Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hot topics in the tech blogs for the week ending June 25 include iPhone 4 reviews and comparisons, iPhone 4 reception issues, iOS 4 release and your privacy, Google Voice gets a US-wide rollout, and Microsoft's Bing embraces entertainment.
iPhone 4 reviews
Technology journalists posted their iPhone 4 reviews en masse this week the minute the embargo was lifted. Walter S. Mossberg from The Wall Street Journal called it "the best device in its class" and CNET reminded people that "Apple has a unique talent for making us want something we never knew we wanted."
iPhone 4 reception issues
Despite glowing reviews, early iPhone 4 adopters started reporting that they were experiencing drops in signal when holding the phone by the metal frame (the metal frame forms part of the iPhone 4's antenna system). "[I]t's a design compromise that is forced by the requirements of the FCC, AT&T, Apple's marketing department and Apple's industrial designers, to name a few," explained Spencer Webb, a consultant on antenna design and integration. Engadget was forwarded an email reply one reader received from Steve Jobs about the issue. Jobs suggested users "Just avoid holding it in that way."
iOS 4 reviews and your privacy
Reviews of Apple's i-device operating system hit the blogs this week. Journalists keenly reported on "what's new, notable, and what needs work" within the OS. The iOS 4 update also brought with it concerns over "Apple collecting, sharing iPhone users' precise locations."
Google Voice
Mobile users in the US were treated to a nation-wide rollout of Google's communications manager, Google Voice. The service, which was previously in beta and required an invitation to sign up, lets consumers use "one number to ring all your phones, voicemail that works like email, free calls and text messages to the U.S. and Canada, low-priced international calls and more."
Bing entertainment experience
Microsoft beefed up its search engine this week with its offering of "more entertainment choices plus free music streaming." Users can now stream over 5 million songs, find detailed information on more than 35,000 games and find lyrics to their favorite songs in the one place.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments