The iPhone Antenna “Issue”: FUD

by Hadley Stern Jul 14, 2010

fight FUD

FUD* is one of those wonderful technology terms that is thrown around quite a bit, although not by this author. But today, observing the absurd accusations against Apple and the iPhone from all quarters, it is time to whip out FUD and take a look at what is really going on here.

Fear:

Consumer reports, the supposed unbiased non-profit has behaved like Gizmodo. I have no doubt that they saw this as a golden opportunity for more pageviews, more magazine sales, and more exposure. I doubt they had the consumer in mind.

Consumer Reports is spreading fear. Fear that anyone who has bought an iPhone made a mistake, and fear that anyone who is considering an iPhone is about to make a mistake.

The iPhone 4 is the highest rated smartphone according to Consumer Report yet they cannot recommend it? Based on what? Based on some questionable lab testing.

Fear.

Of course the typical Apple-haters (CNET for example) are jumping on this, calling for a recall, further exacerbating the issue and building up fear.

Uncertainty

Here Apple is not entirely blameless. Its reaction has been somewhat all over the place, from denial, to telling people not to hold the phone a specific way (which, I think, is entirely reasonable), to saying it is a software issue.

But in typical FUD style the press, especially the anti-Apple press and Android fanboys have been relentless in their pursuit to keep this topic alive.

The usual suspects are alive and kicking, whether it is Rob Enderle or CNET the articles keep coming talking of recalls, etc.

There are some brave folks out there who are not spreading uncertainty, in one case a piece by PCWorld by a couple of engineers.

Apart from many press outlets gleeful that Apple, which created the touchscreen smartphone, has made a "mistake" the multiple, vitriolic Android fanboys are out in full force as commentators.

Doubt

The final piece of FUD is Doubt. Could the iPhone be defective? Will I not be able to make phone calls when I really need to? Will I be wasting my money? Should I maybe buy an Android instead, it is a smartphone after all, and then I can become a Droid.

Doubt, combined with Fear and Uncertainty equals a disaster. Or a blip. The next few weeks will be telling to see which it is. The iPhone 4 has been the fastest selling device in Apple's history. You still cannot just order one online or walk into a store and buy one. They are being sold overseas at a huge markup by resellers. The list goes on and on.

FUD can be conquered with facts, so let us list them.

  • Apple has stated there is a software glitch that over-reports signal strength. There is an error in the company's algorithm and it will be fixed with a software update in a few weeks.
  • Any iPhone 4 user who is dissatisfied with their iPhone can return it within 30 days.

That second point is the most telling one to clear through the FUD. Before we start flaming the flames of a recall just point out to any user who is complaining (who, on the web, is likely to be an Apple-hater pretending to be an iPhone 4 owner) that they can return their phone and get their money back.

The market will inevitably decide if this is a real issue or not. If the iPhone really does drop calls en masse then expect to see a lot of returns.

But something tells me, even with all the FUD out there, this won't happen.

What do you think? Am I being an apologist or am I spot on?

 

 

* FUD was first defined (circa 1975) by Gene Amdahl after he left IBM to found his own company, Amdahl Corp.: "FUD is the fear, uncertainty, and doubt that IBM sales people instill in the minds of potential customers who might be considering Amdahl products."[4] The term has also been attributed to veteran Morgan Stanley computer analyst Ulrich Weil, though it had already been used in other contexts as far back as the 1920s.[5][6]

As Eric S. Raymond writes:[7]

 

Comments

  • I always a bit late, but hopefully there is no such problems because they already have time to fix it..

    toniABS22 had this to say on Sep 16, 2011 Posts: 1
  • Thanks for the post. I always enjoy reading your blog.   

    Keep’em coming more frequently.

    Best!
    spiritual healing

    jutt777 had this to say on Sep 19, 2011 Posts: 1
  • Who doesn’t love Iphones!?Locksmith London

    silviu84 had this to say on Sep 19, 2011 Posts: 7
  • I am impressed Mortgage Rates by the quality of information on this website. There are a lot of good resources here.
    I am sure Mortgage Louisville KY I will visit this place again soon.

    salmannur had this to say on Sep 20, 2011 Posts: 1
  • You know some of the FUD comes about because you know as soon as you pick up one product apple will drop another that is faster and better right behind it… Damn them:)
    Go Daddy Promo Code

    harri193 had this to say on Sep 22, 2011 Posts: 1
  • Thanks for such an informative article, it’s been very useful. russische frauen | mujeres rusas

    flem had this to say on Sep 23, 2011 Posts: 5
  • I have the i phone it has many errors, but still I use it very much can be incredibly easy to do with the i phone and that’s simply fun. medical bankruptcy

    marcijoyce10 had this to say on Sep 28, 2011 Posts: 5
  • You know some of the FUD comes about because you know as soon as you pick up one product apple will drop another that is faster and better right behind it… Damn them:)  ray ban wayfarers sizes

    brianfrances100 had this to say on Sep 28, 2011 Posts: 2
  • iPhone antenna will bring revoltion in the iPhone books world

    parul1234 had this to say on Oct 04, 2011 Posts: 4
  • i am big fan of Apple Technology specially iPhone and ipad great going Apple
    iphone tracking app

    williamsjohn had this to say on Oct 05, 2011 Posts: 1
  • Who cares about the antenna, when Steve is no longer? Gastric Band

    silviu84 had this to say on Oct 08, 2011 Posts: 7
  • This post was very interesting. That’s why you have so many comments.Solicitors Slough

    silviu84 had this to say on Oct 09, 2011 Posts: 7
  • I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this post. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own blog now.
    secondhand cookers

    nitin had this to say on Oct 14, 2011 Posts: 1
  • A covert GPS Tracking Devices is essentially a data logger. In other words, the magnetic attachment device for the car and keep the details of travel and history.

    Maria had this to say on Oct 15, 2011 Posts: 1
  • It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to join the discussion of this great blog site! I want to thank for it.Custom silicone rubber watch,child watch wholesalemen’s watch wholesale with a customizable watch face. These slap on watches are similar to slap bracelets and are available in a variety of colors.

    grace had this to say on Oct 21, 2011 Posts: 4
  • Page 4 of 5 pages « First  <  2 3 4 5 >
You need log in, or register, in order to comment