Buzz Out Loud 1257: Don't hold it that way (that's what Steve said) (podcast)

Turns out the iPhone grip of death is simply a "fact of life" with all wireless phones. If holding your phone makes your iPhone 4 signal drop dramatically, Apple would like you to know you should either hold it a different way or buy a case. From them. That sounds logical, right? Right. No, thanks. Also, introducing Rafe's new side project, oneleggedgoat.xxx. Enjoy.

Watch this: Ep. 1257: Don't hold it that way (that's what Steve said)

36:57

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Apple responds over iPhone reception issues: you’re holding it the wrong way
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/apple-responds-over-iphone-4-reception-issues-youre-holding-th/
http://i.imgur.com/zAJ0y.jpg
http://iphonehold.tumblr.com/

Apple acknowledges antenna issue in iPhone 4
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31021_3-20008799-260.html

ICANN close to approving .xxx domain
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jkXAgQJCO8KRyhLleJNZ7fa1gKdgD9GICCK81
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/30626/20100624/internet-bosses-set-to-approve-xxx-for-porn-sites.htm

Congress approves cybersecurity bill containing “kill switch” language
http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/105377-senate-homeland-security-committee-approves-cybersecurity-bill-

Say “no” to the kill switch
http://www.infoworld.com/d/the-industry-standard/say-no-government-kill-switch-the-internet-931

Google remotely nukes two apps for the first time
http://www.itworld.com/mobile-amp-wireless/112074/google-remotely-nukes-apps-android-phones
http://blogs.forbes.com/firewall/2010/06/25/google-flips-kill-switch-deletes-and-downplays-botnet-demo-android-apps/

Amazon comes out against ending Saturday mail delivery
http://techflash.com/seattle/2010/06/amazon_opposes_plan_end_to_saturday_us_mail_delivery.html

Netflix, though, backs it
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-23/netflix-backs-u-s-postal-service-saturday-delivery-cut.html

Flash arrives in Google’s Chrome browser
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20008810-264.html

Intel porting Android to x86 for netbooks and slates
http://www.liliputing.com/2010/06/intel-porting-android-to-x86-for-netbooks-and-slates.html

SanDisk announces SD card that can store data for 100 years
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9178428/SanDisk_s_SD_card_can_store_data_for_100_years

Plastic Logic delays Que pro-reader a little longer …
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/plastic-logic-delays-que-proreader-a-bit-longer-cancels-pre-o/

1,400 megapixel telescope powered-up to spot earthbound asteroids
http://www.gizmag.com/hawaii-megapixel-telescope-asteroids/15511/

Mario Marathon: multi-day, live-streamed Internet marathon for charity
http://www.mariomarathon.com/

Today’s featured Buzz Out Loud remix at the end of the show:
Presso
https://podcast-files.cnet.com/podcast/BOLremix_PressoMusic.mp3

Voicemail (800-616-2638)
Hunter: How to Facetime if you don’t have rich friends

Email (buzz@cnet.com)
Hey BOL,

Regarding the iPhone 4′s antenna problem: I asked one of my RF engineer friends about it. First, he said that Rafe is correct- if your hand shorts the gap between two antennas it will change the length of the antenna, essentially “”de-tuning”" it. So naturally, most people might ask: “”why didn’t they coat the outside with a clear coat?”" The fact of the matter is, they probably did- but my friend said that even if Apple had coated the stainless steel ring, the coating wouldn’t be thick enough to prevent a capacitive bridge; essentially, your hand acts as a capacitor to each antenna, and since this capacitor is shorted on one side (your hand), it will still create a bridge and detune the antennas.

I am willing to bet that this ring will be altered significantly (either removed or encased in some thick coating) in iPhone 5.

Mike the surfer in FL

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Follow up Buzz Out Loud 1256:

I have been an IT manager in a number of companies, and actually advocated the use of cloud services and letting user select their own hardware. When they realized that they were on their own, when loosing files, passwords and devices, and that when it breaks, they get to keep both pieces. Guess who came running back to mommy.

Rant: Don’t kill Gadgettes! We in IT need to keep abreast of technologies. The no spill cup episode is something I keep on my N900 as a prime example of it.

Gil

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Molly, Rafe, and Jason,

Regardless of any technical specs or pricing, there is still one killer reason to buy a Nook.

In two words: gift cards

Basically all I’ve gotten as presents for the last 10 or so years for birthdays and Christmas from people besides my parents are B&N (or, less often, Borders) gift cards. I have never once in my life received an Amazon gift card. I don’t even know if they sell them! So, what would I, the owner of a Kindle, do with all those gift cards? Nothing. Which is why, when given the option, I bought a Nook. Perhaps the Kindle is slightly technically better, but I’d like to use that free money on my awesome new gadget.

Meggie
Evanston, IL

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Molly,

I just wanted to point out that you’ve used the word “”totes”" on every BOL episode this week- three times on Thursday. Drink.

Totes love the show,
Cass

(BT dubs, if you read this on the show, I’m a dude.)