Apple tries to de-bug iPhone

USA TODAY, August, 2008 by Edward C. Baig

Apple acknowledged Tuesday that a software update for the iPhone partly fixes the connection snags that have caused a global firestorm for the new iPhone 3G.

Though mum on details, Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock said on Tuesday, "The software update improves communication with 3G networks."

In recent days, customers around the globe have complained about dropped calls and other connection issues with the latest iPhone. Such drops apparently occur when calls are handed off from the 3G network to a slower network, such as AT&T's Edge, when 3G isn't available.

News reports placed at least part of the blame on faulty 3G chipsets from German chipmaker Infineon Technologies. If it is a chip problem, it's uncertain if all the connection troubles can be...