade is spent. However, you have an ace in the hole. If you sell it, you're selling it WITHOUT A CONTRACT. That jacks the value of it up to $699.99 or $799.99 new. And if the iPhone is sold out, as it likely will be, yours will be one of the few on the market.
Wait until Apple announces the white iPhone 4 is available, and put your listing up 9 days before if you can. If you only have 5 days' notice, do a 3-day auction.
In all likelihood, Apple will notify the world they intend to put it up for pre-order too (see the Why's it Late? story further down the blog for my reasons). Then put it up without a Buy It Now, (you don't want someone scooping it up before your white iPhone 4 is in your hands), including the felt bag and the case to sweeten the deal. Start the listing at $50.00 below the actual price (649.99 or 749.99, it will bid up to the price you want, I'd be willing to bet anything. The lower cost draws attention to your auction).
Time the auction so it ends two days before you get your white one (see step 4 below). Play up why you're selling it, and then explain just why it's in such good condition! You might even make more than it's worth, if they're sold out when you list it. Imagine that. Use an iPhone 4 while you wait, get the white one when it comes out, and make a little cash! Sweet deal.
Step 4. Pre-order the White iPhone 4
It's probably best to do this from a retail outlet, because you don't want to have to put up a whole lot of money to buy it from the Apple store (your new white iPhone 4 will have to be purchased at full price). But if you can't pre-order from a retail outlet, or you can afford to temporarily front the money, use the Apple store (that's the safer road). If you put it on your credit card, you'll be able to pay it off in the same month, so no interest charges will be applied.
Step 5. Activate Your New White iPhone 4 and Ship off the Black One
When you get your new iPhone 4, wipe your old black one's memory, activate your new white iPhone, and ship off the old one the same day. If you pre-ordered from a retail outlet, use the proceeds from the sale of your black one to buy your white one. If not, pay off your credit card or Apple credit account with the proceeds. Now you've got your new white iPhone 4, at little to no extra cost (or even a profit), and you didn't have to wait to start having iPhone fun!
Things to Remember
1. Don't set your auction price too high, no matter how much more the other iPhone 4s are going for. Remember that you're not trying to flip your black one for a massive profit, you're just trying to pay for your white one with the proceeds. So don't get greedy! If all the other iPhones on eBay are selling for $1,000.00, and starting bidding at $900.00, you'll be set sell it fast. And that's the goal.
2. Spend some time on the auction. Give good descriptions, play up your sale, and put up a real picture. Don't forget to mention that you have all original packaging, that the phone is in perfect condition, and that you're including a case and a felt bag as part of the auction. If you can avoid unwrapping the cords for the new one, or using the headphones, do so! Talk about that in the auction!
3. There's some risk involved with this. You might not get all of your costs recovered. So if you can't afford or don't want to possibly spend $50.00 or so on an auction that doesn't bid up past the price you want, or shipping, or the cost of accessories, then don't try this. You could come out way ahead, but you might not. All this trick does is make getting both affordable in the worst-case scenario.
Also, if you're not familiar with eBay and Paypal, or are clumsy with your phones, you might not want to try this. If you drop your black temp phone, and it is damaged, this plan's out the window and you're stuck with it. And if you can't make eBay work and end up not selling your black one, you're out some serious dough. I'm not advocating that you try to execute this plan, I'm just tossing it out there as an option for the "gotta-have-it-now" set (of which I'm a card-carrying member).
If you do decide to do this, it's at your own risk. In other words, don't you dare try to sue me. :)
Cheers, white iPhoneers! I'll be back later with more white iPhone updates.
iPhone 4 News and Rumor Roundup, June 16, 2010
Today, there is no fresh news about when the white iPhone 4 will be released or why it isn't around. Apple seems to be keeping very quiet on this front. Two possible reasons are:
1. Apple Doesn't Know Anything Yet
Apple may still not know when it's going to be able to ship the white one in adequate quantities to meet demand and not anger buyers. If this is the case, then it becomes more likely that the white iPhone 4 was delayed due to a last-minute problem specific to the white units. As we know the only difference between the white and the black is the color, this suggests either the production was stalled or suddenly delayed, or a flaw with the white model directly related to its color is the culprit.
2. Apple Doesn't Want to Tell Us
As they certainly don't need to say anything to keep sales robust, Apple may be avoiding relaying any bad news to have fewer negative headlines. No news, as it is said, is good news. I'll stay on top of the interwebs and report anything that I find though, so stay tuned.
In other news, black iPhone 4 continues to sell at a ridiculous rate. If you waited yesterday, the earliest your pre-order will now ship is July 2nd. That means the initial production run is all presold or destined for retail outlets, and that white iPhone 4 will likely be available much later than that. The wait times between white and black, however, have now significantly narrowed. Also, the initial sales numbers are probably going to shock the industry.
We're now in line for the Avatar of smartphones, and we're waiting for the IMAX version. Stay tuned white iPhoneers, I'll be keeping an eye on things for you.
1. Apple Doesn't Know Anything Yet
Apple may still not know when it's going to be able to ship the white one in adequate quantities to meet demand and not anger buyers. If this is the case, then it becomes more likely that the white iPhone 4 was delayed due to a last-minute problem specific to the white units. As we know the only difference between the white and the black is the color, this suggests either the production was stalled or suddenly delayed, or a flaw with the white model directly related to its color is the culprit.
2. Apple Doesn't Want to Tell Us
As they certainly don't need to say anything to keep sales robust, Apple may be avoiding relaying any bad news to have fewer negative headlines. No news, as it is said, is good news. I'll stay on top of the interwebs and report anything that I find though, so stay tuned.
In other news, black iPhone 4 continues to sell at a ridiculous rate. If you waited yesterday, the earliest your pre-order will now ship is July 2nd. That means the initial production run is all presold or destined for retail outlets, and that white iPhone 4 will likely be available much later than that. The wait times between white and black, however, have now significantly narrowed. Also, the initial sales numbers are probably going to shock the industry.
We're now in line for the Avatar of smartphones, and we're waiting for the IMAX version. Stay tuned white iPhoneers, I'll be keeping an eye on things for you.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Best Buy Told to Stop Taking White iPhone 4 Pre-orders
According to AppleInsider, Apple told Best Buy to stop taking white iPhone 4 pre-orders. You can see that story here.
So what does this mean for those who got a white one ordered before the buzzer?
From what I can tell based on an informative forum post or two, is that Best Buy has no idea what colors its getting. It will find out on the 23rd when the shipments come in, and then call up those with pre-orders to set up appointments. So there's no confirmation that they'll get any at all. If I had to guess, if there are any released at all, it won't be at a 3rd party retailer. Check out a forum post discussing Best Buy pre-orders here.
Well, that's all for now, white iPhoneers. I'll check back in soon.
So what does this mean for those who got a white one ordered before the buzzer?
From what I can tell based on an informative forum post or two, is that Best Buy has no idea what colors its getting. It will find out on the 23rd when the shipments come in, and then call up those with pre-orders to set up appointments. So there's no confirmation that they'll get any at all. If I had to guess, if there are any released at all, it won't be at a 3rd party retailer. Check out a forum post discussing Best Buy pre-orders here.
Well, that's all for now, white iPhoneers. I'll check back in soon.
AT&T Sold Out of iPhone 4
Yes, it's already happened. According to a post on examiner.com, AT&T is SOLD OUT of iPhone 4 pre-orders. Now, you won't be able to get the black iPhone 4 on launch day from there. I tried to log in there to see if I could verify it, but I couldn't even get into my AT&T account.
If you're going for the black one, it'd be a good idea to head to Apple.com and pre-order fast, because it's not going to last much longer at this rate. However, if you're waiting for the white one, this isn't really that big of a deal anyway.
Check out the whole post here.
Cheers, future white iPhoneers.
If you're going for the black one, it'd be a good idea to head to Apple.com and pre-order fast, because it's not going to last much longer at this rate. However, if you're waiting for the white one, this isn't really that big of a deal anyway.
Check out the whole post here.
Cheers, future white iPhoneers.
Apple Store Updates
Here at TheWhiteiPhone4, it's my aim to provide you with the most recent updates. In that spirit, I'll be checking Apple.com at least twice a day, and posting any news I find to this blog, as well as to @TheWhiteiPhone4 on Twitter.
Let me be obsessive for you, so you don't have to. Any time I check, I'll also post. So sit back. I've go this one.
Let me be obsessive for you, so you don't have to. Any time I check, I'll also post. So sit back. I've go this one.
Why's it Late? Possible Explanations for White iPhone 4 Delay
So I bet right now you're all wondering why Apple delayed the iPhone 4? While the obvious answer is supply limitations, what caused them? Moreover, what if it's something else? Here are some possibilities I came up with, along with my completely amateur opinion as to their likelihood.
1. Supply Issues - Likelihood: 90%
In all reality, only a crazy person would have the hottest product in the world, and not put every unit on sale when buzz is at its peak. That is, unless there is a very good reason not to sell them yet. Enter the limited supply. If Apple started selling the white one only to sell out in the first few minutes of online pre-order at 4 a.m. on release day, two things would happen.
First, the media would attack the company for poor logistical preparation (which will probably happen anyway). However, now when Apple in all likelihood does tell us "supply issues" caused the delay, it will probably be coupled with a hard release date for the white one. A spoon full of sugar, anyone? Note: the medicine will still taste like poor planning.
Second, there would be a bunch of regular Joe customers who wouldn't get a shot at the white iPhone 4 for awhile. The absence of a chance for the white one might turn them off, while us Appleheads will take pretty much whatever Apple throws at us. The last thing Apple wants to do is discourage new adopters.
So Apple held off on releasing the white one. What caused the holdup?
Who knows? It could be the global release spreading the initial production run thin, it could be that the white iPhone 4 was a last-minute design decision to counter the Great Apple Leak of 2010, or it could be that some defect emerged in the white model very recently.
We'll probably never know the real reason, because "supply issues" is all the reason anyone needs to know to get the gist of the problem, and the rest will become moot when the store lets us click "Buy" to our hearts' content.
If there is indeed a shortage of white iPhone 4s, the question remains, how will Apple deal with it? They could release them only in Apple stores, sans pre-order, for only the most die-hard of Apple fans who wait in line for two days. They could also wait until they can match production to projected demand, and then have a "White iPhone Launch Day." Or, they could just inauspiciously let the buying begin as soon as they think they have enough.
Again, who knows what they'll do? I do doubt they'd let squatters nab the first ones. Ebay opportunists would be all over that, and we'd have the white ones going only to the plutocrats who can afford a $5,000.00 iPhone for the rest of the summer. My money's on a later, specifically-timed release. Two hype- and buzz-generating product launches in one summer, with no R&D costs? That sounds like Christmas at Apple, Inc.
In the meantime, let's explore some more interesting (and speculative) possibilities.
2. Apple Delayed Purposefully - Likelihood: 30%
A purposeful delay, while irking the Apple faithful, would be an obvious way to buzz up the iPhone, steal more headlines, and dial mystique for the white iPhone up to 11. As we know, Apple has usually reserved the white iPhone for it's top-end handset.
With the iPhone 3G, you could only get the white in the 16GB flavor. 3GS came with white in all models, but it lost some of that exclusivity, that instant recognition that you've got the top-of-the-line. So what if the delay is to recover that exclusivity? Think about it. In the future, when you see someone pull out a white iPhone 4, you'll know a few things about them.
You'll know they're discerning. Not just any ol' Most Awesome Smartphone in the Universe will do, not for that person. That person actually waited past launch day to get that specific color. There's no difference otherwise. A sacrifice purely for aesthetics. Is it superficial? Maybe. But aren't you just a little jealous?
You'll also know they have (at least some) impulse control. I'll bet some of you reading this wanted a white one, but couldn't resist the impulse not to click "pre-order" and just settled for a black one. That white iPhone owner didn't give in to that impulse. That's a rare quality in a die-hard Apple fan, further distinguishing the white iPhone owner from the rest.
Obviously, someone who just wanted a black one could be quite discerning and have iron impulse control. All I'm saying is you'll be able to tell those qualities in the owner of a white iPhone 4 just by looking at their phone. Their constitutions will be immediately clear to anyone who visited the online Apple store on June 15, 2010, looking to pre-order the phone. Waiting for the white one gains you instant Apple prestige. Just remember, when you get yours, you don't have to talk about it. It'll make you sound smug, and anyone who cares will know without you saying a single word.
So did Apple and Co. do this on purpose? Probably not. But the effect will be present nonetheless. It kind of makes the white one worth waiting for, doesn't it?
3. AT&T's Behind It - Likelihood: 1%
Probably not. But it would be fun to blame them.
4. Steve Jobs is Conducting a Behavioral Experiment on Us - Likelihood: 5%
While this is also highly unlikely, think of all the interesting consumer behavior data one could gather from the Apple community's response to this? Apple could be using the iPhone 4, already a guaranteed smash hit, to figure out how to do the perfect product launch. Based on this data, Steve and Co. could architect the launch of about any product they wanted to sell millions. They could one day even use this info to market the iSlaveChip, and we'll all be charging retailers like rabid dogs to have them installed in our cerebral cortexes. Just one step further towards global hegemonic domination. Or better quarterlies.
5. Conclusion
Whatever the reason or rhyme, one thing's for certain. As of 3:30 p.m. CST, there's no official word from Apple, and the store isn't selling 'em. However this plays out, here at TheWhiteiPhone4Blog, we are in this with you for the long haul. Stay tuned for updates and product details for the iSlaveChip, or if you prefer, the white iPhone 4.
1. Supply Issues - Likelihood: 90%
In all reality, only a crazy person would have the hottest product in the world, and not put every unit on sale when buzz is at its peak. That is, unless there is a very good reason not to sell them yet. Enter the limited supply. If Apple started selling the white one only to sell out in the first few minutes of online pre-order at 4 a.m. on release day, two things would happen.
First, the media would attack the company for poor logistical preparation (which will probably happen anyway). However, now when Apple in all likelihood does tell us "supply issues" caused the delay, it will probably be coupled with a hard release date for the white one. A spoon full of sugar, anyone? Note: the medicine will still taste like poor planning.
Second, there would be a bunch of regular Joe customers who wouldn't get a shot at the white iPhone 4 for awhile. The absence of a chance for the white one might turn them off, while us Appleheads will take pretty much whatever Apple throws at us. The last thing Apple wants to do is discourage new adopters.
So Apple held off on releasing the white one. What caused the holdup?
Who knows? It could be the global release spreading the initial production run thin, it could be that the white iPhone 4 was a last-minute design decision to counter the Great Apple Leak of 2010, or it could be that some defect emerged in the white model very recently.
We'll probably never know the real reason, because "supply issues" is all the reason anyone needs to know to get the gist of the problem, and the rest will become moot when the store lets us click "Buy" to our hearts' content.
If there is indeed a shortage of white iPhone 4s, the question remains, how will Apple deal with it? They could release them only in Apple stores, sans pre-order, for only the most die-hard of Apple fans who wait in line for two days. They could also wait until they can match production to projected demand, and then have a "White iPhone Launch Day." Or, they could just inauspiciously let the buying begin as soon as they think they have enough.
Again, who knows what they'll do? I do doubt they'd let squatters nab the first ones. Ebay opportunists would be all over that, and we'd have the white ones going only to the plutocrats who can afford a $5,000.00 iPhone for the rest of the summer. My money's on a later, specifically-timed release. Two hype- and buzz-generating product launches in one summer, with no R&D costs? That sounds like Christmas at Apple, Inc.
In the meantime, let's explore some more interesting (and speculative) possibilities.
2. Apple Delayed Purposefully - Likelihood: 30%
A purposeful delay, while irking the Apple faithful, would be an obvious way to buzz up the iPhone, steal more headlines, and dial mystique for the white iPhone up to 11. As we know, Apple has usually reserved the white iPhone for it's top-end handset.
With the iPhone 3G, you could only get the white in the 16GB flavor. 3GS came with white in all models, but it lost some of that exclusivity, that instant recognition that you've got the top-of-the-line. So what if the delay is to recover that exclusivity? Think about it. In the future, when you see someone pull out a white iPhone 4, you'll know a few things about them.
You'll know they're discerning. Not just any ol' Most Awesome Smartphone in the Universe will do, not for that person. That person actually waited past launch day to get that specific color. There's no difference otherwise. A sacrifice purely for aesthetics. Is it superficial? Maybe. But aren't you just a little jealous?
You'll also know they have (at least some) impulse control. I'll bet some of you reading this wanted a white one, but couldn't resist the impulse not to click "pre-order" and just settled for a black one. That white iPhone owner didn't give in to that impulse. That's a rare quality in a die-hard Apple fan, further distinguishing the white iPhone owner from the rest.
Obviously, someone who just wanted a black one could be quite discerning and have iron impulse control. All I'm saying is you'll be able to tell those qualities in the owner of a white iPhone 4 just by looking at their phone. Their constitutions will be immediately clear to anyone who visited the online Apple store on June 15, 2010, looking to pre-order the phone. Waiting for the white one gains you instant Apple prestige. Just remember, when you get yours, you don't have to talk about it. It'll make you sound smug, and anyone who cares will know without you saying a single word.
So did Apple and Co. do this on purpose? Probably not. But the effect will be present nonetheless. It kind of makes the white one worth waiting for, doesn't it?
3. AT&T's Behind It - Likelihood: 1%
Probably not. But it would be fun to blame them.
4. Steve Jobs is Conducting a Behavioral Experiment on Us - Likelihood: 5%
While this is also highly unlikely, think of all the interesting consumer behavior data one could gather from the Apple community's response to this? Apple could be using the iPhone 4, already a guaranteed smash hit, to figure out how to do the perfect product launch. Based on this data, Steve and Co. could architect the launch of about any product they wanted to sell millions. They could one day even use this info to market the iSlaveChip, and we'll all be charging retailers like rabid dogs to have them installed in our cerebral cortexes. Just one step further towards global hegemonic domination. Or better quarterlies.
5. Conclusion
Whatever the reason or rhyme, one thing's for certain. As of 3:30 p.m. CST, there's no official word from Apple, and the store isn't selling 'em. However this plays out, here at TheWhiteiPhone4Blog, we are in this with you for the long haul. Stay tuned for updates and product details for the iSlaveChip, or if you prefer, the white iPhone 4.
White iPhone 4 News and Rumor Roundup
Hey everyone! Here's the latest, in a simple, enumerated list:
1. As you all know, iPhone 4 was not available for pre-order in white. The Apple store image says: "White iPhone currently unavailable for pre-order or in-store pickup". AT&T says: "coming soon".
2. This news was actually leaked by by modmyi.com, who uncovered an AT&T internal memo. I saw the post while waitng until 3 a.m. central for my pre-order, and just didn't want to believe it. Alas, it was true.
3. There is almost no word from any official source regarding the delay. What we do know is this. Apple claims that they will "sell it as soon as they can," and AT&T's memo states the white iPhone 4 will be available "later this summer."
4. Everyone who wanted one is either sad, or angry, or both.
Stay tuned for more news!
1. As you all know, iPhone 4 was not available for pre-order in white. The Apple store image says: "White iPhone currently unavailable for pre-order or in-store pickup". AT&T says: "coming soon".
2. This news was actually leaked by by modmyi.com, who uncovered an AT&T internal memo. I saw the post while waitng until 3 a.m. central for my pre-order, and just didn't want to believe it. Alas, it was true.
3. There is almost no word from any official source regarding the delay. What we do know is this. Apple claims that they will "sell it as soon as they can," and AT&T's memo states the white iPhone 4 will be available "later this summer."
4. Everyone who wanted one is either sad, or angry, or both.
Stay tuned for more news!
Introduction and first post!
Welcome to the white iPhone 4 Blog. Here you'll find up-to-the-minute information, news, rumors and opinions regarding Apple's MIA white iPhone 4.
It may be a long wait for the iPhone we're skipping pre-order to get ahold of, but we'll be with you all the way!
It may be a long wait for the iPhone we're skipping pre-order to get ahold of, but we'll be with you all the way!
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