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Apple’s iPhone 4 Strategy = Free Cases for All
The first part of the strategy was the press conference itself. Apple has acknowledged that there is a problem and that it is committed to making its customers happy. Although the data shows that the rate of dropped calls on the iPhone 4 are higher than on the iPhone 3GS, the increase in dropped calls is less than 1 per 100 calls.
Apple made it clear that it is committed to making its customers happy and providing the best products it can offer. With regards to the iPhone 4, this is what the company said it was going to do:
Release a Software Update to Better Report Cellular Signal — This was actually included in yesterday’s iOS update 4.0.1. The software fix does not actually improve call reception, however. Instead, it adjusts the algorithm to better report the actual signal. That should make the drop in bars when gripping a caseless iPhone appear less significant (even though the end result is exactly the same).
All iPhone 4 Owners Get a Free Bumper or a Refund for Their Existing Bumper — Apple believes that part of the reason that the dropped call ratio has increased (however slightly) is because fewer users have cases for their new iPhone 4. With the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone form factor didn’t change, which meant that not only did more existing users already have a case, but more cases were available at launch. That didn’t happen with the iPhone 4, and so Apple is going to give all iPhone 4 users who purchase the phone from launch date through September 30 a a free bumper or a refund on their existing bumper. Additionally, because Apple can’t make enough bumpers to satisfy demand, customers can choose another third-party case as well. The company says it will have a form on its website late next week that customers can fill out to request their new bumper or to get a refund on their existing bumper.
Unsatisfied Customers Get a Full Refund — If the new case or bumper still doesn’t solve the problem, Apple will provide a complete refund to the iPhone 4 owner. Presumably you can also just exchange your iPhone 4 for another unit.
Apple will not be providing refunds for users who bought a case from a third-party manufacturer, in part because only a few of those cases are currently on the market.
We’ll keep you posted as to how you can claim your free case or refund as soon as that information becomes available. In any event, Apple has made it clear that it would like to take care of its customers and to amend the situation.
On a personal level, I’ve noticed that my iPhone 4 has worse reception (and this is even after the 4.0.1 software update on both devices) than my iPhone 3GS. It isn’t to the point that I’m dropping calls or having data lag, but yes, the reception is not as good. Consequently, I may take Mr. Jobs up on his offer for an exchange so that I can see if a new phone might work better for me (after all, I could just have a bad unit).
Still, we think it is time to take a step back from this incident and objectively analyze the situation. Yes, there is a problem. Yes, Apple is acknowledging it. Yes, the company is taking care of its customers. The world is not coming to an end.
What do you think of Apple’s response? iPhone 4 owners, are you satisfied with the offer of a free case or a full refund?
Rangers FC Umbro 2010/11 Away Kit
Following the late May unveiling of their new home jersey, defending Scottish Premier League champions Rangers FC have officially launched their 2010/11 Umbro away kit.
According to the Gers website:
Gers are hoping to be stars in stripes in the 2010/11 campaign and they will be resplendent in the red and white shirt for the first time on Sunday when they take on Queen of the South at Palmerston.
The strip, which is similar to Atletico Madrid’s home outfit, will be worn in Jim Thomson’s Testimonial match which kicks off at 3pm and represents the first pre-season action of the season for Walter Smith’s side.
It was designed following discussions with fans’ groups and seems certain to be a smash hit with supporters.
Chicago Fire Sign Mercurial Mexican Nery Castillo
Major League Soccer’s summer Designated Player parade, which already has featured established European goalscorers Thierry Henry, Mista and Blaise Nkufo, took a riskier turn on Saturday in Chicago, where the Fire announced the signing of perennial Mexican underachiever Nery Castillo.
The 26-year-old represents Chicago’s second foray into Mexico, but Castillo is a far cry from Cuauhtémoc Blanco, who lent his scowl and skill to the Fire for three seasons. On the other hand, he’s a talented foreigner under 30. Rather than viewing MLS as a place to wind down, Castillo will come to Chicago hoping to re-establish himself as a player of consequence.
Castillo was born in Mexico to a Uruguayan father who was playing professionally for San Luis. He moved to Uruguay as a child and began his career with Danubio of Montevideo, where he began attracting European interest. A trial with Manchester United failed to result in a contract, but Castillo was able to secure a deal from Greek power Olympiakos when he was 16.
He remained at the club for seven years, during which which he became eligible to play for Greece. However Castillo was lured to the Mexican team by former coach Hugo Sanchez, and despite the fact that he never played there, he made his debut with El Tricolor in 2007. That same year he transferred to Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk for €20 million, beginning a series of professional missteps that would see him fall out of favor with the national side and put his career in limbo.
Castillo already was known as a bit of a hothead (like Blanco), but took that reputation one step further early in his stay at Shakhtar. He failed to score in his first seven games at the club and in the eighth after the team was awarded a penalty kick, Castillo snatched the ball from the club’s usual penalty taker and took the shot himself. It was saved, Castillo was substituted immediately and never played for the team again.
He was loaned to Manchester City in December 2007, got injured soon thereafter and returned to Shakhtar one year later. He then was loaned out again, this time to Ukraine’s Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Not much has been heard from him since.
Castillo made his reputation, at least on the positive side, largely off his performance at the 2007 Copa America. He scored an astonishing four goals as Mexico finished third, including the incredible effort against Brazil in the first round. The past three years have been underwhelming, to say the least.
Chicago is betting that he can turn it around there. If it works out, and Castillo is welcomed back into the Tricolor fold, it could be a huge boon for a league hoping to attract some younger foreign talent.
Converse Chuck Taylor Hi “All Star Cup”
The latest rework of the Chuck Taylor high is here, this time featuring a deep blue upper. The “All Star Cup” has not only represents a new colorway, but a reworked model; this edition featured more durable foot beds and a premium suede upper, complete with matching laces. Look out for the All Star Cup Chuck Taylor at stores now, for around $70.
Source: Complex
Ibrahimovic has decided to unretire from Swedish team
After quitting the Swedish national team six months ago because he was “not motivated” in the wake of failing to qualify for the World Cup, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has decided to return to the team. And not only that, but he’s going to be the captain. Hooray for rewarding fairweather commitment!
From the AP:
In the new set-up, the 28-year old player will also serve as the team’s captain.
Ibrahimovic said Friday he had missed playing with the squad and that his decision to return came after several talks with new coach Eric Hamren.
Saying that he missed playing with the squad is a far cry from what Zlatan said when he first quit. Here’s a refresher on what the devoted captain said back in December:
“There are no important matches or the World Cup and so it’s very difficult. It would be expending energy for no reason, a sacrifice for nothing.
“There are so many games with Barcelona and so many things to think about that I hardly have time to think about the national side.”
I guess it’s good for Sweden to have their most talented player back in the fold. Now they just have to hope that he doesn’t lose interest again.
West Ham Sign Barrera. Trouble for Spector?
This just in from West Ham:
“West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Mexico FIFA World Cup star Pablo Barrera.
The winger, who turned 23 on 21 June, has moved to the Boleyn Ground from Mexican Premier Division side Club Universidad Nacional (Pumas de la UNAM) on a four-year contract with a one-year option for fee of £4m.
“Following the arrival of Barrera, the club hopes to announce two further signings within the next few hours. Details will be exclusively announced first on whufc.com.
“Barrera, who becomes the second new recruit this summer after Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, was able to complete his move after passing a medical and having his work permit application accepted by the Home Office on Thursday. He put pen to paper on Friday morning before giving his first interview as a Hammers player to whufc.com.”
And this is what Barrera thinks of his new club:
“I am very happy to sign for West Ham United and have been really taken by the reception I have received from the players and the manager. I have had a great welcome.
“I knew about West Ham when I was in Mexico. They are a big club and I have heard about the great players they have had in the past. I have heard a lot more about the club and its traditions since I have been in London and I am very excited to be here.
“I am very excited about the opportunity and the possibilities of playing for West Ham. I will do my best. The fans can expect that I will give 100 per cent to succeed for the team and to play better than I have ever played before.
“I am very fast and can use both feet. I like the one-on-one situations and to take on my opponent and beat my rivals. I like to excite the supporters. People have said that I am the sort of player that the fans want to have the ball as often as possible because I can make things happen.”
He’s fast and he can use both feet… hmm, sounds a lot like Jonathan Spector.
