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Apple admits there is a problem with iPhone 4S’s battery life – but says it will take weeks to fix

3 November 2011 4:14 PM

Apple has finally admitted that there are problems with the new iPhone 4S’s battery life, after weeks of reports of devices overheating and batteries draining in less than 12 hours.

The good news is that the problem appears to be due to a bug in the iOS 5 software that the phones use – rather than a problem with the battery itself. The bad news is that the problem will take ‘a few weeks’ to fix.

Speaking to website AllThingsD, Apple said, “A small number of customers have reported lower than expected battery life on iOS 5 devices.”

“We have found a few bugs that are affecting battery life and we will release a software update to address those in a few weeks.”

Mac websites also report that a new ‘test’ version of the software has already gone out to app developers, and one of the changes is that the new software, “Fixes bugs affecting battery life.” Australian users will also be reassured to find that the new software reportedly makes it easier for iPhone’s Siri voice control system to understand their accents No fix is in the pipeline for Scots who find that the voice-command system can’t understand them, however some temporary fixes are available for the battery problem, however. Apple’s official ‘help’ forums have been deluged by complaints about the problem – with some users reporting that the battery lasts less than a day. Sites such as Macworld have offered guides to how to ‘fix’ the handset while users wait for help from Apple.

So far, though, no one solution appears to fit all the problems. The Apple fan site iDownloadblog suggests that the problem might be in the section of the Settings menu dealing with the phone resetting its time zone when you travel.

iOS 5′s GM release introduced a bug that causes the Setting Time Zone function to keep the location tracking circuitry running constantly, draining battery power considerably,’ said the site.

Switching it off may mean that your iPhone will no longer set its own time zone when you travel. “But that’s a small price to pay for having your iPhone last more than 12 hours on a full charge.”

So far, though, the fix is not confirmed to work on all affected iPhone units. Other users have reported different bugs where using the browser causes battery life to drop alarmingly. Others have found that the phone gets worryingly hot in their pockets Apple has reportedly been in touch with individual iPhone users over the past days to try and pin down the root of the problem.

‘Deal Or No Deal’ crowns third quarter-millionaire

15 May 2011 11:42 AM

Deal Or No Deal makes Suzanne Mulholland it’s third quarter-millionaire

gameshow crowned its third quarter-millionaire on the show. Suzanne Mulholland, originally from Ireland, took home the show’s top prize of £250,000.

It had been more than two years since Alice Mundy took home the same amount in March 2009. Friday 13th was lucky for one contestant, as after more than two years since the last winner, Suzanne Mulholland won the top prize. Today on Channel 4, in arguably the best game ever seen on Deal or No Deal, Suzanne became only the third contestant to walk away with a quarter of a million pounds.

Originally from Sligo, Ireland, now living in Bristol, Suzanne played an extremely brave game which left the Banker with his head in his hands as he set the printers to press with another wanted poster.

The incredible game saw The Banker offer Suzanne’s fiancé Simon the chance to put his skill to the test and by succeeding, he not only won Suzanne a holiday, but he prevented the banker from looking inside her box and won her the chance to play one box at a time with her remaining five boxes. And with four reds still in play – including £100,000 and £250,000 – Suzanne was in a great position to go all the way.

In an extraordinary game, Suzanne immediately eliminated the final blue in her game which guaranteed that she would leave with at least £35,000 and then managed the unthinkable feat of being left with the two highest boxes on the board.

A determined Suzanne then turned down a highest-ever-offer of £165,000 in an attempt to find the elusive quarter of a million, and she even made the risky move of swapping her final box, potentially losing thousands of pounds.

But just like the rest of her game, Suzanne’s gut instincts were spot on and when box 21 was opened, the confetti fell and a shocked Suzanne became only the third person ever to have won £250,000 on Deal or No Deal.

The Banker, who is celebrating his birthday this week with a Cowboy’s and Indian’s themed bash, undoubtedly failed to enjoy the party as he begrudgingly welcomed Suzanne to the quarter-millionaire club.

Suzanne said: “It was so surreal, I was dressed like a cowboy, Simon was a clown and Noel was an Indian Chief! The only way I can describe how I felt after I won was that it was like being in a washing machine on a 1600 spin. I just can’t describe all the feelings and emotions I was going through! I had an unbelievable time, and since being on the show I have bought a house and moved back to Ireland with Simon and am in the process of starting up a salon.”

Channel 4 approached The Banker for a comment, who said: “Do not print this story! I want a super-injunction! AAAAAAAAGGH!”

Watch DEAL OR NO DEAL — SUZANNE INTERVIEW On YouTube.