New iPhone Dazzles, But Battery Fizzles

Mostly because the current one does

(NEWSER) - When the iPhone first debuted, it was in a class by itself. But these days it's “a triumph of marketing over functionality,” writes Mark Warman of the Telegraph . Unless the following issues are fixed, there's no point getting a 4G.

• It's anti-technology: Apple keeps rejecting new features other manufacturers are implementing—like using a phone as a wi-fi hot spot—because they're too expensive. Know what else is expensive? An iPhone.

Finnish cell phone maker alleges copyright infringement

(NEWSER) - Nokia, the world's biggest cell phone maker, is suing Apple in US federal court for alleged copyright infringement, saying it has 10 claims on the technology used in the iPhone. The Finnish company said Apple used "fundamental" patented technologies concerning wireless data, speech recognition, security, and encryption. It has reasons to be concerned: This week Apple posted a blazing 47% jump in quarterly profits, while Nokia swung to a loss. More»

Customers complain of phone problems and rotten Apple response

(NEWSER) - Owners of 3G iPhones complain that their new phones are suffering from glitches, especially dropped calls—and that Apple seems keen to drop their calls when they report issues, ABC News reports. A company spokeswoman refused to comment when contacted about the iPhone problems, which also include slow web access and a lack of access to AT&T's network. More»

Apple-store shortages prompt a frenzy of speculation that a refresh is coming early

(NEWSER) - Yes, there’s an iPhone shortage at Apple stores. No, that doesn’t mean a new iPhone is on the way, reports the New York Times. Apple product shortfalls usually presage new-model introductions, but experts say there’s no certainty that the 3G iPhone will arrive before its scheduled mid-year release, and point out that AT&T stores have plenty of iPhones available. More»

4s to be launched in China, 21 other countries

(NEWSER) - Apple is about to get more than a billion new potential customers for the iPhone 4s—but many of them may find it tricky communicating with Siri just yet. The smartphone will be launched in China and 21 other countries next week, and while its voice-activated virtual assistant currently only speaks English, French, and German, Apple says it plans to add Mandarin later this year, the Los Angeles Times reports. More»