Apple CEO Steve Jobs talks about the Apple iPhone 4 at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., Friday, July 16, 2010. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma) More photos in slideshow below.
Apple promises free iPhone 4 cases, slams media, watch iPhone Antenna Song video here
Steve Jobs slams media over Apple iPhone 4 antenna 'antennagate' problem, promises free cases
Apple’s Steve Jobs says he will give free protective cases to buyers of its iPhone 4 to alleviate the so-called “death grip: problem of users blocking the phone’s signal.
Jobs announced the giveaway during a packed press conference at Apple Headquarters in Cupertino, about an hour south of San Francisco.
Jobs slammed the media for exaggerating the problem. He showed a video spoof to poke fun of the media’s coverage. See the video below of the "iPhone 4 Antenna Song." Jobs said that the problem of the users’ hands blocking the cell phone antenna are not unique to Apple.
Jobs dubbed the media’s coverage of the Apple iPhone 4 problem as “AntennaGate.”
Who is eligible to get the free bumper case?
Jobs says that the more the 3 million people who already bought the phone through September 30 will be eligible. He is also offering refunds to those who already bought cases. Jobs also promises that anyone can return the phone for a full refund without re-stocking fees. The refund applies to even those who have long-term contracts with AT&T, the iPhone 4’s exclusive wireless carrier.
Consumer Reports magazine said that covering the antenna spot on the phone with a case or even duct tape will alleviate the problem. Consumer Reports said it could not recommend the Apple iPhone 4.
Jobs addressed his health during the press conference. He is a cancer survivor.
Jobs said, "I'm doing great.”
The Apple CEO quipped he was having a better time when he was on vacation last week in Hawaii but he thought the iPhone 4 antenna problem was something he should come back for.
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