The Weekly Moan: iOS 4.2 WiFi problems

Unfortunately I can’t claim to have owned one of Apple’s first iPhone handsets. In fact, I didn’t get one until the 3GS was released. iOS 3 was my first experience of iPhone software. This however did not make me unaware of the iPhone’s shortcomings. I was well used to slating its lack of features compared to pretty much every other phone on the market. (I worked for T-mobile UK, and at the time O2 had the exclusivity on it.) I’m glad to say, pretty much all those missing features are now there to use, finally. MMS being the key one. However, one thing the iPhone has always had is WiFi. When it came to setting up a wireless connection, the iPhone was number one. So many devices at the time didn’t WiFi, and many still don’t. The iPhone is king of WiFi.

So, why oh why is iOS 4.2 showing some pretty major kinks when it comes to connecting to a wireless network? Either it won’t connect, or discover the router, or when it does it won’t actually get on to the internet. How is that even possible? How could the developers get something so important, and intrinsic to iOS, so utterly wrong? Having WiFi but no connection is like having a plateful of syrup, but no pancakes. After the year Apple has had, everyone should be making every effort to make sure nothing so vital goes wrong again. Need I bring up Antennagate again?

What was going on in the iOS 4.2 development team’s meetings? Did no one get assigned the task of making sure the device could effectively use its WiFi capabilities? Think of the features that will not work without a connection to wireless. FaceTime, Internet, Mail, AirPlay and AirPrint, Skype and any other VOIP apps, pretty much everything needs some sort of internet connection. Even games with Game Center or Open Feint enabled need access to the world wide web. Seriously, why didn’t this get tested before they let it loose on app developers. With this feature not working you may as well be holding a ten inch book in your hand. Without wireless, the iPad is as useful as a bobsled in Jamaica. (Get the film reference there?)

That’s enough from me though. Let me know your thoughts on the matter below.

If you have something else that really grinds your gear about the iOS or iPhone world don’t hesitate to ping me: cam@todaysiphone.com. You can even follow me on the Twitterverse: @TiP_Cam

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