In the latest news from Reuters regarding the Apple iPhone 4 antenna saga, RIM have also been drawn in to the growing controversy. Research In Motion, makers of major iPhone rival Blackberry have blasted Apple Inc for their statement that the BlackBerry too suffers from similar reception problems.
RIM co-chief executives Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie released a statement via email last Friday saying that “Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable”. From RIM’s point of view, Apple are deliberately attempting to distort public opinion to deflect attention from their own significant problems.
For those of you who have been in a cave for the last few weeks, the reception problems of the new Apple iPhone 4 have been covered widely in the media. Basically, many users have reported an unacceptable signal strength when using the new iPhone in a certain way, even in areas known to have more than adequate levels of mobile coverage.
The recent statements made by Apple Inc regarding their controversial wraparound antenna design seem to come from a deep seated frustration at the hands of a growing consumer backlash. By referring to their recent difficulties as a universal problem that also affects their competitors, Apple have set off a wave of criticism from within the industry.
As a direct response to the antenna problems experienced by Apple Inc, RIM have stated that they have “avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of low coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM’s customers don’t need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity.”
Steve Jobs and all at Apple Inc are obviously worried by the growing level of consumer dissatisfaction regarding the iPhone 4. However, the recent statements and videos released that directly refer to the competition are unlikely to help, and will probably do nothing more than agitate both RIM and the hoards of unhappy iPhone consumers.
