Apple silent on negative review

Product reveiw magazinie, Consumer Reports, released negative criticisms of the iPhone 4 due to reception problems which may damage Apple's reputation. However, consumers are likely to keep buying the product due to the fact that they have been experiencing bad reception for years.

Some analysts are saying that Apple could simply ignore demands to recall the iPhone 4 or give away free cases to solve the problems. Apple seems keen on doing so. So far, the company has stayed silent about the Consumer Reports review. While some may find the company's response, or rather lack of it, objectionable, it is hard to see how Apple can be penalized even if it stays mum.

The iPhone has also been ahead of competitors when it comes to features such as easy Web browsing and shopping for music, movies and applications to download.

Consumer Reports said it could not endorse the iPhone 4 as "recommended." The magazine says this is due to test results that show that simply holding the gadget can weaken reception. This marks the first time that the publication gave an iPhone a negative review.

The assessment gave strength to complaints from many iPhone customers. Soon after the launch of the iPhone 4, Apple's support website had people posting complaints that the phone showed fewer bars of cell signal strength when gripped a certain way.

The company responded with a dismissive post attributed to CEO Steve Jobs. In the note, the Apple executive told an iPhone owner to either hold the phone a different way or buy an Apple-made case worth $30.

Apple eventually issued a formal letter, attributing the problem to an illusion caused by faulty software and saying that it plans to fix the issue with a software update. Apple adds that all phones experience weaker reception when the antenna is covered by a user's hand.

Nonetheless, Consumer Reports believes Apple is avoiding responsibility for what it calls a "design flaw." Nonetheless, the iPhone 4 was said to be outstanding with its other features. To avoid reception problems, Consumer Reports recommends using a simple a strip of duct tape.