If this isn’t the most original custom iPhone skin ever, then I don’t know what it is. I found this by accident on Twitter and I assume it was made using Unique Skins.
What do you think?
7 Reasons the iPhone 4 Sucks
by Sebastien on Jun 24, 2010
Every time Apple comes with a new iPhone, I try to write a post about why their latest device sucks. It’s stronger than me. I like to be the devil’s advocate. Just like I wrote an article about why the iPad sucks a few months ago, I wanted to write an article about why the iPhone 4 sucks.
This time though it was slightly different because I don’t really think the iPhone 4 sux. Sure it has a few issues, but does it make it a sucky device? Absolutely not. I guess this article will cater to all the iPhone haters out there.
It has screen problems
If you’ve read just a little bit about the new iPhone 4, you probably came across articles mentioning the yellow spots on the screen. My iPhone 4 screen is completely yellowish, which is pretty annoying for a $742.69 device… Apparently, this is just a temporary issue though.
The screen breaks easily
There has been videos going around the web showing how the iPhone 4 screen, supposedly 20 times stiffer and 30 times harder than plastic, can be easily scratched or even broken. So much for the NASA technology that was used to build these screens…
The battery sucks
Every year Apple claims the battery is better than the previous iPhone’s. Every year I find the same crappy battery life on my iPhone. My iPhone 4 battery sucks! It died after just about 24 hours of normal usage: no gaming, no video, just some light internet browsing and tweeting.
The antenna sucks
I haven’t had this issue but apparently the iPhone 4 antenna loses signal when then antenna band is touched. This is an isolated issue that has been reported by a few people. That’s still pretty inconvenient for a new device…
The carrier sucks
Unlike every iPhone blogger out there, I don’t have anything against AT&T. The coverage in my hometown (Encinitas, CA) is excellent, except on the beach where no carrier has coverage anyway. However, it sucks that we are locked to only one carrier in the US. I am pro-choice. I don’t care who gets the iPhone next, I just want to have the option to choose my carrier.
Apple’s multitasking sucks
Apple’s “fake multitasking” sucks for 2 reasons. For one, it’s not real multitasking because not all apps can take advantage of it. Sure you can argue that multitasking drains the battery, but that’s not the point here. Second reason why multitasking on the iPhone 4 sucks is because it quickly gets ugly in your app switching dock since Apple doesn’t kill apps until the OS deems it necessary. At any time I have between 10 and 20 apps in my app switcher, making it very busy.
Storage limitation sucks
One of the big let downs of iPhone 4 is the storage limitation. Although Apple could have put 64GB of storage in there, they claim they didn’t have the room for it. I think they just want to sell you a 64GB iPhone next year. That sucks because marketing is taking over customer needs.
Do you think the iPhone 4 sucks? Why? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
Breaking News: The iPhone 4 is Not Unbreakable
by Sebastien on Jun 24, 2010
After yesterday’s report that the iPhone 4 is indeed not as scratch resistant as Apple would like you to believe, here is a new proof that the iPhone 4 screen can break.
Well, duh! Of course the screen can break if you deliberately drop it 4 times in a row. Does it really take a genius to figure this one out?
This doesn’t really prove anything to me. Like any other cellphone, the iPhone screen is subject to scratches and shattering.
What do you think?
iMovie for iPhone 4 Now Available for Download
by Sebastien on Jun 24, 2010
iMovie, Apple’s own video editing app for iPhone 4 is now available for download in the App Store. With the new iPhone 4 bringing HD recording in our hands, iMovie for iPhone becomes a must-have.
iMovie lets you create video postcards, movies, and more right from your iPhone. The app also lets you use preset themes and you can even add music from your iTunes library. After creating your movie, you can decide to share on YouTube, via email, MMS, or simply sync it with your computer.
The downside? iMovie is only available for iPhone 4. You can download iMovie from the App Store for $4.99.
Three Very Annoying Things on My iPhone 4
by Sebastien on Jun 24, 2010
I’ve had my iPhone 4 for almost 24 hours now and passed the euphoria of the first few minutes with the device, I’ve actually noticed 3 very annoying details.
The yellowish screen
Remember two years ago when the iPhone 3G came out and there were many reports of screens being yellowish? It seems me and many others are having the same issue once again.
Most people are reporting yellow spots or lines on their screen. My screen is just yellowish overall. It’s not preventing me from doing anything but it’s annoying.
I took a screenshot of the yellow screen but when I look at it on the computer, it just looks perfect, which is a proof that the problem is not from the software, but it comes from the hardware.
The loose home button
Another annoying issue I have is with the home button that feels a little loose. See, I can put my finger on it and move the button left and right. I can even feel the looseness of the button every time I hit it.
The weird noise inside
I don’t know exactly how I found this one but there is a strange noise going on inside the phone when I shake it. It’s like there is a loose part in there. I had the exact same issue with my iPhone 3G two years ago.
What’s next?
Well, today is the official launch day so I’m not even going to go near an Apple Store but I think I’ll make an appointment with a “Genius” maybe for Monday. I know for a fact that Apple has replacement iPhones available and I’m sure they’ll give me a new 4 as soon as they get the phone in their hands.
If you’ve received your iPhone 4, have you experienced any of these issues?
Apple & AT&T May Prevent iPhone Jailbreak With OTA Updates
by Sebastien on Jun 23, 2010
Ok people, take this one with a huge grain of salt but there is a rumor going around that says Apple and AT&T might be preventing iPhone jailbreaks on iOS 4 via OTA updates sent to your iPhone. Does that sound wacky? If not, read this “tip” that was sent to some unknown blog called Addictive Tips from a so-called Apple insider.
How it works is every 7 to 14 days We (Apple) and AT&T send a message to your iPhone that gathers some data from your iPhone without you knowing and we see what is running, baseband and firmware. We then send a following message. “There are optional updates for your iPhone, Would you like to install them now?” two options “Yes” or “Later”. Those are what would would call “OPTIONAL UPDATES”
Now there are things called “MANDATORY UPDATES”. They tend to work the same way, grab data from the iPhones sends it to AT&T and us then back to your iPhone with the message, “Your iPhone (name of iphone) must be updated to the current AT&T standards to run”, your only option is to “Accept” Now you can try to work your way around it until you get the second mandatory message again “You must plug iPhone into iTunes and update”
If you don’t do this you will then receive no Signal from the network anymore and your iPhone will potentially lock up with no signs of use until you update your iPhone via iTunes. You all agreed to this terms and condition when you installed iTunes 9.2 and then again once you updated to iOS4. With that being Said go ahead Try to unlock the iPhone it will only last 14 days max…
I think it’s complete BS from a blog that wants its 5 minutes of fame but I thought it was still worth mentioning on the blog and see what you guys think about that.
But wait, that’s not over. There is more controversy contained in this “leak”. According to Addictive Tips:
- AT&T shipped some iPhone 4 early to verify their OTA update system.
- Apple stealing user information via FaceTime, which lacks encryption.
- Some Apple employees who are aware of this situation are not updating to iOS 4.
Does it sound wacky now? Of course it does! If it’s true though, Apple and AT&T might have a lot of explaining to do…
What do you think? Do you buy into this?
[via TNW]
Apple Says White iPhone 4 Won’t Be Available Until Mid July
by Sebastien on Jun 23, 2010
Those of you who are waiting for the White iPhone 4 shouldn’t hold their breath. Apple just released a short statement in which it says the White iPhone won’t be available until mid July.
White models of Apple’s new iPhone 4 have proven more challenging to manufacture than expected, and as a result they will not be available until the second half of July. The availability of the more popular iPhone 4 black models is not affected.
Now why is it harder to make an iPhone in white? I have no idea but it seems to me the color is not the issue here and that Apple is facing other challenges they’d rather not disclose.
At any rates, now you know that if you want a White iPhone 4, you’re going to have to wait another month. Is that another “fail” to add to the list of this iPhone 4 launch?
iPhone 4 Reviews
Surprisingly, Apple didn’t send me an iPhone 4 to review this year. I had to wait for the one I had pre-ordered, which I just received a few minutes ago. It seems I’m not the only tech blogger not having received a review version of the iPhone 4. The big loser at this game: Gizmodo, which let me remind you, had leaked all the details of the new iPhone 4 and was thus left out of receiving an iPhone 4 to review a few days ago.
A few other tech blogs and newspapers did receive their iPhone 4 review unit, and you know what? Most of the iPhone 4 reviews are pretty positive. I guess if Apple deemed me important enough to send me a free iPhone to review days before the rest of the world can get it, I might feel compelled to giving a somewhat positive review to the device as well.
Sarcasm apart, there has been 6 official reviews of the iPhone 4 published since yesterday, and yes, they’re all pretty good. My favorite might be Engadget’s review which I think was the most comprehensive.
I won’t be doing a formal review of the iPhone 4. I will however give you my impressions in a few days, once I have played with it enough to make informed comments and remarks.
Here are 6 iPhone 4 reviews worth a look:
Don’t read these reviews if you’re still waiting for your iPhone 4. They’ll make you want it even more!
Unboxing My iPhone 4
by Sebastien on Jun 23, 2010
I just received my iPhone 4. The FedEx guy was quite funny and said he had been delivering a lot of those iPhone 4 today. After frenetically running around the house like a crazy mofo for 2 minutes, I finally sat down and put Tina behind the camera for the long-awaited iPhone 4 unboxing.
I felt like a complete uber iDork asking my fiancee to record the whole scene of me opening a box. She laughed too and probably called me a dork as well. That’s all fair.
As you can see on this video, I’m not that good at commenting live events. But who cares? I didn’t want to post this but a few of you asked me to show you the video, so here it is.
The video is of a very poor quality but YouTube tells me it will get better over time. Since it was just uploaded, I guess they’re still working on converting it.
I haven’t played with the iPhone 4 yet. I booted it and plugged it in iTunes to start the activation process, which took about 1 minute. Painless!
I am now syncing all my music which should take a good hour.
What can I tell right off the bat? It’s an absolutely beautiful device. I feel bad just thinking I’m gonna have to put it in my pocket and take the risk of scratching it. I am really now considering getting the Invisible Shiled for iPhone 4. We’ll see.
If you have received your iPhone 4 today, please share your first impressions in the comments.
Ultradurable Glass of the iPhone 4 Not So Scratch Resistant After All
by Sebastien on Jun 23, 2010
Apple has been praising the aerospace-grade glass of the new iPhone 4 since it was introduced. According to Cupertino, the new iPhone screen is “chemically strengthened to be 20 times stiffer and 30 times harder than plastic”.
Gdgt editor Ryan Block just posted this picture to his Twitter account. Seems that “30 times harder than plastic” is not scratch-resistant enough though. It looks like this Invisible Shield for iPhone 4 might be a good solution after all…
