Latest iPhone update boosts Wi-Fi reception, say owners
But 'modded' iPhones must be restored from scratch, as usual
August 22, 2007 12:00 PM ETComputerworld - IPhone owners are reporting that the latest software update for their smart device has significantly boosted its wireless reception.
The second update issued this month went live yesterday via iTunes, the usual update mechanism for iPhone owners. Although Apple Inc. only said Version 1.0.2 included unspecified "bug fixes," owners on several popular message forums, including those on the MacRumors site, have come forward with claims that the iPhone now connects to wireless access points once written off as out of range. "My Wi-Fi reception is definitely better," a user identified as schulzmc said yesterday. "While in my office, I have never been able to connect to the wifi hub in the conference room down the hall [but after the update] I was surprised that the Edge connection seemed faster, until I realized I was connected to the wifi hub with two bars. For me, this is a huge issue, as I was preparing to try to deal with whatever hassle it would take to get the wifi connection extended to my office area."
"Wifi reception and connection is much improved," seconded snowboarder on the same thread yesterday. "The phone works better. Some places I had problems with before now work like a charm."
Reports of other changes were more mixed. Some who applied the 3.7MB update, for example, swore that speaker-phone volume -- a long-standing issue for users who complain it's too low -- was boosted by the new software. Others, however, said it was as low as ever.
Problems with the update appeared to be centered on those who had modified, or "modded" their iPhones with unsanctioned hacks to, among other things, let them add their own ring tones. Applying the 1.0.2 update meant owners of modded iPhones had to restore the device from scratch. That wasn't unexpected, however, since Apple's 1.0.1 update did the same thing.
IPhone users can wait out the update interval -- iTunes automatically checks Apple's update servers once a week -- or retrieve 1.0.2 manually by selecting "Check for Update" under the iTunes Help menu and then docking the iPhone to a PC or Macintosh.
iPhone
Additional Resources



White Papers & Webcasts
Southern Company
Download Now
Lower the Cost and Complexity of a Mobile Workforce through Automation
Download This Resource Now!
Defending Against the Storm
Download Now
Managing Mobility: Improve Data Security, Compliance and Manageability
Download This Resource Now!
Ponemon Study: The Business Risk of a Lost Laptop
Download Now
Managing Laptops Outside the Office
Learn how you can reduce costs by tracking mobile computers no matter where they are located.
Airport Insecurity: The Case of Lost Laptops
Download Now
4G Ahead Video Program
Uncover the features and benefits of the two leading 4G technologies for enterprises considering future deployment.
Case Study: Roughing IT
Download Now
Complimentary Webcast: Taking a Strategic Approach to Enterprise Mobility
Download This Webcast Today!
