By Dani Hicks
On Friday, September 12th, Apple released the 2.1 firmware for both the 3G and the first generation iPhone. The firmware can be uploaded through the new version of Itunes 8. So, if you already have this version, upload it now. The size of the update is a bit hefty, so it’ll take a little time. And, we all know there is no time to waste when it comes to technology. So far, no real flaws have been detected in the firmware. Although you’ll lose any jail break privileges, you can expect a lengthy list of improvements for your phone.
The original iPhone premiered June 29, 2007. Customers complained about its low battery life, lack of memory card slot for expandable memory, and the fact that it only worked with one carrier. 30% of all cell phone users in the U.S. are locked into phone plans for at least one more year. This creates a problem when the customer knows that they receive better service from a different carrier. In addition, the iPhone price plans are highly expensive; users can pay as much as $120 per month. Furthermore, initial start up costs around $2,000 for a two year contract. While prices remain sky high, Apple boasts that they have fixed much of the grievances.
A decrease in call set up failures and dropped calls have been reported as well as significantly better battery life. In the old version of the iPhone, the battery had to be replaced at least once or twice in a year. The new software is also expected to dramatically reduce time to backup iTunes. Improved email reliability gift wrapped in the ability to fetch email from POP and Exchange accounts have been installed. Additionally, it will allow faster installation of 3rd party applications. Firmware 2.1 has supposedly improved the text messaging performance-and thank god! Lord knows there aren’t enough cramped teenage thumbs in the U.S. An improved accuracy of the 3G signal strength display and the options to wipe out repeatedly failed data, the Genius play list creation, and many other treasures have been speculated. So, will the 2.1 firmware transform the iPhone into the Captain America of all cell phones? Or, will customers be subjected to another string of foul play from Apple? Well, you tell me!
Sources:
Reyes, Allen D. “IPhone 2.1 Firmware Update now Available.” Mobile Phillipines. 15 Sept. 2008. 16 Sept. 2008 http://blogs.inquirer.net/m-ph/2008/09/15/iphone-21-firmware-update-now-available/
